Frederick Dybowski Warns Animators About the lure of 3D

Frederick Dybowski, jury chairman for animation at this year\'s Shanghai TV Festival, is well known in global animation circles. In this interview, he points out that the biggest reform in animation art happened in the 1990s when hand drawing was gradually overtaken by computers. The latest change has come with 3D technology, but Dybowski sees it as just technology and that directors should not make animated films just for the 3D effect.

 

Daily News: As a world renowned animation director, what do you know about Chinese animation?
Frederick Dybowski: I know Chinese animation directors and producers are trying new production methods, such as drawing skills, styles and technologies.

Daily News: Have you ever had problems caused by new technology?
Frederick Dybowski: Of course. There are many differences in animation production between 20 years ago and nowadays. My point is that cooperation between artists and producers makes animation develop. New concepts and technology will promote the growth of animation. I experienced the change from hand drawing animation to computer animation and now 3D. But today\'s Chinese film makers don\'t need to face those challenges.

Daily News: 3D has been widely used since Avatar. Will you make 3D films?
Frederick Dybowski: I\'m willing to try 3D films, but I mainly focus on 2D films. 3D is just the technology, so I won\'t make films just for its effect.

Daily News: So you attract the audience through stories rather than visual effects?
Frederick Dybowski: Yes. The story is what matters, but good films should have both good stories and good pictures.

Daily News: Are there Animation Pitch & Catch programs in other countries and what do you think of it?
Frederick Dybowski: In France, we also have animation film festivals and, in my opinion, Pitch and Catch can help producers by showing their films to investors.

Daily News: As a successful animation director, do you need to persuade investors with your stories?
Frederick Dybowski: Actually I\'m not that successful (laughing). It\'s important to show your own project to investors. For instance, I once made an animation film about football, but we still needed to persuade the producers by explaining the result, even though we had good ideas.

Daily News: What will you do if investors have different ideas?
Frederick Dybowski: Usually, the final result will differ from original ideas, depending on the story\'s creativity and people\'s expectations for the film.

Daily News: From your point of view, what do Chinese animators need, good ideas or the ability to bring ideas to the market?
Frederick Dybowski: Neither. There are many talents in China, Chinese animation will have great success in the future because there\'s lots of talent.

Daily News: Will you use Chinese elements such as Kung Fu Panda in your films?
Frederick Dybowski: Certainly and I have already included Chinese elements in my animation films. China is growing rapidly and Chinese movies are becoming more influential in the international market. Chinese elements are widely used now.

Daily News: What expectations did you have for this trip to Shanghai?
Frederick Dybowski: I will share my experiences with Chinese animators on how to gain access to the international market. Also, I hope that China will have two-way interaction with the world.