The Dreamworks Animation Exhibition is starting in a few weeks, with a huge number of workshops and masterclasses for adults and children alike. We have the exhibition program right here, so get out your calender apps and start booking your children in and your own masterclasses as well.
Talks
In Conversation with Bill Damaschke
Tue 8 Apr
As Chief Creative Officer for DreamWorks Animation, Bill Damaschke is responsible for leading the creative and artistic direction of one of the world’s largest animation studios. From overseeing the creative production and development processes for the studio’s feature projects, to shaping the creative teams behind each project and growing the studio’s creative talent pool, Damaschke plays an integral role in bringing the DreamWorks worlds to the big screen.
Damaschke joined DreamWorks in 1995 and served as a producer and executive producer on a number of the studio’s feature films before being named Head of Creative Production in 1999, Head of Creative Production and Development in 2005 and Co-President of Production for Feature Animation and President of Live Theatricals in 2007.
During his tenure at DreamWorks Animation, Damaschke has overseen the release of a range of key DreamWorks titles, from the Academy Award®-winning blockbuster Shrek in 2001 through to the upcoming release of the highly anticipated How to Train Your Dragon 2.
In Australia to celebrate the opening of the DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition, Damaschke joins us in this one off event to discuss his exceptional creative career, his central role in DreamWorks Animation’s future releases, and his insights into the creative hub of one of the world’s most influential animation studios in operation.
Date Tues 8 Apr
Time 6.15pm
Location ACMI Cinemas
Admission Full $25, Concession $20, ACMI Member $19
In Conversation with Jeffrey Katzenberg
Thu 10 Apr
Join ACMI for this exclusive evening, as world-renowned entertainment executive, Jeffrey Katzenberg, shares his experiences as CEO and Co-founder of DreamWorks Animation and shares insights into the world’s largest animation studio.
Katzenberg began his career at Paramount Pictures before moving to Walt Disney Pictures where he is credited with turning the ailing animation studio around. Under his management, Disney produced some of their most critically acclaimed and highest grossing features to date, including The Little Mermaid and The Lion King. He also secured a successful partnership with Pixar Studios, and helped bring Miramax Films to Disney. Katzenberg eventually joined forces with Steven Spielberg and David Geffen to start DreamWorks SKG.
Under Katzenberg’s leadership, DreamWorks has become the largest animation studio in the world releasing 28 animated feature films, which have enjoyed both critical and commercial success, earning nine Academy Award®-nominations and twice winning Best Animated Feature.
In 2013, Katzenberg was awarded the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes.
Together with his wife Marilyn, Katzenberg provides support and leads fundraising efforts focused predominately on healthcare, education, the arts and the environment.
Proudly supported by the United States Consulate General Melbourne.
Date Thu 10 Apr
Time 5pm
Location ACMI Cinemas
Admission Full $25, Concession $20, ACMI Member $19
DreamWorks Animation: Inside the Studio
Thu 10 Apr
Venture behind the scenes and uncover the history and creative process behind some of the world’s most popular animated films with this fascinating exploration of the DreamWorks Animation creative studio.
Join special international DreamWorks guests Bill Damaschke (Chief Creative Officer), Kendal Cronkhite (Production Designer), Christophe Lautrette (Production Designer) and Doug Cooper (Visual Effects Supervisor) as they take us inside the DreamWorks phenomenon and explore how the animation and artwork has evolved over the history of the studio’s many hit titles.
Offering key insights into the creative direction of the studio and exploring the artwork that has inspired artists and animators all over the world, these talented DreamWorks creative’s will also examine the joint curatorial process behind showcasing the art form in the groundbreaking DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition.
Date Thu 10 Apr
Time 7pm
Location ACMI Cinemas
Admission Full $25, Concession $20, ACMI Member $19
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
Creative Animation Courtesy: ACMI
DreamWorks Industry Masterclass
Fri 11 Apr
At the heart of DreamWorks Animation is the desire to tell great stories and inspire audiences. In this one-day masterclass, hear from the creative team behind the studio that brought the world Kung Fu Panda, Shrek and Madagascar, get an exclusive look inside the professional animation industry and have a once in a lifetime chance to hear about and discuss the DreamWorks Animation filmmaking process.
A must for anyone working in, or interested in working in the Animation Industry.
The day will feature key members of the creative team including:
Kendal Cronkhite joined PDI/DreamWorks as an art director in its pioneering days and worked on the studio’s first computer animated film, Antz. Prior to joining the company, she served as a freelance editorial illustrator in Canada and New York. Cronkhite was also the assistant art director on Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and the art director on Disney’s James and the Giant Peach.
Christophe Lautrette served the role of a Production Designer for DreamWorks Animation’s pre-historic family comedy, The Croods. During his tenure at DreamWorks Animation, Lautrette has worked as Art Director on various feature films, including Prince of Egypt, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, Kung Fu Panda and Bee Movie. He is also the main contributor to DreamWorks Animation’s first personal art publication, Moonshine. Lautrette is originally from France and he currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
Doug Cooper (VFX Supervisor) joined DreamWorks in 1998 as a CG Effects Animator and Technical Director on The Prince of Egypt, and went on to serve as the Digital Supervisor on Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. Previous credits as VFX supervisor include Bee Movie and First Flight (animated short).
Date Fri 11 Apr
Time 10am to 4:30pm
Location Studio 1
Admission Full $160, Concession $140, ACMI Member $130
Creative Animation
Sat 24 May
Inspired by DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition, this hands-on workshop will provide participants with an introduction to making an animated film using both traditional and digital techniques. Explore simple animated techniques, make a short animated movie and explore how animation can be created from drawings and cut out images.
Participants will put together backgrounds, design characters and learn how to animate them through step-by step-tutorials using desktop computers and stop motion software.
This workshop includes a USB drive for each participant to take home their animation.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. In the event of a workshop cancellation ticket holders will be notified directly and a full refund will be provided. For more information please contact screenevents@acmi.net.au
Date Sat 24 May
Time 9:30am – 4:30pm
Location Studio 2
Admission Full $160, Concession $140, ACMI Member $130
KIDS EVENTS
Animated Escapades Courtesy: ACMI
Kids in the Studio: Learn to Tame Your Dragon
Mon 7 Apr – Tue 15 Apr
Kids can be the star of their very own DreamWorks-inspired fantasy movie adventure in this green screen holiday workshop. They can step into another world where danger lurks, dragons roam the sky and they can fly by hopping on board their own dragon!
Copies of the films produced can be taken home on a USB drive for an extra $10, available to purchase on the day of the workshop. Sessions run for two hours. For kids aged 8 to 12.
Bookings are essential. Tickets must be purchased in advance – accompanying adults are not required to purchase a ticket. In the event of a workshop cancellation, ticket holders are notified directly and a full refund is provided. For more information please contact screenevents@acmi.net.au
Date Mon 7 Apr – Thu 10 Apr &
Mon 14 Apr – Tues 15 Apr
Time 10am and 1pm, daily
Location Studio 1
Admission Full $15, Concession/ACMI Member $12
Kids in the Studio: Animated Escapades
Wed 16 Apr – Thu 17 Apr
Inspired by DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition, this exciting one-day workshop invites kids to experience the creative magic that goes into bringing animated characters and stories to life. They can get their hands dirty by designing, moulding, shooting and premiering their very own claymation spectacular.
Exemplified in films like Curse of the Were Rabbit (2005) and Chicken Run (2000), claymation is a fun and popular animation technique. Using specially designed sets and studio lighting, numerous photographs of clay characters are stitched together to form a short story. The film then comes to life as the frames are sped up and edited and sound effects are added.
Learn the tricks and techniques of a professional animator before taking away your finished products. Recommended for kids aged 9 to 12 years. Max 10 participants
Tickets must be purchased in advance. In the event of a workshop cancellation, ticket holders will be notified directly and a full refund will be provided. For more information please contact screenevents@acmi.net.au.
Date Wed 16 Apr – Thu 17 Apr
Time 10am – 4pm
Location Studio 1
Admission Full $90, Concession $80, ACMI Members $75
Kids in the Studio: Trading Faces
Mon 7 Apr – Thu 17 Apr
Exploring the concept of character and design, kids can trade faces with their favourite DreamWorks character for a day by creating and decorating their own DreamWorks inspired face mask.
They can even design their very own character and create a whole new animated persona, using nothing but a mask template and a dash of imagination!
Recommended for kids aged 5 to 10 years. No bookings required, drop in any time between 11am and 2pm.
Date Mon 7 Apr – Fri 11 Apr & Mon 14 Apr – Thu 17 Apr
Time 11am – 2pm
Location Various ACMI locations
Admission Free > Drop In
DreamWorks Drop In Courtesy: ACMI
DreamWorks Drop In: Cut Out Characters
Sun 4 May
Drop in, cut out and animate with our collection of animated characters in this free family activity. Kids can cut out and design their favourite character, then animate them using stop motion techniques in a pre prepared set.
In celebration of the groundbreaking DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition, this is a simple, fun and free activity for everyone.
Date Sun 4 Apr
Time 11am – 3pm
Location ACMI Lightwell
Admission Free > Drop In
DreamWorks Drop In: Land of the Dragons
Sun 25 May
Be transported to the world of dragons and Vikings as we create a DreamWorks-inspired fantasy world. Participants can play their part in an exciting story and then sit back and watch themselves fly on the big screen, in this drop in family workshop.
Using ACMI’s professional green screen studio, participants will learn about film making and special effect techniques. They will write the film’s dialogue and act out the scenes with their friends. Don’t miss this fun family session.
For kids aged 8 to 12. Drop in ten minutes before the hour for sessions beginning at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Date Sun 25 May
Time 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm
Location Studio 1
Admission Free
INTERMIX
How to Train Your Dragon (2010), artist Pierre-Olivier Vincent Courtesy: DreamWorks Animation
Intermix Show Your Own: Animation
Sun 30 Mar
In the lead up to DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition we want to showcase the best work produced by up-and-coming animators.
All forms of animation are welcome, from 3D and stop frame to gaming and claymation.
This event is the perfect place to screen material you have created for school, uni, work, or festivals. Gain feedback from your peers and industry professionals, or receive help solving that technical problem you can’t quite master. There’s also an opportunity to find people to collaborate with on future projects.
Download your media to a hard drive and bring it in, or upload it to our Show Your Own project Dropbox. Any way you can, get the material to us and we will show it alongside everything else.
With food, refreshments and music provided, this is a great informal event to get you talking about the things you make with like minded people!
The Intermix program is for young people aged 15-20.
Proudly supported by The Ian Potter Foundation.
Dates Sun 30 Mar
Time 3pm
Location Studio 1
Admission Free > Limited capacity. Register by emailing intermix@acmi.net.au
The Animation Challenge
Sun 25 May – Sun 28 Sep
To celebrate DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition, ACMI are excited to present an extended animation workshop series. Participants will learn the skills and techniques to create beautiful animation with a strong story and believable characters in intriguing worlds.
Led by a professional animator, over five months and five workshops participants follow the Dreamworks Animation pipeline, to create a short animated film. Throughout the five workshops participants develop one story, building their technical skills and conceptual capabilities as they go. The pipeline begins with the development phase, becomes pre production, production and finally post production.
In first workshop will focus on the development phase. Participants will create their characters, their environment and their script. They will develop a storyboard, and design the look of their world. Finally they will consider casting the roles and what sort of voice talent will be needed to bring their characters to life.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn and develop the art of animation with other young people and professional animators, using cutting edge software and cameras to create a polished and impressive final product. The extended nature of this workshop series allows time to build upon the ideas and skills learned in individual sessions.
The Intermix program is for young people aged 15-20.
Proudly supported by The Ian Potter Foundation
Dates Sun 25 May
Sun 29 Jun
Sun 27 Jul
Sun 31 Aug
Sun 28 Sep
Time 10am – 5pm
Location Studio 2
Admission Free > Email to register > Limited capacity > Intermix@acmi.net.au
Tickets available online at acmi.net.au
and via phone 8663 2583.
Feature image: Kung Fu Panda (2008), artist Nicolas Marlet Courtesy: DreamWorks Animation
