The infamous Superman and the newly famous Sisqo have both been rendered 3D by Brilliant Digital. © Brilliant Digital Entertainment.

Plus, Brilliant Digital is maximizing its potential for growth by gearing its toolset for global practical use. The software has the capability to take animation from Maya and 3D STUDIO Max and "library" identical geometry, thus reducing file sizes and shortening downloads. In addition, the system can also plug new characters into already completed animation. For example, in a Webisode of The Multipath Adventures of Superman, Superman could be replaced by an animated version of oneself. Moreover, the b3d technology has multi-language support enabling it to adjust the lip-synch to a selected language. With over 4,000 studios using the software, the possibilities could be endless. For example, MindGel in Florida created a 3D banner ad advertising its services in banner creation, which garnered a huge response, generating a large amount of added impressions. So in turn, companies could use 3D banners as a way to make their message stick out from all the rest. Another advantage Brilliant sees for itself in the market is its relationship with its customers. For instance, Brilliant was contracted by Rock the Vote! to create 3D talking heads for its Website. Due to the amount of work involved, they outsourced some of the project to one of their customers "as a way to give business to people who bought our tools," explains Rose.

A newer addition to Mondo's line-up is Elmo Aardvark: Outer Space Detective, seen here in the affectionate grasp of VaVa LaVoom. © 2001 Will Ryan & Co, Ltd.

Sticking to a Plan
Where Brilliant has moved from creating its own content to helping others create theirs, Mondo Media remains the top producer/syndicator of original animation for the Web. Out of all the major players in the space, Mondo is the one that has really stayed with its original business plan and made it work. They create and acquire 2D animation for syndication on high-traffic Websites. So how was Mondo able to stay vital as the market started to dry up? Simply put, president Douglas Kay said, 'Prove it then move on.'

Kay does not remove Mondo from the list of companies that overextended themselves a little in 2000, but is proud of Mondo's ability to focus on the goal at hand, prove it can work and then move on to the next stage. In the beginning, Mondo Media wanted to prove it could create compelling content for airing on the Internet. Once that was proven, they moved onto distribution and then rich media advertising.