PDI/DreamWorks has named Michael Garner and Laura Lockwood producers at the company's commercials division. Both have just finished their duties as production supervisors on PDI's 3D animated feature SHREK. Previously, Garner worked as production coordinator on PDI's first feature ANTZ. Prior to PDI, he worked at Digital Domain, where his credits include TITANIC, DANTE'S PEAK and THE FIFTH ELEMENT. "I've always gravitated towards the more technical, multi-tasking types of production," Garner said. "This position is a great natural progression for me, since it puts together my knowledge of all aspects of computer graphics, especially character TD and production engineering and on-set visual effects production." Lockwood began in PDI's commercials division. She said, "My two years experience as production supervisor of the layout department on SHREK gave me a broad understanding of the production pipeline for a CG feature film. Layout works directly with all the departments; from story to lighting to FX. Supervising this process laid an incredible foundation for producing the technically sophisticated projects we have in our commercials division." Mary Maffei, executive producer, PDI/DreamWorks commercials division, said, "We are thrilled to have both Michael and Laura join us on the commercials side. They each bring with them a remarkable skill set, enormous producing talent and natural ability to interface with both clients and production teams. They both are excited to return to the challenge and diversity inherent in the fast pace of the advertising world."
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
