For more information, contact
Deeje Cooley
415-244-0828
mailto:deeje@puppettime.com
http://www.puppettime.com/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PUPPETTIME RELEASES 12 NEW CHARACTERS AND PROPS, UPDATE TO PUPPETTIME PRODUCER
Web 3D Company Leads Animation Revolution With Consumer-Friendly
Storytelling Technology
SAN FRANCISCO (March 1st, 2000) – PuppetTime, Inc. today announced that
dozens of new characters, props, and stages for PuppetTime Producer 1.0.1,
are now available for download from the company’s website at
(http://www.puppettime.com/). The new version of PuppetTime Producer allows
for seamless integration of new characters from the online catalog, which
will continue to grow and expand in the coming months.
PuppetTime Producer is an easy-to-use 3D character animation program that
implements the concept of digital actors. Users can create compelling 3D
animations in minutes simply by selecting characters, typing dialog,
recording sounds and voice-overs, and choosing actions. 3D modeling or
animation experience is not required because the digital actors, or
puppets, are predefined and know how to draw and animate themselves.
Puppets can have many animations, costumes, and emotional states to choose
from.
“The entire Web 3D community recognizes the need for easy-to-use content
creation tools,” says Deeje Cooley, CTO, “Our online catalog brings
PuppetTime a step closer to our vision of 3D: a Lego-like approach to
assembling rich web 3D animated experiences through the metaphor of
storytelling.”
Sophistication Made Simple
PuppetTime Producer includes a number of sophisticated features that
simplify the 3D animation process for non-animators. Puppets have a number
of animated emotional states built in, which are easily chosen from a
simple list. Puppets also automatically create their own mouth shapes
(visemes) from dialog text, using a Text-To-Speech technology. The user can
then overdub his or her own voice speaking the dialog, giving the puppet
characters unique inflections and personalities. Sound tracks can be
imported for use as sound effects and background music. Still images can be
imported as backgrounds. The program also supports multiple puppets and
cameras for true cinematic freedom.
“Come download our new puppets,” says Steve Cooley, Chief Puppeteer, “I
worked hard on them so that you can make 3D animations with just a few
clicks of your mouse.”
Availability and Pricing
The shareware version of PuppetTime Producer is available for US$89.00 from
the company’s website at (http://www.puppettime.com). Academic pricing is
available at $495.00 for a 10-seat license, with additional seats at $49.00
each. Volume and site licenses are also available. Additional characters
are currently available free of charge.
PuppetTime, Inc., headquartered in San Francisco, California, develops and
markets Web 3D animation software for web content design, creative
visualization, business presentations, and education curriculum development.