<P> Development for the film began in 1994 where it was conceived as a musical epic titled Kingdom of the Sun . Following his directorial debut with The Lion King, Roger Allers recruited English musician Sting to compose songs for the film . Because of the underwhelming box office performances of Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mark Dindal was brought in as co-director in order to add a comedic mood . Due to poor test screenings, creative differences with Dindal, and production falling behind schedule, Allers departed the project in which the film shifted from its dramatic musical approach into a more light - hearted comedy film . A documentary about the making of the film, titled The Sweatbox, details the production troubles that the film endured during its six years of development . </P> <P> The Emperor's New Groove was released in December 2000 to positive critical reception and grossed $169 million . It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "My Funny Friend and Me" performed by Sting, but lost to "Things Have Changed" by Bob Dylan from Wonder Boys . A direct - to - video sequel to the film, titled Kronk's New Groove, was released in 2005, and an animated television series titled The Emperor's New School aired on Disney Channel from 2006 to 2008 . </P> <P> Kuzco is the selfish, egotistical emperor of the Inca kingdom, who routinely punishes those that throw off "his groove". When he lets go of his conniving adviser Yzma, she plots revenge to poison and kill him and take the throne herself . Her dim - witted henchman Kronk mistakes a transformation potion for the vial of poison, and Kuzco instead turns into a llama . Yzma improvises, knocks Kuzco out, and orders Kronk to bag him and take him out of the capital to kill him . While doing so, Kronk has a stroke of consciousness and decides not to go through with it, but unfortunately misplaces the bag on a cart belonging to Pacha, a man from a distant village . Pacha had come to see Kuzco earlier in the day to ask him to reconsider the plans to raze his village to build his resort "Kuzcotopia", but Kuzco waved off his concerns . </P> <P> Pacha does not discover Kuzco until he arrives back at the village . After the shock and surprise at being a talking llama, Kuzco orders Pacha to return him to the capital . Pacha offers, but only if Kuzco would change his mind about Kuzcotopia . Kuzco refuses the offer and sets off on his own, but quickly ends up in trouble with the local wildlife . Pacha arrives to rescue him, and extends his offer . Kuzco accepts Pacha's help, though secretly plans to go back on his word once he is safe . The two survive many ordeals in the jungle, and Pacha finds Kuzco has a good side to him underneath his ego . </P>

Where did the emperors new groove take place