After launching its latest concept in children’s entertainment in March, AnimaLive, the live character animation specialist, has cemented its position as a leader in the global FEC and edutainment sector.

Designed to be installed primarily in FECs and shopping malls with playrooms or similar facilities, the ChatterBox Party Room essentially an on-screen children’s entertainment system.

Using a combination of AnimaLive’s patented motion capture technology and reverse chroma-keying, a party full of children can appear on screen with the cartoon character, who entertains them with songs, props, magic tricks and games.

The product was first demonstrated at IAPPI, Mumbai in February 2009 and has been available for purchase since March. UK-based AnimaLive can manufacture off-the-shelf systems for immediate installation or can custom build systems around the individual needs of the operator.

"One key aspect of the ChatterBox Party Room is that a DVD of the interaction can be burned so each guest can take a copy home with them," said the company’s Paul Collimore. "Due to its small footprint, the system can be incorporated in a variety of spaces and characters can be chosen to suit the party making it highly versatile."

Designed primarily for children aged between three and 10 years, Collimore told InterPark the inspiration for the party room came from personal experiences in bringing up children and gauging their positive reactions

"To some degree children’s reactions to amusement products is universal," Collimore said. "Obviously culture, geography and demographic factors play a key role to how they react to the system, but all children love to see themselves on television. When they can see themselves on screen with an animated character it adds a whole new dimension to a party.

"The beauty of AnimaLive systems is that the character and the theme of the design can be modified depending on the above factors. For example we can create 3D theme park mascots to give the park an on screen identity."

Looking ahead, Collimore said the global amusements landscape is likely to be shaped by new innovations in 3D, 4D and 5D shows, which continue to create a buzz in the live entertainment field.

"We are working with several major UK attractions and entertainment companies to develop bespoke attractions and immersive live shows which offer the customer highly interactive and above all, memorable experiences," Collimore added.

"Our R&D department is continuously testing new technology to incorporate in to our own configurations; we are continuing to develop high quality characters and 3D background; and we also have appearances planned at EAS Amsterdam in October and IAAPA Florida in November."