What can DreamWorks share with Chinese animation?

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Story is the most important part

Quick and occasionally sarcastic US animations are usually box office hits for both the young and the old. They can be funny or entertaining, but most importantly, they are always inspiring and convey a message the animator thinks is important. David intimated that focusing on humanity doesn't necessarily mean a serious film, it could be serious, scary, or funny, it just has to be relatable and people should be able to relate.

American animation blockbusters are also well known for their dazzling special effects. David says special effects in animation features are especially necessary. However, the most important thing is the story. It is the center and everything evolves from this point in circles; the special effects are at the outer reaches, as they have to be done at the end. They provide the final touches, without those the movie will look dull and lacking in color, fire, light and rain; all the things that emotionally involve the viewer in the story.

David shared his experience with young Chinese animators planning a career in animation. He told them that one should always research stories and enjoy experiences as people get stories from everyday life. He told the budding animators that they should always tell stories that come from inside their hearts.

The training program at DreamWorks: swim or sink?

Working at DreamWorks, the pinnacle of world animation, has become the dream of many animation students. The rigid selection regime and completive training strategy well demonstrate why the studio has been so outstanding and how it keeps the bar so high.

David discussed the recruiting process for his film team. The recruiters visit schools around the country and give the students a chance to show their proposals. They select the very good ones of the thousands before they are given the hard test. Only five trainees will be accepted and each trainee will start under the one-to-one mentoring program.

Usually after six months of probation, the trainee, if good enough, will be put into production on specific films. The trainee moves from one project to another with the same mentor.

"The same kind of work I am going to do is the same kind of work I want her to do. It is the best way to learn. It's like swimming. Throw them in the water, sink or swim?" David praised his current trainee, saying she is doing a fantastic job and suggested the training program may be similar to one used in future for Chinese studios.

He predicted there may be possibilities for Chinese students to apply for the training program at DreamWorks.

Ben Balistreri, a DreamWorks character designer receives an interview with a reporter during the opening ceremony of Aniwow! 2009 at the Communication University of China (CUC) on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. [CRI]

What appeals to the World Are also similar

Ben Balistreri, a DreamWorks character designer and Emmy award winning designer for his work on Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends in 2004 shared his opinions on character design.

"What appeals to the world are also similar that good characters, people that we can all relate to, the struggle of good vs evil, the struggle of all of us that want to succeed something or triumph over big obstacles, universal themes like that but it doesn't mater whether you are from the United States, China or elsewhere. I think that will appeal to people."

While Chinese people look outward for inspiration, the DreamWorks specialist reminds people to look inward for that one brilliant idea.

"Chinese culture is so rich". He said the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games was the one of the most beautiful things that he had ever seen, and the greatest opening ceremony he has ever seen. Ben said if Chinese animators were capable of creating animation similar to that, the world would surely be blown away.