Another possible appeal is Imax has developed new tools to make computer animation easier. SANDDE (stereoscopic animation drawing device) is a system that lets the animator draw by waving an electronic wand in space. The artist draws the key frames with SANDEE and then uses Imax’s GEPPETTO system to do inbetween movements (the drawing between the key frames) automatically. Although the systems are still in development, they worked well enough to create some of the CGI footage in Cyberworld and Paint Misbehavin’, an entertaining 2-minute short made in 1997. I was told that Imax is a research and development company and SANDDE and GEPPETTO will probably remain "in the active development stage" in the future. Unfortunately, there are no plans at this time to release either system to outside production companies.

When asked how efficient the new animation tools are, the press person did not know. Drawing in space sounds like it would be an easy way to go off model. If that is the case a lot of touching-up of drawings would be required.

Since animation is a popular form of entertainment and it has proven to be a money maker for Imax theaters, we should see a lot more animated productions in the future, but only if the other business factors stay healthy enough to support the company as a whole.

Directing Imax Animation Is Different
For the animation director the 70mm format has to be approached slightly differently than working in 35mm. Working with an enormous picture, especially one that will be seen in 3D, means no fast cuts, quick pans or sudden zooms. Extreme close-ups can be upsetting to some people. Sudden changes of camera angle or lens focal length between shots (like cutting from a wide angel shot to a telephoto shot of the subject) can also be disorienting.

Nick Walker, an animator at PDI/DreamWorks who was working on the conversion of Shrek from 35mm to 70mm, says one problem they faced was having to add more information to shots. For example when they turn a close-up into a medium shot, they may need to add legs if a person is shown in 35mm from the waist up. If the person moves, the legs have to be animated to show the person walking.

Andrei Hedstrom, director of marketing at Xaos says, "We love working on 70mm projects for many reasons. Beyond the hardware and software challenges of storage and bandwidth, our animators are always faced with opportunities to perfect their art. When your work is going to be displayed on a six story screen, suddenly details that might take the minimal amount of consideration for 35mm or TV, are scrutinized to the point of obsession. To perform at this level for the length of time large format projects demand, is proof positive that we can take on anything."

Pandorama, distributed by Xlargo in Paris, has won several festival prizes. © Nina Paley.