Al,
Well, how about this news.
biz.yahoo.com
Pieces from the news report:
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Graphics Inc , the premier computer supplier to the entertainment industry, today announced that DreamWorks SKG and Pacific Data Images (PDI) have purchased Silicon Graphics(R) hardware and software to serve as the principal platform for the production of two upcoming animated feature films, "Ants" and "Shrek." This announcement enhances a previous relationship in which Silicon Graphics helped develop the DreamWorks Feature Animation digital studio, which provides visual artists with imaging tools and systems for managing and storing creative content.
Rob Hummel, head of technology for feature animation at DreamWorks SKG, is committed to using Silicon Graphics technology to help fulfill DreamWorks' vision for the future of entertainment. He states, "In order to be innovators in the entertainment industry, we look for new ways to create visually stunning animation and effects. With leading visual imaging technology from Silicon Graphics, we're making our inspirations a reality."
The state-of-the-art DreamWorks Feature Animation studio in Los Angeles houses the development and production of animated features. It uses Silicon Graphics computers and third-party software solutions for most of its animation and computer-generated effects. In the co-production of "Ants," DreamWorks and PDI will use a combination of Silicon Graphics 02(TM) desktop systems; Origin200(TM) servers with dual CPUs to be used for rendering; and Origin2000(TM) servers for media storage and file serving.
"Ants" will mark DreamWorks' first animated full-feature coproduction with PDI since the companies announced their relationship in May 1996. Scheduled for release in 1999, "Ants" is the comic tale of Z-4195 (or "Z" for short), an insect whose personal struggle with the day-to-day drudgery of a world populated by drones and dullards forces him to become the reluctant leader of a colony-wide revolt against conformity. The voice talent in the film will include Woody Allen, Danny Glover and Sylvester Stallone. The film is currently in its preproduction stages with principal animation taking place at PDI in Palo Alto, California.
"Performance, flexibility and tools that empower our artists without changing the culture of animation is key to any successful production," said Patty Bonfilio, production manager for Pacific Data Images. "Using Silicon Graphics technology has enhanced our creative process, providing us with the power and performance our artists need to create truly impressive content."
DreamWorks will also use Silicon Graphics technology in its movie production, "Shrek," a fractured fable based on the William Steig children's book. This animated film has all the makings of a traditional fairy tale, until a hulking, ugly, smelly -- yet adorable -- ogre shows up instead of Prince Charming. Having no time for any heroic nonsense, Shrek simply wants his swamp back. Written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, this animated film will feature the voice talent of Chris Farley, Janeane Garofalo and Eddie Murphy. The principal animation will take place at the DreamWorks Feature Animation studio in Los Angeles, California. SOURCE Silicon Graphics, Inc.
Score two more movies for SGI.
Mat |
