Unveiling the Behind-the-Scenes Software for TrollsTopia

When it comes to creating movies that enchant audiences with their characters and stories, DreamWorks Animation has always led the way. One of their recent hits, TrollsTopia, is a prime example of this. In the making of TrollsTopia, the studio relied on a combination of proprietary and in-house software solutions to bring their concept to life. Let's delve into the software tools that were used in the creation of this refreshing 2D animated adventure.

The Role of Harmony: A Computer-Based 2D/CG Animation System

In an interview, DreamWorks shared that they used Harmony, a powerful computer-based 2D/CG animation system, for the making of TrollsTopia. Harmony is an industry-standard tool that allows animators to create, animate, and composite 2D computer-generated imagery (CGI) within a single application. This system offers a wide range of features, from texture painting and line art drawing to keyframe animation and 3D rendering, making it an invaluable resource for DreamWorks' creative team.

From Custom Graphics Software to In-House Innovations

While Harmony played a crucial role, it's worth noting that DreamWorks doesn't typically release its software, leaving a veil of secrecy around their proprietary tools. However, the studio does use a combination of in-house software solutions to streamline their creative processes. One of these in-house tools is Apollo, a proprietary platform that serves as the backbone for many of DreamWorks' projects. Apollo is designed to integrate various aspects of the animation process, from initial concept design to final rendering.

The Premo Legacy: Continuing the In-House Software Tradition

In addition to Apollo, DreamWorks relies on a custom graphics software called Premo. Premo is the successor to the Emo software, which was used extensively by the studio from the 1980s to around 2010. Premo builds upon the legacy of Emo, offering advanced features and a more user-friendly interface. This software is crafted specifically for DreamWorks' needs, offering in-depth tools for everything from character design to scene composition. The in-house nature of Premo ensures that it can be finely tuned to meet the studio's unique requirements, making it an indispensable tool in their arsenal.

The DreamWorks In-House Ecosystem

It's worth noting that unlike popular tools like Blender or 3ds Max, which are widely accessible and have a large user community, the Apollo and Premo platforms are entirely home-grown. These proprietary solutions are designed to be highly specialized, catering to the unique needs of DreamWorks' massive animation studio. This level of customization ensures that the software can handle the complex and demanding requirements of large-scale animation projects. While fans of open-source software might find these proprietary tools less appealing, they serve DreamWorks' needs exceptionally well.

Conclusion

DreamWorks Animation's success lies in their ability to innovate and create bespoke tools that best serve their artistic vision. From Harmony to Apollo and Premo, the studio has developed a robust ecosystem of software solutions that allow them to bring their stories to life in a way that is both unique and unparalleled. While these tools remain proprietary, their use in creating TrollsTopia highlights the remarkable creative firepower that DreamWorks can call upon when pushing the boundaries of animated storytelling.