When Rise of the Guardians hits theaters near you November 21st, it will take Shreveport dreams to the silver screen.

That's because this likely blockbuster is the latest artistic venture from Shreveport native and Academy Award winner Bill Joyce.

The Moonbot Studios co-founder started work on his Guardians of Childhood picture books and novels about 18 years ago. His illustrations were enough to draw the attention of his future professional partner Brandon Oldenburg and a major studio: DreamWorks Animation. Joyce says the stories cross generations and international borders.

"As a people, as a species, we evidently need these stories," Joyce says of story time staples like Santa Claus, Jack Frost, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and the Easter Bunny.

To make the transition from print to silver screen, Joyce signed on with California-based DreamWorks Animation and a crew of about 300. Joyce says there are advantages to the big-studio system, but he does not plan on  growing Moonbot to compete with DreamWorks' size or output.

DreamWorks is responsible for blockbuster animated franchises like Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, and Shrek.

The production phase took roughly six to seven months. Joyce says it's time well spent to make sure the characters live on for another generation of bedtime tales.

"The thing I wanted to do was make those guys big, epic, heroic magnificent beings because in my imagination- as a kid- that's what they were," says Joyce.

Rise of the Guardians will premiere at The Strand Theater in Shreveport, Thursday, November 15, before its wide release. A "making of" installation will open immediately following the screening at artspace. For tickets and information visit the website thestrandtheatre.com