Geoff Cambell (M), Eric Armstrong (L) and Robin King (R), the master designers of these Oscar-winning animation films presented at a Forum at ICCIE on Friday, November 9, in Beijing. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.COM/ Yang Yong]

Fans of the movies Pirates of the Caribbean, Stuart Little and Hollow Man have an opportunity to meet Geoff Cambell, Eric Armstrong and Robin King, the master designers of these Oscar-winning animation films in Beijing.

The three animation gurus have come here to speak about the creativity and animation industries at the Second International Culture & Creative Industry Expo (ICCIE) which began on November 8. They will present more speeches at various university campuses in Beijing before November 12.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." Robin King said during a speech on animation art at the International Animation Design Masters Forum on Friday afternoon, November 9th, 2007. King has dedicated his life to digital-animation film education. Many of his students' animation films have won Oscar awards.

With regard to China's animation industry, King stressed the creativity of local styles and culture.

"Don't try to copy Japanese or U.S. styles of animation. Find a way to bring a unique Chinese voice for Chinese stories and for Chinese content rather than replicate or duplicate what other people do. Use the tools and techniques to support your own culture and to find your own voice. And I truly believe in China that when you find that voice, it will be a big voice, a powerful voice and a wise voice. And that is a task, not to mimic the Japanese, not to mimic Hollywood, but to learn from the experts how to use the tools to create stories your need to create."

Geoff Cambell, digital model supervisor at Industrial Light & Magic, presented a case study on the development of creative characters in Pirates of Caribbean. Eric Armstrong, senior animation director, discussed the process of animation creation in films and games for Chinese audiences. Excited and intrigued by their speeches, the expo's attendees were in awe of the modern animation technologies and huge projects behind the fantastic movies.

The process of creation is complicated, but Eric Armstrong said he enjoys creation and animation design is a part of his life. He jokes that his creativity only will end when he dies.

"Only dead fish swim with the stream." said Robin King.