Cerelink(R) and DreamWorks Animation Use Cloud Computing to Render New 3D Feature How to Train Your Dragon

CORRALES, N. M., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Cerelink, Inc., a New Mexico company specializing in cloud computing, has successfully used its private computer cloud in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) to help render the studio's latest 3D movie, How to Train Your Dragon, which has grossed over $280 million to date at the worldwide box office.

Using a private computer cluster, or "cloud", DreamWorks Animation's studio in Glendale, CA connected to a Cerelink operated data center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, to render feature film-quality images remotely.

"DreamWorks Animation has successfully used nearly two million render hours utilizing our cloud infrastructure for How to Train Your Dragon," said Dr. Rod Sanchez, Cerelink's President.  "Our proof of concept with DreamWorks is a major milestone for Cerelink and is generating strong interest from other potential clients to use our cloud service for computer-generated (CG) rendering," Sanchez said.

Using Cerelink's cloud computing service, DreamWorks Animation extended its high-performance compute cluster to meet the demands of their studio for CG rendering.  CG film production and visual effects require massive amounts of computational resources, typically tens of millions of computing hours, during the normal course of a production. Delivering on-demand and scalable computing resources as a cloud service is a desirable asset in an industry known for ever increasing and variable demand.

"Our first collaboration with Cerelink on How to Train Your Dragon was a huge success, as it is working proof that high-performance computing clouds are not only possible but practical," said Ed Leonard, DreamWorks Animation's Chief Technology Officer. "Having the ability to quickly scale compute needs to meet DreamWorks Animation's high-quality production demands is one of the holy grails in CG rendering. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the future of rendering."

"Over the next year, Cerelink is planning to expand our cloud service capacity ten-fold to meet the growing demand for our service in the digital media industry," said James Ellington, Cerelink's Chief Executive Officer.

Cerelink and New Mexico offer a cost-competitive advantage for CG motion picture production using their private cloud computing model.  The State of New Mexico offers attractive film production incentives for projects done in the state. As part of the project, Cerelink and the New Mexico Computing Applications Center (NMCAC), in collaboration with the University of New Mexico, and the New Mexico Department of Information Technology used an ultra-high-speed network link connecting New Mexico to Hollywood. This link, along with the lower cost of doing business in New Mexico, will be critical to the support of ongoing and future digital media R&D activities between New Mexico and California.

About Cerelink®

Cerelink delivers highly secure, reliable private cloud compute capacity, quickly and affordably, for short and long-term information technology requirements. http://www.cerelink.com.

About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE® Magazine for two consecutive years. In 2010, DreamWorks Animation ranks #6 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 18 animated feature films, including the franchise properties, Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. DreamWorks Animation's three feature film releases in 2010 are How to Train Your Dragon, Shrek Forever After and Megamind.

SOURCE Cerelink, Inc.