THR's 2012 Digital Power 50

Katzenberg has been an early and influential champion of digital 3D. In a forward-thinking initiative, he retooled his studio five years ago to make all its movies in 3D beginning with the 2009 release Monsters vs. Aliens.  But while Katzenberg, 61, is a 3D enthusiast, he also is a realist. On one hand, he applauds the fact that "we have a continuing trend of filmmakers excited about the opportunities of telling stories in 3D."

Citing "outstanding" contributions from Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay, he tells THR, "We'll see that again in 2012." At the same time, he warns that bad 3D hurts the whole industry. Filmmakers and studios have to earn the trust of the audience, he says, which is essential if moviegoers are expected to pay 3D's premium ticket prices.

Under Katzenberg's auspices, DWA also is an early adopter of NexGen computing technology, which is entering the studio's pipeline. There is a saying in the movie industry: "Better, faster, cheaper -- pick two." With NexGen technology, says Katzenberg, he can pick all three: "This is an exciting application for DWA and actually has much greater implications in the larger field of high-end complex computer graphics."

PHOTOS: THR's 2012 Digital Power 50