Performance capture was used on Tom Hanks for Polar Express

Zemeckis, famous for movies like Back to the Future and Forrest Gump, has signed a deal to work on animated films that can also be shown in 3D.

The new studio will use "performance capture", in which computers convert actors' movements into animation.

No films have yet been announced but its is understood that Zemeckis has agreed to direct some of the projects.

Zemeckis directed Polar Express and produced Monster House - both animated features that used performance capture.

He said he was excited to be working with Disney.

Higher prices

"In addition to being an enthusiastic champion of 3D movies, the Walt Disney Studios is committed to the advancement of digital cinema in all areas including performance capture," he said.

The technology means animation can be produced for conventional cinemas but also converted and - when viewed with special glasses - seen in 3D.

Such animation has had limited release, but movies shown in the format have been profitable.

In the US, cinema chains charged a premium of up to $4 (�2) per ticket for 3D versions of Disney's Chicken Little, the first modern 3D animated movie from a major studio.