 In what qualifies as one of those special perks of governing,
Obama toured the DreamWorks Animation studio of one of his top
political benefactors, Jeffrey Katzenberg. All other tours must
have paled by comparison. He saw motion capture technology on
display and he shook hands — well, bumped elbows — with Steve
Martin before the actor-comedian-banjo player transformed
himself into the villainous Capt. Smek from the upcoming movie
"Home."
But nothing could beat the short clip of another character in
the film, Oh, intoning in the familiar cadences of Obama's
voice: "Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. Welcome to the White
House."
"That'll impress the girls," Obama, thinking of his
daughters, said delightedly.
Martin and actor Jim Parsons of "Big Bang Theory" were there
to demonstrate voice recordings for the DreamWorks movie "Home"
about a civilization of aliens called "Boovs." It's scheduled
for release in November of 2014.
Speaking to a few thousand staff and others gathered on
DreamWorks' campus, Obama praised the entertainment industry for
helping transmit values of tolerance and diversity and
overcoming adversity, calling it part of American diplomacy.
"Hundreds of millions of people may never set foot in the
U.S., but thanks to you they've experienced a small part of what
makes our country successful," Obama said. "We have shaped a
world culture through you."
"Can't wait to see your next movie," Obama added with a grin.
Entering the studio earlier for his tour, Obama extended a
hand to Martin, who informed him he had a slight cold. So the
commander in chief and the once wild-and-crazy guy bumped elbows
instead.
"How's the banjo playing?" Obama asked
"Better than ever," Martin replied.
Obama mentioned that Martin had played the banjo at the White
House.
"The fact that I played banjo at the White House was the
biggest thrill (pause) of his life," Martin cracked.
"That's how I felt," Obama deadpanned. "Biggest thrill of my life.
Inauguration? Nothing."
[to top of second column] |
 Martin and Parsons then ran through a scene. Obama appeared
thoroughly tickled as he read along from the script.
Obama also saw a demonstration of motion capture technology,
known in the business as "mo-cap"
Two actors, a woman and a man, were wearing full black body suits
with colored sensors applied like polka dots to their suits. Behind
them a large screen showed two animated characters, a young boy,
"Hiccup," and a young girl, "Astrid, from the upcoming movie "How to
Train Your Dragon 2."
Every movement the actors performed on the studio floor was
replicated on the screen by the animated characters.
Obama asked what the difference was between using that technology
and actually drawing animation.
"Is the advantage here that by seeing the natural movement, that
can't be replicated in your head?" he asked.
The cinematographer told him that the technology allowed for more
natural movement and more dimension and was able to take advantage
of ad-libbed movement.
"So, serendipity," Obama said.
After seeing a final clip from the movie, Obama turned to the
reporters following him and offered an unfiltered DreamWorks
commercial:
"Coming to a theater near you!"
Indeed, Katzenberg added: "June 13."
[Associated
Press; JIM KUHNHENN]
Reach Jim Kuhnhenn on
Twitter at
http://twitter.com/jkuhnhenn.
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