DreamWorks Interactive Uses Softimage Technology to Develop Spielberg's
Directors' Chair

Digital Scene-Editing Tool Gives Creative Professionals Ability to Control
Computer-Generated Scenes as If They Were Live Action Scenes

REDMOND, WASH. - APRIL 15, 1996 - Softimage Inc., the world's leading
high-end 3-D animation software company and a wholly owned subsidiary of
Microsoft Corp., today announced that DreamWorks Interactive will use
technology available in the Softimage Software Development Kit (SDK) to
create Directors' Chair, a real-time digital scene-editing tool.
Directors' Chair will be used throughout the DreamWorks organization to
help produce interactive games and feature motion pictures. The project
was initiated by DreamWorks SKG co-founder Steven Spielberg.

Using joysticks, tablets and an easy-to-use graphical user interface,
Directors' Chair allows DreamWorks creative professionals with little or
no computer-animation experience to manipulate virtual scenes in much the
same way they control live action scenes. Creative professionals immerse
themselves in the scene and in real time can control lighting effects,
camera angles, zooms and other scene elements. Through the immediate
feedback and the nontechnical interface, creative professionals will have
virtually unlimited control over the computer-generated scene.

"The key to Directors' Chair is that virtually all creative professionals -
directors, producers, cinematographers, actors and writers - can work
together to create and refine computer-generated scenes," said Glenn
Entis, head of DreamWorks Interactive. "We believe Directors' Chair will
allow DreamWorks filmmakers to design complex shots in a more natural,
intuitive way."

"Directors' Chair is an excellent example of how the visual-effects
industry is changing from computer-driven to artist-driven tools," said
Daniel Langlois, founder of Softimage and senior director at Microsoft.

"For the first time, computer nonspecialists will be able to control
virtual worlds with the same style, creativity and energy as they control
live action," said David Morin, director of special projects for
Softimage. "We are pleased to work with DreamWorks on this cutting-edge
project."

USING DIRECTORS' CHAIR

Directors' Chair will be used for projects throughout the DreamWorks
organization. For example, when setting up a dramatic scene in a game or
feature film, the director, cinematographers, writers and producers can
work together to reposition cameras, zoom in and out, and change from
diffused light to direct light until they get precisely the scene they
desire. Scene elements can be manipulated using joysticks, tablets, track
balls or virtually any other kind of input device. Directors' Chair
provides immediate feedback on how the scene will look.

Softimage is a pioneer in developing real-time 3-D technology and
applications, including virtual sets. DreamWorks Interactive bases its
Directors' Chair code on the Softimage Software Development Kit, which is
available to all qualified software developers and Softimage customers.

DreamWorks Interactive, a joint venture between DreamWorks SKG and
Microsoft Corp., is a publisher and developer of interactive software
chartered with creating emotionally compelling entertainment products and
experiences. The company is one part of the DreamWorks vision created by
Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen and which includes
film, television and record companies.

Founded in 1986, Softimage develops software for media-rich applications
including video, film, interactive games and CD-ROM applications. Products
include Softimage 3D (high-end animation), Softimage Eddie (compositing)
and Softimage Toonz (2-D cel animation). The company was acquired in 1994
by Microsoft Corp. Additional information about Softimage and Microsoft
can be found via the Internet at HTTP://WWW.SOFTIMAGE.COM/ and
http://www.microsoft.com/, respectively.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in
software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of
products and services for business and personal use, each designed with
the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take
advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Softimage general information, (800) 576-3846; Internet:
http://www.softimage.com/
 
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