The Hollywood Reporter [paid subscription required] reports that Jim Rygiel, winner of three visual effects Oscars for his work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, will make his directorial debut on the upcoming independent feature Bunyan and Babe, written by Michael A. Nickles (This is Not a Film) and Julia A. Wall. The Exodus Film Group family adventure follows Bunyan’s attempts, with the help of a couple of kids, to rescue his ox from the evil clutches of a demented circus owner. Though the film will be live-action, it will feature a CGI-animated Babe the Blue Ox, voiced by Eddie Griffin. Exodus’ animation team, ElectroAge, will provide the CGI animation for Bunyan and Babe.