SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In the new Broadway
hit Shrek The Musical, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NYSE: DWA) is relying
on Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) 3D character animation technology. A
customized system based on Autodesk MotionBuilder software is being used to
generate a digital face in the Magic Mirror, which speaks to Lord Farquaad in
real-time for every show.
"We've had a great, longstanding engagement with Autodesk; we rely heavily
on Autodesk software and custom development for many of our projects," said
Jim Mainard, head of Research and Development, DreamWorks Animation
Technology. "For Shrek The Musical, the sophistication, interactivity and
believability of the Magic Mirror wouldn't have been possible without Autodesk
technology."
Autodesk is a world leader in design innovation technology. Autodesk 3D
software and services enable customers to visualize, simulate and analyze
entertainment and design projects. For Shrek The Musical, Autodesk designed a
system that captures the facial motion of actor John Tartaglia in real-time
and uses it to animate the face in the Magic Mirror. This live-to-stage
performance is the first of its kind in a Broadway musical. The Magic Mirror
was featured on NBC's The Today Show on December 8, 2008 and tested by co-host
Meredith Vieira.
Shrek The Musical is an entirely new musical based on the story and
characters from the book by famed New Yorker cartoonist William Steig, as well
the Academy Award-winning DreamWorks film. The show celebrated Opening Night
at The Broadway Theatre in New York City on December 14, 2008.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the
manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets.
Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the
broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help
customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies
rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world
performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance
quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk,
visit www.autodesk.com.
About DreamWorks Animation SKG
DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing
computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative
talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking
technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated
films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company anticipates
releasing its feature films into both conventional and IMAX(R) theatres
worldwide. The Company has theatrically released a total of seventeen animated
feature films, including Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Madagascar, Over the
Hedge, Shrek the Third, Bee Movie, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar: Escape 2
Africa. Monsters vs. Aliens opens in theaters on March 27, 2009. Beginning in
2009, all of the Company's feature films will be produced in stereoscopic 3D
technology.
Autodesk, AutoCAD and MotionBuilder are registered trademarks or
trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the
USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks
belong to their respective holders.
(C) 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
CONTACTS
Autodesk Corporate:
Colleen Rubart
415-547-2368
colleen.rubart@autodesk.com
Autodesk Media & Entertainment:
Roohi Saeed
514-954-7296
roohi.saeed@autodesk.com
Brittany Bonhomme
514-954-7419
brittany.bonhomme@autodesk.com
SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.