Wonderfest: Creating Worlds: The Science of Scale in Animated Films

From flip drawings to computer graphics, the magic of animation allows audiences to explore fantastic new worlds. Too much "magic," however, can render animated characters simply unbelievable, spoiling the fantasy. The more closely characters' actions obey the laws of physics, the more believable they become. Ironically, when filmmakers incorporate realscientific principles in animated movies, audiences can better escape reality and enter a fantasy world.

Following a special screening of the highly-praised Secret World of Arrietty (2012), physicist Alejandro Garcia will describe �" and answer questions about �" the science behind effective animation. Dr. Garcia is Professor of Physics & Astronomy at San José State University where he teaches a course in The Physics of Animation. He has helped DreamWorks Studios to get the physics right in such movies as Trolls, Madagascar 3, and Mr. Peabody and Sherman.