Autodesk Animation Tech for Shrek the Musical
In
the new Broadway hit Shrek the Musical, DreamWorks Animation SKG is
using Autodesk, 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."
DreamWorks
Animation is fast embracing technology to promote its
creative work. It has partnered PepsiCo's SoBe Lifewater to
rope in
Intel and NBC to create a 3D event for Super Bowl XLIII. The all 3D
Super Bowl commercial break event will mark the debut of DreamWorks
Animation's 3D movie trailer for its feature film, "Monsters vs.
Aliens," which comes to theaters in the U.S. on March 27.
Autodesk 3D software and services enable customers to visualize,
simulate, and analyze entertainment and design projects. The company has
recently been in the news when Web
major
Yahoo had hired Carol Bartz, who was executive chairman of
Autodesk, as its CEO and a member of the Board of Directors.
Later,
as part of its restructuring plan, the design software company has
decided to
reduce its workforce by 750 people –
about 10% of total. The idea is to cut operating expenses.
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 claimed to be the first of its kind in a
Broadway musical. Shrek the Musical is a 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.
