This just in via the Hollywood Reporter: Intel is working to create an animated short by combining social networking and computer animation. According to Carolyn Giardina’s report,

The Mass Animation project, which begins in the fall, will be produced and directed by Yair Landau, former vice chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and president of Sony Pictures Digital.

Intel is sponsoring the launch of a Facebook page where animators will be able access a collaboration application built on the platform. Established and aspiring animators will be able to work together to create the animated short.

“You can think about ‘American Idol’ in terms of the process,” Landau said. “Everyone will get a chance to participate and vote. … It is a filtered collaboration so that we will have the best possible work at the end.”

Landau is developing the story. Discussions are under way to get the finished film a theatrical release.

Creative tools will be provided. Participating animators will be able to download an evaluation version of Autodesk’s Maya Unlimited 3-D computer-animation software. Reel FX Entertainment animation studio will use proprietary tools to convert selected videos to final-quality animation frames for posting and sharing on the Facebook page. Aniboom will supply the content management infrastructure.

For more information, including how to receive a notice when collaboration begins, visit www.facebook.com/massanimation and become a fan of the page.