Montreal-based Digital Dimension Entertainment Group (DDEG) was awarded its second Epic MegaGrant to pursue the integration of Epic Games’ Unreal Engine technology into its animation pipeline. A winner of six Emmy Awards and four Visual Effects Society Awards, the organization is considered as pioneers in real-time animation production.
“The promise of faster iterations using real-time rendering tools relies on adapting our workflow processes to take advantage of live updates during reviews and approvals. Ultimately, we wish to create production efficiencies so we can concentrate on higher quality deliverables within shorter timelines while using the full power of the Unreal Engine features. The objective is to implement a robust production pipeline centered on real-time rendering using advanced creative/production tools and methodologies based on proven animation workflows,” said DDEG CTO Martin Walker.
Rejoicing their breakthrough attempt of using Epic Games Unreal Engine technology, DDEG CCO Fred Faubert said, “We were the first in the industry to render a series entirely using Epic Games Unreal Engine technology, beginning with the first two seasons of Zafari for NBCU, and it was a huge success! This latest Epic MegaGrant will allow us to enhance our production pipeline and help us create fantastical universes for our properties such as Chase and CATCH, and Aiko and the Masters of Time. We are so thrilled to be given this opportunity by Epic Games.”
Employing over 200 people, DDEG’s productions have been broadcast around the world for over 25 years. Its studios include Meduzarts Animation, Saturday Animation and KRAKN Animation, each of which is set to release new series in the upcoming months, including several original brands currently in development. Their studios benefit from world-leading proprietary technologies such as its real-time animation pipeline based on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine.
