2012 is officially here and its already kicking butt like Chuck Norris.

The big news is The Penguin Empire’s feature project “The Rot” recently received a new round of development money from Screenwest.   The money goes toward the creation of the project’s third draft and other development materials – like the concept art you see above.

This image was created by the insanely talented Perth lad Simon Boxer.  You can check out more of his insanely awesome stuff on his insanely awesome site.

Speaking of the insanely awesome, The Rot is blessed with an insanely awesome creative team.  The Rot is written by Michael Lloyd Green, based on a story by Green and Penguin Empire director Grant Sputore.  The project’s Executive Producers are Australian-film-industry legend Sue Taylor (The Tree, The Shark Net, Last Train to Freo) and Academy Award winner and all-round nice-guy Ed Saxon (Silence Of The Lambs, Adaptation, Philadelphia).

Sue and Grant are scheduled to travel to America in late February to meet up with Ed and Mike who are based in LA.  If you want them to bring you back any American candy, send an email.

Here’s hoping 2012 is every bit as exciting as 2011!