Dig This!

IMAX invents a new technology that allows animators to animate in thin air!

By Amid Amidi | Tuesday, December 1, 1998 at 12:00 am

Posted In | Magazines: AnimationWorld

A still from
Paint Misbehavin'. © 1997 Imax Corporation SANDDE Animation.

The SANDDE system is complemented by GEPPETTO, a supporting technology that is similar to the inbetweening process in traditional animation. GEPPETTO permits the user to create long and complex animated sequences using only a few key drawings. Not only does this enable a single animator complete control over the entire creative process, but it also allows the artist a chance to animate actions in real-time allowing instant re-takes.

The first film to hatch using the SANDDE system was the IMAX 3D animated film Paint Misbehavin'. The 2-minute 7-second film was initially shown in 1997 with IMAX's The Nutcracker, but is now being added to every new IMAX 3D print. Other films are currently in the works as well, although SANDDE is still in an active development stage.

The possibilities are certainly very intriguing with SANDDE, but with only one film under their belt, it's a little too early to predict the impact this new device will have in the filmmaking world. However, the potential is certainly there. After using SANDDE, Academy Award-nominated animator Sylvain Chomet (director of The Old Lady and the Pigeons) sees the system "as being absolutely revolutionary in the way of thinking about the art of animation," and describes it as if, "walking around in your dreams." And who wouldn't like to do that?

Amid Amidi is associate editor of Animation World Magazine.