Carrera Computers Plays Key Role In "Casper" Production

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., Oct. 21, 1997 - Carrera Computers, a leading supplier of rendering, animation and non-linear editing solutions for the Hollywood entertainment industry, played a key role in producing the graphic content of the video Casper, A Spirited Beginning.  Character animation in Casper was created by the OCS/Freeze Frame/Pixel Magic studio, who relied heavily on Carrera's ability to design and service custom NT-Based computing solutions so that the studio could meet demanding budgetary and throughput requirements.  The video was produced by 20th Century Fox, Saban and Harvey Entertainment films.

Ray McIntyre Jr., vice president of OCS/Freeze Frame/Pixel Magic, said "The advent of NT, and the Alpha box that we received from Carrera and Lightwave, allowed us to complete the work for the video sequel in a much shorter time frame and more economically, while maintaining the same quality that the SGI platform would provide. Only one vendor could provide us with the equipment needed to complete this job, and it was without a doubt Carrera."

Carrera Computers has distinguished itself, most notably among computer graphics artists, as a company that designs, delivers and services, with unparalleled 24x7 responsiveness, application-specific NT-based workstation solutions. Carrera provided OCS its rack-mounted rendering farm consisting of eight 500Mhz 21164 Alphas, each with 512MB RAM. Animators worked in shifts at 16 Alpha-based Carrera Cobra workstations, each running NT 4.0 and using a minimum of 256MB RAM, with some having as much as 512MB RAM. Carrera also installed four Intel-based compositing systems for the project.

Carrera’s solutions can be customized for a variety of demanding applications. Most systems, however, are designed around the 21164 Alpha microprocessor, the most powerful microprocessors in the world. Standard Cobra systems offer more than 1GB/sec memory bandwidth, 12-speed CD-ROM, a 64-bit PCI accelerator with 2MB RAM, and 2GB disk capacity. Depending on configuration, prices start at $4,995.

Founded as OCS by Ray McIntrye, Sr. in 1985, OCS/Freeze Frame/Pixel Magic has steadily grown its digital division since 1992. OCS is one of the leading, single-source digital houses in Los Angeles offering digital compositing, main title design, 3D design and animation, digital film restoration and film input/output services. The facility’s credits include "Casper, A Spirited Beginning," "Independence Day," "Jungle 2 Jungle," "Eraser," and "Wild America." In 1996 Raymond McIntyre Jr. and Dave Fiske received an Emmy nomination for their work on HBO’s acclaimed "Tuskeegee Airmen." OCS/Freeze Frame/Pixel Magic is located at 10635 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, CA 91602, 818/760-0862.

Founded in 1990, Carrera Computers designs, manufactures and services high-powered custom solutions which are installed worldwide for graphics, scientific, engineering and other applications demanding the utmost computer power and speed. Carrera headquarters are at 23181 Verdugo Drive, Bldg.100, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 (800) 576-RISC, www.carrera.com.

Lana Perry
The Schraff Group
Tel(714) 833-3400
Email: lperry@schraff.com
Carrera Computers, Inc.
Tel (800) 576-RISC
Fax (714) 707-5053
Email:Sales