Videogame to film adaptations have long been the butt of many jokes in both industries. But all that might change come summer of 2008. Microsoft has announced a director to the Halo film project, South African filmmaker Neill Blomkamp. Mr. Blomkamp is best known for his 2005 short Alive in Joburg, a surreal vision of futuristic Apartheid. The film (available on Google Video) blends impressive homebrew CGI with handheld, documentary style film.

Despite a lack of experience with big budget, Hollywood action flicks, Blomkamp's unique vision and style make him well suited for a project as signifcant as this one. Indeed, Microsoft itself described the young filmmaker as "one of the most innovative and original artists currently working in short films and commercial advertising."

It was announced back in October of last year that Peter Jackson will serve as the film's executive producer. The Halo movie is scheduled for a 2008 wide release.