Macromedia teams up with film director Tim Burton

Web design software specialist Macromedia has signed up hip film director Tim Burton to create short animations for its Shockwave.com website.

Burton, who directed films such as Batman, Edward Scissorhands and Sleepy Hollow, was apparently brought into the fold by the creators of South Park, who are also understood to be contributing animations to the project. Burton's first short is expected to run in June.

Macromedia has not disclosed terms of the agreements, but said it is in talks with other directors and producers to expand Shockwave.com's content.

Shockwave.com offers the film industry a place to test out characters and stories in front of a global audience.