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Shrek uses Autodesk 3D software

Indiantelevision.com Team

(22 January 2009 10:00 pm)

NEW DELHI: A customized three-dimensional system based on the 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 in the new Broadway hit Shrek The Musical.

"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."

According to Autodesk, its 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 8 December, 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 as the Academy Award-winning DreamWorks film. The show celebrated Opening Night at The Broadway Theatre in New York City on 14 December, 2008.