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SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Jan. 21, 2009 - 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.
© 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
All supporting images are copyright.
Images cannot be copied,
printed, or reproduced in any manner
without written permission.
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