The Prince of Egypt is a milestone that establishes a new standard in animated feature films--the first movie since The Ten Commandments (1950) to retell the story of Moses. It represents a darmg effort on the part of the founders of DreamWorks SKG Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen--to pioneer a new kind of animation that is as versatile as live-action filmmaking.

The Prince of Egypt is a milestone that establishes a new standard in animated feature films--the first movie since The Ten Commandments (1950) to retell the story of Moses. It represents a darmg effort on the part of the founders of DreamWorks SKG Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen--to pioneer a new kind of animation that is as versatile as live-action filmmaking.

The reader of this book will see how the filmmakers constructed the fihn scene by scene, using the resources of animation to propel the narrative and deepen its clramatic impact and emotional resonance. They tell the dramatic biblical story of two boys raised as brothers--Moses and the Pharaoh Rameses--driven by the circumstances of their birth to a momentous confrontation. The vast panorama of ancient Egypt, encompassing monumental architecture and majestic desert landscapes, offered unprecedented opportunities to artists. The pivotal role in the story of God"s miracles--the Burning Bush, the Ten Plagues, and the Parting of the Red Sea--called for the invention of aweinspiring special effects that would justify Moses"s stirring declaration to the Hebrews, "Believe for we will see God"s wonders."

Author Charles Solomon went behind the scenes at DreamWorks and interviewed many of the individuals involved in making The Prince of Egypt. He highlights the contribu tions of animated character acting, scene clesign, visual effects, and music to the realization of the filmmakers" vision. The dynamic layout uses hundreds of full-color illustrations - from inspirational paintings, color keys, and early character sketches to stills from the completed film - to show how the film is designed from beginning to end as a coherent and satisfying cinematic experience.

The Prince of Egypt is a work with epic scale and drama beyoncl any previous animated fihn. This fascinating book shows how skillful storytelling and incredible artistry were combined in its creation.

INTRODUCTION

PROLOGUE

ACT ONE

ACT TWO

ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

REALIZING THE VISION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

CREDITS