Immersive Enterprise Laboratories (IEL) today announced The Science of Animation, a live, hands-on pop-up activation proving that animation can now be created in real-time. Taking place at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park from September 27–28, the event will give the public an unprecedented chance to step inside a fully functioning animation studio and explore every stage of this new real-time animation pipeline — blending science, art and technology into one immersive showcase.
Audiences will see how animation can be built collaboratively in just one weekend (instead of years). Guests will join Ruby, the cosmic science adventurer, on a journey through the world of animation. At interactive creative stations, participants can sketch, sculpt and craft textures before watching their work come to life through cutting-edge tools such as the HP Z Captis, ZBrush and Unreal Engine. IEL’s team of “animation scientists” will guide the collaborative process.
Other highlights of the experience include:
- Fortnite Island Adventure – Visitors will step into a custom Fortnite Island inspired by Ruby’s universe, extending the exhibit into an interactive gaming world.
- Live-Streamed Concert – Guests will help design and produce a concert performance within IEL’s real-time pipeline, which will be streamed globally via YouTube, turning a local exhibit into a worldwide event.
- Animation Legends on Site – The weekend will feature appearances and mentorship from animation greats including Bill Perkins (Disney), Randolph Williams (Disney) and veteran artists and designers from Pixar and other top studios, giving guests the chance to learn directly from the masters.
“The Science of Animation isn’t just about watching how animation is made — it’s about learning how to create animation in real-time, and making it together,” said Daniel Urbach, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Immersive Enterprise Laboratories. “By combining immersive technology, artistry, and collaboration, we’re giving San Diego a first look at how animation can be reimagined as both a science and a community experience.”
“What I am most passionate about with this experience is this is a moment where Arts is driving STEM. It gives visitors a new type of experience to engage with the sciences.” said Blake Baxter, Co-founder & Co-CEO of IEL.
The Science of Animation pop-up is a sneak peek at a traveling exhibit IEL is developing for San Diego’s Fleet Science Center, designed to inspire future creators and showcase the intersection of science, technology and storytelling.
Dr. Steven Snyder, President & CEO of the Fleet Science Center, said, “We are committed to creating spaces where science, technology, and creativity intersect. Partnering with IEL to debut The Science of Animation allows us to invite our community to not just witness innovation, but to become active creators in it.”
The activation is made possible with the support of industry partners including HP, NVIDIA, AMD, Xencelabs, Adobe, Vicon, PeelDev, House of Moves, JALI Research, Ozone and others.
Visitors can experience The Science of Animation at the Fleet Science Center (Balboa Park, San Diego, Calif.) September 27-28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
