First real-time performance animation & motion capture studio for film & TV launches in Los Angeles.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 1997--

Canal+ (U.S.'s) MEDIALAB (U.S.) and Four Media Company form

joint venture -- MEDIALAB Studio L.A.; Silicon Graphics to

collaborate with MEDIALAB Studio L.A. to develop motion capture

and performance animation training courses

Four Media Company, Burbank, a leading provider of post production and broadcast services to the entertainment industry, and MEDIALAB (U.S.), a Canal+ (U.S.) division whose Paris-based MEDIALAB studio is a pioneer in the development and application of real-time performance animation technology for the entertainment industry, have formed a joint venture.

Dubbed MEDIALAB Studio L.A., this is the first studio and service bureau of its kind in the United States to allow producers spanning the spectrum of audio/visual production access to a unique, state-of-the-art real-time animation capability, and production process, for creating virtual characters, backgrounds and effects.

MEDIALAB's revolutionary technology is housed in a newly built facility within 4MC's Hollywood Way facility in Burbank.

MEDIALAB Studio L.A. is the exclusive U.S. home to CLOVIS PA (real-time software), first developed in 1989 by MEDIALAB in Paris to animate Ridley Scott's ground breaking computer-generated feature film, "Starwatcher" - animated by artist, Moebus. The studio also offers proprietary devices for facial animation and other motion, puppeteering and PA production expertise, motion capture and virtual studio technology, and key frame and rendering services for film and television productions, based on- and off-site.

Additionally, producers benefit from Silicon Graphics Inc. and Ascension Technology Corp.'s newest technology, as well as a complete video-audio recording and compositing studio.

The significance of CLOVIS PA and MEDIALAB's real-time performance animation system lies in its flexibility and cost- and time-savings. Computer-generated characters are animated and composited in real-time; performances are immediate, responsive and receptive to direction. Directors get immediate feedback and can direct and re-take the virtual character's pacing and performance as he or she would an actor. This immediacy and flexibility yields huge cost and time savings over conventional key frame animation.

Typically, up to 15 minutes of animation ($500 per minute vs $10,000 per minute for traditional) can be achieved in a single day, and production schedules are reduced from months to weeks.

MEDIALAB Studio L.A. is home to a new brand of virtual actor - be it drama or comedy - and one that fits neatly into cartoon or live-action productions. Virtual characters are cartoon-like or human; articulate and dynamic. They communicate via body language and behave instinctively. This is achieved through the use of actors and puppeteers wearing sensor equipped body suits and data gloves which use human motion to animate the computer-generated character in real time. Virtual characters are composited with key frame or virtual backgrounds, live or in post. Live-action and CG characters interact on live broadcasts.

A multi-million dollar venture, MEDIALAB Studio L.A. combines MEDIALAB's technology and production know-how with Four Media Company's expertise in post production, effects and knowledge of the U.S. entertainment market. "It is an ideal partnership," said Four Media Company President, Rob Walston. "MEDIALAB offers a technology whose potential is virtually limitless and one that is currently missing from the Los Angeles market. 4MC brings a proven track record of servicing the Los Angeles production community and of introducing breakthrough technologies."

MEDIALAB's technology has the potential to make motion capture a standard tool of film and video production. "One of the exciting aspects of MEDIALAB's PA production tool is its sheer superiority in terms of power, productivity and flexibility," commented Four Media Co. Senior Vice President, Jim Conlon. "The lack of complexity in setting the system up and the ease with which a virtual character can fit into a group of production talent make this tool unique."

A key part of the new venture is Silicon Studio/LA, Silicon Graphic's Los Angeles Training Center. The course development collaboration, which combines MEDIALAB's CLOVIS software and Silicon Graphics hardware and system technology, leverages the respective areas of expertise to create course offerings that benefit both facilities. Motion capture content that is created through the newly offered courses at MEDIALAB Studio L.A. will also be incorporated into current courses at Silicon Studio/L.A., providing added benefits to students of both facilities.

"Silicon Studio/LA continually strives to set the standard for training in digital media authoring," said Isaac Babbs, vice president entertainment marketing, Silicon Graphics. "We're very pleased to be a part of this new venture with Four Media Company and MEDIALAB (U.S.) These two companies share our commitment to providing courses that ensure that our customers get the most out of their technology investments."

MEDIALAB's real-time performance animation system: CLOVIS PA and devices have a history of reliability and creative flexibility in Europe, where the technology is currently in use daily at networks in the U.K., France, Spain as well as other countries.

Since 1989, MEDIALAB (France), a wholly owned subsidiary of Canal+, the French pay TV giant, has created more than 20 real-time characters in hundreds of hours of real-time animation for films, television and live broadcasts. Credits include a virtual Bugs Bunny as well as Donkey Kong Country characters for a TV series adapted from the Nintendo videogame. Nickelodeon (UK) and Canal+, France, have MEDIALAB systems installed.

"MEDIALAB is now part of the digital village," said MEDIALAB president & CEO Gerard Mital. "A village that is constantly on the look-out for new and better ways to capture audience attention and push the creative envelope. MEDIALAB's technology is continually reaching new standards of creative potential through a concentrated R&D effort. It sets producers free from production constraints and makes way for new innovations and creative ideas."

Spearheading the studio's integration into the creative community is Mackenzie Waggaman, Emmy Award-winning producer for nearly 20 years and a virtual technology specialist. "Four Media Company has the business resources, the client base and the commitment to new technology," said Waggaman. "The company's philosophy directly complements MEDIALAB's vision." Waggaman also oversees all day-to-day operations of MEDIALAB Studio L.A.

The launch of MEDIALAB Studio L.A. follows Four Media Co.'s recent campaign to enhance and broaden its role as the largest, most diversified visual entertainment services company in the United States. In Burbank, the company operates a state-of-the-art film laboratory, a full service digital video post production facility, a sound services company, and satellite services. It also operates Digital Magic Co., a Santa Monica digital post production studio, and Four Media Company Asia, a full service facility in Singapore.

MEDIALAB Studio L.A. is located at 2130 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505; telephone: [phone], E-mail: [e-mail] .

NOTE TO EDITORS: Silicon Graphics and the Silicon Graphics logo are registered trademarks and Silicon Studio/LA is a service mark of Silicon Graphics Inc.

CONTACT: K Media Relations (for MEDIALAB Studio L.A.)

Tara Kolla, 310/315-0427

fax, 310/453-8809

or

Artisans Public Relations (for Four Media Company)

Linda Rosner, 310/837-6008

fax, 310/837-2286