DreamWorks Animation selects Houdini as Platform of Choice for Visual and Character Effects

TORONTO – August 9, 2011- Side Effects Software Inc. today announced that DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) has procured a global site license of Houdini software. This announcement is an expansion of DreamWorks Animation’s use of Houdini to create visual and character effects in its animated feature films.

As part of the agreement, Side Effects Software and DreamWorks Animation have entered into a development arrangement that makes it easier for both companies to share intellectual property and synchronize their research and development efforts. This collaboration will explore bringing cutting edge, production-proven technology from DreamWorks Animation to the Houdini product in upcoming releases.

“We are honored to have been selected as DreamWorks Animation’s tool of choice for visual and character effects,” said Kim Davidson, President and Chief Executive Officer at Side Effects Software. “This is an exciting time to be growing our relationship and we look forward to working closely with them in the years to come.”

“High quality visual effects have always played a key role in bringing our animated stories and characters to life,” said Ed Leonard, Chief Technology Officer at DreamWorks Animation. “This agreement significantly expands the use of Houdini across our studios, giving our artists broad access to the collection of powerful tools in the Houdini product suite.”

By working collaboratively, both companies expect to find exciting new ways to advance the art and science of film production. With VFX in feature animation projects growing in scope every year, Houdini’s procedural node-based architecture will make it possible for DreamWorks Animation to access and integrate Houdini based technologies into their pipeline.

“We are excited to integrate Houdini as our core platform for effects and character effects development throughout our studios,” commented Darin Grant, Head of Production Technology at DreamWorks Animation. “Having a single platform for development allows us to focus on developing well integrated and leading edge techniques for our artists.”

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with DreamWorks Animation to enhance Houdini’s production proven capabilities,” said Cristin Barghiel, Director of Product Development at Side Effects Software. “Their artists and developers are among the best in the world and together we share a passion for excellence.”

Over the last two decades, top studios have used Academy award-winning Houdini software to complete thousands of visual effects shots in both live action and animated feature films. Houdini is best known for its node-based procedural workflow, which supports both the creative and technical aspects of computer graphics.