Disney Forms The Secret Lab

Dream Quest Images, the visual effects division of The Walt Disney Company
since 1996, will join creative forces with Disney's in-house Feature
Animation computer graphics unit to form a new entity called The Secret Lab
(TSL). The Secret Lab, which will be based at Feature Animation's Northside
facility in Burbank, California, will provide state-of-the-art CGI
character animation and visual effects for a variety of the Studio's
live-action projects in addition to producing computer-animated features.
Thomas Schumacher, president of Walt Disney Feature Animation, will be
responsible for TSL with Andrew Millstein, vice president and general
manager of Dream Quest Images, overseeing the operation. Commenting on the
announcement, Schumacher said, ``Merging Dream Quest and Disney's computer
animation operation represents a tremendous pooling of talent and
resources. Both groups are involved in creating spectacular digital imagery
and the formation of The Secret Lab brings together a group of visual
effects experts that are tops in their field. Disney has built a
first-class digital animation studio and together with Dream Quest Images
will continue to push the boundaries of digital filmmaking.'' Disney's
Feature Animation computer graphics unit is currently in the final stages
of completing its first in-house feature, DINOSAUR, which combines computer
character animation with digitally enhanced live-action backgrounds.
DINOSAUR is due for release in May 2000. Dream Quest's artistic and
management team will move from their current Simi Valley, California
headquarters to the Burbank location. Physical production (model shops,
engineering and stages) will continue to be based at the Simi Valley
facility. Dream Quest received Academy Awards for its contributions to
TOTAL RECALL and THE ABYSS. Among the other films it has worked on are THE
SIXTH SENSE, ARMAGEDDON, MIGHTY JOE YOUNG and CON AIR. Their list of
upcoming feature film credits includes BICENTENNIAL MAN, MISSION TO MARS,
GONE IN 60 SECONDS, SHANGHAI NOON, TENNESSEE and 102 DALMATIANS.