Very Cool Iphone/Ipad App - DSLR Slate

I thought this was cool app for production and everyone seems to have a Iphone these days or at least the Touch.  Check it out.  - Cornell

DSLR Slate is the perfect companion for the DSLR Filmmaker.  As a Universal App, DSLR Slate runs natively on iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.  Designed for all needs from  student to hollywood, DSLR Slate will be just as useful as the traditional film slate, if not more.  “Slating” shots has become standard practice on set and helps streamline shot logging and post production.

Along with a color chart and selectable running timecode, DSLR Slate has all the traditional items for input such as Scene, Take, Framerate, Director, etc.  DLSR Slate also provides unique items aimed specifically for DSLR cameras such as ISO Speed, Aperture, Shutter Speed, White Balance, Lens, Filter, and more.  While being invaluable on set, these items also prove useful when shooting tests in varying lighting conditions.

Since there are so many items to show the camera, we’ve come up with a new way of displaying the info.  While in SLATE mode, you will see only the traditional items displayed.  These items are Scene, Take, Memory Card (Roll), Director, Producer, Project, and Date.  Those are the pieces of information that editors use most.  Once the camera is rolling, click the START button and a quick burst will begin, flashing all items within about 2 seconds.  This allows the camera to “see” each item for at least a few frames, ensuring that all of your information will be captured by the camera.  The quick burst is then followed by a Visual/Audio sync and the traditional items will fade back in, ending the slating process.

http://www.lastshotapps.com/LastShotApps/Apps/Entries/2010/5/19_DSLR_Slate.html

Toy Story 3 Animator Roundtable – Part 1

Check out the Toy Story 3 Animation Roundtable from Spline Cast.  This is part one of a two part animation Roundtable with: Doug Sweetland, Andy Schmidt, Jessica Torres, Cat Hicks, Carlos Baena, Kc Royer, Aaron Hartline and , Andrew Gordon. . ts3_roundtable_part 1
When I come across part 2 i will post it.  - Cornell

Special SIGGRAPH Education Events for Educators

Sunday July 25th

Side Effects invites all educators to our  Santa Monica office on Sunday, July 25th

We look forward to meeting with you and to giving you a taste of what's been going on in Houdini education. There are lots of exciting programs in place and with a growing demand for Houdini users it is a great time to get your students skilled up.

Houdini 11 is launching at SIGGRAPH, and we are very pleased to give a special presentation of H11 new features such as dynamic fracturing, FLIP fluids and a new shader building workflow. It will be a great chance for you to ask questions and begin planning your lessons for the coming year.

We will also have an opportunity to mingle over a catered lunch during which we will showcase work created by our interns who come to us from schools such as Savannah College of Art and Design, Bournemouth University, Drexel University, Syracuse University and the University of Southern California.

This event is designed for school faculty, teaching assistants, staff and industry mentors and not for undergraduate students. Whether you teach Houdini today or are exploring Houdini use for the future, this mixer will help you get the information you need. We realize that there are some SIGGRAPH events on Sunday. Please feel free to come for the entire event or any portion of the event that fits your schedule. We are happy for you to join us!

Register now in the top right corner....

Education Mixer - Sunday, July 25th

10:30AM - 11:00AM
Registration and Coffee

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Houdini Education Programs

12:00PM - 1:00PM
Catered Lunch - Showcase of Student Work

1:00PM - 2:30PM
An Introduction to Houdini 11

2:30PM-4:00 PM
Mixer - Dessert and Wine

If you are unable to attend SIGGRAPH this year and still would like information on getting Houdini into your school please contact Debra Isaac at debra@sidefx.com. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Side Effects Software
1453 3rd Street Promenade Suite 340
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (310) 319 9876

Parking: Public parking on Broadway and 3rd or on 4th off Broadway.

 

 

 

Original Link

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Monday July 26th

Autodesk Education Summit

On Monday, July 26th from 3:30-5:30pm, Autodesk will host an Education Summit at the new JW Marriott Hotel at LA Live, where we are offering educators the opportunity to connect with industry professionals to discuss key industry trends and best practices, connect with their peers and learn about Autodesk products and programs. Any educator, teacher or trainer who teaches with Autodesk technology are encouraged to attend and participate. Following the event, there will be a cocktail reception. For more information, or to register, email jennifer.goldfinch@autodesk.com.

Original Link

 

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SIGGRAPH 2010: Grand Challenges in Education Panel

If you are attending SIGGRAPH this year, don’t miss Grand Challenges in Education panel discussion.  I will be there and will fill you in if you were not able to attend.   - Cornell

20XX.EDU: Grand Challenges in Education (Part 1)

Wednesday, 28 July | 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Theater 411

This panel, organized by the ACM SIGGRAPH Education Committee and Leonardo/ISAST, brings together a diverse group of outstanding researchers and artists, academy and industry professionals, educators, and government officials to discuss the future of education in its broadest sense, encompassing both formal and informal learning.

New digital technologies for human expression and communication have given birth to a 24/7-connected worldwide community that offers individuals and institutions a myriad of new models for shared, interactive learning. Information from a variety of digital devices that we now carry with us at all times is reshaping the way we perceive the world and interact with it. Online collaboration and social networking now play a major role in how we acquire and spread knowledge.

How can educational institutions take advantage of the increasing popularity and dissemination of these technologies? How can individuals and institutions benefit from the massive increase of participatory and collaborative learning in our society? What are the major challenges in education today, in the sciences and the humanities? What are the new educational trends and paradigms for the coming decades? What kind of new learning contexts can be created outside of traditional institutions?

The recent MacArthur report on The Future of Learning Institutions in the Digital Age provides one set of responses to these questions. This panel continues the conversation.

 

Panelists

Marc Barr
Middle Tennessee State University

Roger Malina
Leonardo/ISAST

David T. Goldberg
HASTAC, University of California

Rebecca Allen
NOKIA Hollywood

Pamela Jennings
National Science Foundation

Sarah Cunningham
National Endowment for the Arts

Glenn Entis
VanEdge Capital

20XX.EDU: Grand Challenges in Education (Part 2)

Wednesday, 28 July | 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM | Theater 411

This panel, organized by the ACM SIGGRAPH Education Committee and Leonardo/ISAST, is a continuation of the conversation that begins in Part 1 among a diverse group of outstanding researchers and artists, academy and industry professionals, educators, and government officials to discuss the future of education in its broadest sense, encompassing both formal and informal learning.

Panelists

Marc Barr
Middle Tennessee State University

Donna Cox
NSCA

James Foley
Georgia Institute of Technology

Andy van Dam
Brown University

Victoria Vesna
University of California, Los Angeles

Roger Malina
Leonardo/ISAST

Pixar’s Randy Nelson on Learning and Working in the Collaborative Age

 

Wow!  What an awesome presentation, defiantly watch this and show your class.

I am always trying to create a more dynamic learning environment for my students.  One that allows them to learn the content and take it further without setting limits, basically letting them loose while focusing there energy.  In some classrooms the energy can be stifled by the dynamics of the students, so how can you change that?  It is really hard to say, there is just not one answer.  It has to be cultivated and embedded in the room as part of the culture. 

Randy Nelson, Dean of Pixar’s University speaks of exactly of this, paralleling it to the how the inner culture Pixar’s studio.   Very Cool!

- Cornell

Or you can download it from iTunes here.

 

Lucas and Spielberg on Norman Rockwell

How One of the Most Successful Painters of Americana Influenced Two of the Most Successful American Filmmakers.

This morning I was just about to mow the lawn and just by chance caught George Lucas out of the corner of my eye on Sunday Morning.  I love the show, but can’t always watch it - workaholic.  I looked for the interview online, but could not find it, so if anyone can comes across it let me know.  Either way check out the article on how Rockwell influenced both Spielberg and Lucas. - Cornell

(CBS) The work of a beloved American artist has helped shape the work of two of Hollywood's most cutting-edge movie directors. Rita Braver shows us how:

He was the quintessential American artist of his generation, creating scenes that captured turning points in life . . . and dreams of what lies ahead.

They are the quintessential American filmmakers of their generation, creating scenes that capture turning points in life . . . and dreams of what lies ahead.

Still, you might be surprised to learn that Norman Rockwell's work had a profound influence on Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, starting when they were boys, inspired by his covers on the Saturday Evening Post.

"He was able to sum up the story and make you want to read the story," said Lucas, "but actually understand who the people were, what their motives were, everything in one little frame."

It was Lucas who started collecting Rockwell.

His friend and colleague, director Steven Spielberg, said he couldn't believe that somebody he knew had "a living, breathing oil painting by the hand of this great American icon. It was amazing."

"So you decided to get some, too?" asked Braver.

"Well, well yeah; I copied this guy and got a Rockwell," Spielberg laughed, adding, "I went out and I got a bigger Rockwell!"

The first exhibit of the works they own just opened at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington.

Read the rest of the article , , ,

Video Games and the Uncanny Valley – Game Characters

Interesting . . .  I was just sent this video on the uncanny valley of character development.  First of all, the 45 second intro was way too long and I was just about to close the window, but my dog vomited on the carpet and I rushed to clean it up - true story.  As I sat back down I got sucked in.  It basically discuses, in a fun way,  character development from stylized, “photo-real”, and everything in-between.  It is worth watching;check it out.

 

Check Out These Render Lighting Tests . . . WOW!!!

Check out this render study from Studio Aiko   . . . Wow!!! 

I am a detail, lighting, & rendering  freak . . . check out all the details.

They created the entire room Check the link.

http://www.studio-aiko.com/temp/classroom/classroom_daylight.html

 

AniFestROZAFA -Student Animation Film Festival

AniFestROZAFA is the first annual international festival of animated films for children and by children, to be held from date 04 - 09 October 2010 in Shkodra (Albania). AniFestROZAFA festival is the only format in this genus competitive.

Creator of animated film and children artists who made the animated films from around the world is welcome to present their work. This festival offers a unique opportunity for the realization of a common film days of stay in the city of Shkodra.

  http://www.anifestrozafa.com/

ISTE – My Schedule

http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/2010/

I will be presenting . . .

Lecture: 3D Animation: It's not Just for Hollywood

Students will be presenting . . .

Student Showcase:  3D Kick Start: Learn 3D with Your Own Personal Tutor

-Monday, 6/28/2010, 8:00am–10:00am, CCC Lobby A, Table: SS 2

-(not in the program)  Monday, 6/28/2010, 8 am–4 pm, Lobby C – with  Games & Simulations Arcade

-(not in the program)  Wednesday, 6/30/2010, 8 am–1 pm, Lobby C -  3D Kick Start Playground

ISTE - 3D Kick Start: Learn 3D with Your Own Personal Tutor

 

3D Kick Start: Learn 3D with Your Own Personal Tutor -  2 full days
[Informal Session : Student Showcase]

http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/2010/program/playgrounds.php

 

 

 

Monday, 6/28/2010, 8:00am–10:00am, CCC Lobby A, Table: SS 2

AND (not in the program)

Monday, 8 am–4 pm, Lobby C – with  Games & Simulations Arcade

AND (not in the program)

Wednesday, 8 am–1 pm, Lobby C

Learn 3D content creation, one of the fastest growing fields worldwide. You'll use industry-standard software and get one-to-one instruction.  (Contains Commercial Content)

Theme/Strand:
Digital-age Teaching & Learning—Computer Use & Skills/ICT/CTE

Audience:
Technology Integration Specialists, Technology Coordinators, Teacher Educators, Teachers, Staff Developers, Curriculum Specialists

Level: All

Skill: Beginner

NETS•T: 1- 3, 5

Keywords: 3D Animation, Visualization, architecture, engineering, medical, forensics, art, sculpture, STEM

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Purpose & Objectives

Get a KickStart into 3D content creation using industry standard software, one of the top growing fields worldwide, with individual one-to-one instruction from skilled student tutors. This instructional showcase will give teachers an opportunity to get a hands-on tour and private instruction of 3D applications. Teachers with prior experience will be pair with advanced tutors or with the program instructor, Dan Cornell. The 3D industry is still in its infancy, growing at exponential rates, and developing in almost every industry. Teachers need to be aware of these trends and prepare for them.

Outline

Students will set up 10 � 15 digital workstations in the *Main Presentation Hall Lobby (TBA) the evening of June 27th. On June 28th - 30th the student presenters will work through out the day on portfolio projects in their area of expertise. ISTE attendees can watch and interact with student presenters while they work or they can sign up for one-to-one individual instruction. Attendees will be paired up with student tutors based on prior knowledge, skill set objectives or background, such as sculpture, engineering, architecture, game design or any other area. Attendees can sign up for hourly blocked instructional slots at *3DKickStart.com (TBA) or schedule one in person that day. On June 30th in the afternoon, students will stop instructional sessions and break down workstations.

Supporting Research

Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008/09 predicts that digital media design and animation will show tremendous growth �much faster than average� through 2016 nationally. As of 2008, China has over 30 animation industrial bases, 5,400 animation companies, 450 high schools teaching certified animation courses, and 460,000 students studying animation related subjects. This was an increase of over 36% in comparison to 2006. (Aldric Chang 2008) According to Robi Roncarelli industry expert, China�s growth is not even due to outsourcing, but huge local demands. So it can be said that, our local industry is just at its infancy and this perpetual growth is blending together multiple disciplines, blurring the line between art, science, math, and technology.

Presenter Background

Dan Cornell has implemented this student instructional showcase at multiple conferences over the last seven years, including an identical model at TIE Colorado for the last three. He brings a wide range of experiences, including 10 years as a Digital Visual Arts instructor, 8 of those years emphasizing on 3D Animation and Visualization, 7 years of Industry related experience, and 2 years as District Technology Coordinator. He created and was instructor within TEAM-C (Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Music) an advanced middle school technology integration program for 3 years and then moved on to high school. He then designed a new high school model, Digital-Evolutions, a digital visualization and animation program, introducing students to design principles, new media design, basic programming, engineering/medical visualization, video production & composting, and a heavy emphasis on 3D. Presently, he is teaching: 3D Animation, Advanced 3D Animation, Digital Media Studies Portfolio I & II, computer graphics, and IB Digital Arts. Dan has presented at a number of local, state and national conferences, including SIGGRAPH, GESET, and TIE. He also maintains two 3D related resource sites including, www.3DTeachers.com, resources for 3d teachers and www.3Denver.com for industry professionals within the Denver area. For more information about Dan Cornell and his program, check our www.Digital-Evolutions.org

ISTE - 3D Animation: It's not Just for Hollywood

[Formal Session : Lecture]
Wednesday, 6/30/2010, 10:30am–11:30am, CCC Korbel Ballroom 2A
Dan Cornell, Smoky Hill High School
Discover how 3D content creation, one of the fastest-growing fields worldwide, is infiltrating almost every industry. Discover curriculum ideas to prepare students for these trends.  (Contains Commercial Content)
Theme/Strand: Digital-age Teaching & Learning—Multimedia/Video/Digital Storytelling/Newscasting
Audience: Technology Integration Specialists, Teachers, Principals
Level: 6-12
NETS•S: 1, 2, 4, 6
NETS•T: 1- 3
NETS•A: 2
Keywords: 3D Animation, Visualization, Differentiated Instruction, architecture, engineering, medical, forensics, STEM

---

Purpose & Objectives
Most people think of 3D animation as the visuals that make blockbuster movies and video games possible, but the applications for this art form go well beyond entertainment venues including: architecture, medical, aerospace, engineering, historical recreations, archeology, biotechnology, and forensics. Surprisingly, only about 4% of all computer animation produced is for the entertainment industry. The purpose of the presentation will be to give an overview of the present and future 3D technologies, future career trends and how to develop a curriculum that evolves within ever-changing digital landscape.
Outline
During this session, I will give a brief introduction about myself and my program, Digital-Evolutions. I will then discuss the future of 3D technologies, industry direction, student work, cross-disciplinary integration, teaching 3D with next-to-no experience, competition involvement, industry partners, meeting standards (STEM, NETS & art) and then open for discussion.
Supporting Research
Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008/09 predicts that digital media design and animation will show tremendous growth �much faster than average� through 2016 nationally. As of 2008, China has over 30 animation industrial bases, 5,400 animation companies, 450 high schools teaching certified animation courses, and 460,000 students studying animation related subjects. This was an increase of over 36% in comparison to 2006. (Aldric Chang 2008) According to Robi Roncarelli industry expert, China�s growth is not even due to outsourcing, but huge local demands. So it can be said that, our local industry is just at its infancy and this perpetual growth is blending together multiple disciplines, blurring the line between art, science, math, and technology.
Presenter Background
Dan Cornell brings a wide range of experiences, including 10 years as a Digital Visual Arts instructor, 8 of those years emphasizing on 3D Animation and Visualization, 7 years of Industry related experience, and 2 years as District Technology Coordinator. He created and was instructor within TEAM-C (Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Music) an advanced middle school technology integration program for 3 years and then moved on to high school. He then designed a new high school model, Digital-Evolutions, a digital visualization and animation program, introducing students to design principles, new media design, basic programming, engineering/medical visualization, video production & composting, and a heavy emphasis on 3D. Presently, he is teaching: 3D Animation, Advanced 3D Animation, Digital Media Studies Portfolio I & II, computer graphics, and IB Digital Arts. Dan presents at local, state and national conferences, including SIGGRAPH, GESET, TIE, and a number of others. He also maintains two 3D related resource sites including, www.3Dteachers.com, resources for 3d teachers and www.3Denver.com for industry professionals with in the Denver area.

CGArena June - July 2010 Magazine Issue Now Available

CGArena June - July 2010 Magazine
CG Arena is a free downloadable CG Magazine with great articles and tutorials.
June - July 10 Issue Articles

• Interview with Jason Seiler
• Photoshop: Lovers, 9 sqrm Production, Train your Creature
• Cinema 4D: Home in the Desert 66
• ZBrush: Smoke in the Eyes
• Gallery - Showcase of latest 3D inspiring art

http://www.cgarena.com/freestuff/ezine/jun10_issue.php

Free Digital Sculpting Tool

Check out Sculptris, it is a free digital sculpting tool, similar to that of Zbrush and Mudbox.  The features are limited, but it is simple and easy to use.  I have not spent that much time using it, but a handful of my beginner students have and they seem to love it.  They just seem to crank along without any help or instructions.  They just sculpt and it is free they will all have something to do this summer.  I am a ZBrush user and love all the advanced features, but the interface is not that intuitive.   Either way, if you do not have access to any 3d applications, check it out. 

A Big Thanks to Tomas Pettersson!!!

Cornell

http://www.sculptris.com/

 

Here is the creator’s story  . . .

Hi.
I'm Tomas Pettersson, and I created this application for my own enjoyment over the past six months (starting at the end of November 2009). This is an unpaid hobby project, but it has essentially consumed all my waking time during this period.

I don't want to demand any payment for the application, but of course I will appreciate a donation if you feel like it is valuable to you. Take a moment to consider what it would be worth in your particular case.

A pizza? A movie ticket? A day's salary?

Please do not consider donations as funding for future development. I will most likely take some more time to fix problems and improve various aspects, but I do not view this as my career. You can't "buy more features" (though I won't stop you from trying).

Sculptris will stay small and focused at its main task, which is sculpting and painting models. There is no point in expanding it to cover all the things advanced users can do in ZBrush, Blender, Maya and all the other big shot apps.

Scientific Animation – Great Resource!

http://www.xvivo.net/

DreamWorks Internships

As our films continue to set new standards of excellence in animated movies, we are committed to seeding the next generation of animation professionals to help keep us at the top of our game. Every department at our company depends on a wide range of skills and ideas to fuel our creative work, so we particularly encourage students from diverse backgrounds with varied experiences to apply for our internship programs. You’ll get hands-on experience, gain knowledge of the industry and develop a network for future career opportunities.

http://careers.dreamworksanimation.com/internships.php

 

Want to get started? Then you:

• Are (or will be next semester) a junior or senior enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university.
• Have an academic major related to the position in which you’re interested.
• Have some previous work experience (industry experience is even better).
• Are able to work a minimum of 40 hours per week for 10-12 weeks for summer internships and 16-24 hours per week for fall and spring internships.
• Can provide proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Are savvy around computers, can demonstrate teamwork and excel in a fast-paced environment.
• Can provide your own housing and transportation during the internship and pay for your expenses if we select you to come in for an interview.
  

We offer production, engineering and support internships in Summer, Spring and Fall. All internships last 10 to 12 weeks.

Pixar Internships

http://www.pixar.com/companyinfo/jobs/index.html

 

What kind of internships do you offer?

Pixar offers internships in Animation, Technical Direction, Production Management, Story, Marketing, Engineering and Editorial.

What are the qualifications to be considered for an internship?

If you are interested in a Technical Director Internship, you must be currently in college working towards your Bachelors, Masters or PhD Degree and returning to school following your internship at Pixar.
For all other internship opportunities you must be in or have completed at least your Junior year of college, be a graduate student, or have graduated the year the internship commences.
International students who are able to show work eligibility in the U.S. can apply.  We do not provide internship opportunities for high school students.

How many interns and/or residents do you typically have in your program?

We typically have between 15-20 interns and/or residents at one time. Most of our internships/residencies are offered throughout the year, depending on departmental needs. When internships and/or residencies are available, they will be posted on our website and/or through your school’s career site.

What kind of opportunities do you offer recent graduates?

We have a new program titled Technical Director Resident. This position is similar to a Technical Director position, but specifically designed for recent graduates. To be eligible for a Technical Director Residency at Pixar, you must be a new graduate from a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD Program at the start of the residency. The goals of the program are to provide new graduates the opportunity to apply their academic training and knowledge to a real job at Pixar. Residents will work on Pixar’s films and will have the opportunity to build their skills and learn from our creative and talented workforce. All technical “Residents” will receive ongoing mentorship and training throughout their time at Pixar. The residency is a twelve-month program. Residents will be evaluated during their term and may be considered for ongoing employment, dependent on overall performance and Studio needs.  Recent graduates interested in being a Technical Director are also welcome to apply for a regular full time position with Pixar. The Technical Director Resident position is just a great way to start off your career.

If you are a recent graduate interested in other positions at Pixar, please feel free to apply for a full time position or an internship. Positions will be posted on our website when they are available.

Are your internships and recent graduate opportunities paid?

Yes.

If I am hired as an intern or Technical Director Resident at Pixar, does this mean I will have the opportunity to be hired as a regular employee if I do well during my internship or residency?

There is no guarantee that you will be hired as it depends on the needs of the studio at the current time as well as your overall performance.

May I have an informational interview? I am a student who is doing a report and would like to interview an animator or technical artist.

Due to production demands and the large number of requests we receive, we cannot accommodate requests for informational interviews.

How do I get started in a career in computer graphics/animation?

There is a wealth of information on the web regarding careers in these fields. Besides information on our web site (current job opportunities) be sure to check the career and business information offered by Siggraph (www.siggraph.org). Animation Magazine (www.animationmagazine.net) and the Animation World Network (www.awn.com) are also good resources.

What animation software do you use and what do you recommend to those hoping to work for a company like Pixar in the future?

Pixar uses its own proprietary software called Marionette, built and maintained in-house. Be sure to research other commercially available animation software programs.

In general, at Pixar we look for broad artistic and technical skills, rather than ability to run one package or another. We concentrate on finding people with breadth, depth, communication skills and the ability to collaborate. If you have those attributes, we can teach you the tools.

Awesome Summer Reading!!! droidMAKER - FREE

DROIDMAKER book now downloadable, FREE!

I read this a couple years ago and it is awesome!  Well, I am a bit geeker than most, a big Star Wars fan, and a 3D animator.  Either way, I could not put it down.  I think it is a great summer read for your students and the price is right..  --- Cornell
________________________________________________________________________________

I'm not really sure how this will go over, but i've decided to make my book DROIDMAKER downloadable in its entirety, effective today. It's a long book (518 pages), and I still recommend going to Amazon and getting yourself a copy (it's how you can pay for this "shareware"), but below are links to get PDFs of the book: I've divided it into the three "acts" that makes up the saga.

Act 1: Intro plus Chapters 1-6 [1.8MB]
Act 2: Chapters 7-17 [3.7MB]
Act 3: Chapters 18-26

(UPDATE 7/14: I added a little donation button in the left column ... if you love the book, but don't want to buy from amazon, a contribution of your own chosing would be great!)

I don't know how long I can keep these links available, so get it while you can. I hope you'll enjoy it - Droidmaker is really the only work of its kind - and I hope you'll feel free to share it with like-minded Star Wars/George Lucas fans, computer graphics folks, videogamers, movie geeks, and technophiles. The reviews on Amazon have been quite wonderful (both Alvy Ray Smith AND Ben Burtt rave there) but your feedback is always welcomed.

Thank you, and enjoy!

Introduction to Forensic Animation Technology

Eugene Liscio, P. Eng.

Provided by AI2-3D Forensic Animations
In the legal industry forensic animations have seen a growing use by lawyers and courts since the early 1990’s. Even so, there are still numerous people who have avoided this technology simply because of a lack of understanding. Yet, time and time again, forensic animations have proven to be advantageous in deciding settlements or trials simply because they are one of the best communication tools available to lawyers and accident reconstructionists today.

A forensic animation is the use of full motion computer graphics to recreate an event or to explain the inner workings of a device or process. Ironically, the same software used to create feature films such as Lord of the Rings or Spiderman is also used to create accurate and detailed animations which are admissible in court.

There are basically two types of animations, substantive and deive. A substantive animation is where physically accurate simulation software is used to provide the movement of objects based on data inputs. A common example is an automobile collision where the accident reconstructionist begins by collecting all the necessary data such as the terrain geometry, road conditions, vehicle specifications, impact speeds, friction coefficients, etc. This data is then input into the simulation software and the output is a set of data which describes the motion of objects. Many simulation programs also have the option to graphically animate the results of the simulation although, most are still lacking in the level of realism. Alternatively, the data may be output to another 3D animation program which can provide a much more realistic and higher quality animation. It is important to understand that the movement of objects is calculated based on dynamics and physically accurate mathematical equations.

Demonstrative animations (which are perhaps the most common), vary from showing how a mechanical device may have failed to how a medical procedure may have gone wrong. These are simply informative recreations based on data supplied to the animator and normally confirmed by an expert. Demonstrative animations may also be used to recreate vehicle collisions; however the animator or accident reconstructionist would provide the basis for the movement and timing of the vehicles as opposed to a simulation program.

Regardless of which type of animation is used, they still need to be accurate and should normally have solid data or reference materials to aid in there construction.

When to consider a forensic animation?

Read the rest of the article . . .

http://www.hgexperts.com/article.asp?id=5216

Breaking News!!! Autodesk Provides 13-Month Licenses for Students

AWESOME NEWS for my students and yours, Autodesk is providing 13-month student licenses for all their products, including 3ds Max and Maya.   This is giving  students such a head start, a 30-day trial is just not enough to really get into a software package.   With thirteen months on the other hand, students can really dive-in and build a strong foundation and can also try out some of the other products that they wouldn’t have otherwise.  I am always telling my students that they have to take charge of their education and go beyond what they are learning in class or they are already behind.  It is a competitive industry and you just need to “Always take it to the next level.”  I can’t say enough how awesome this is.  My students will defiantly not be bored this summer.  --- Cornell

You want to change the world. We want to see you do it.

Now is the perfect time to download the latest versions of your favorite Autodesk® products or try out a new one. Become proficient with the same software used by design and engineering professionals around the world, and further explore your design ideas that can make an impact on your future.

With the latest release of Autodesk® 2011 products, there are now more than 25 new software titles available for free* download on the Autodesk Education Community. All products now come with 13-month licenses, including 3ds Max and Maya. These new products can help you build skills needed in the workplace and introduce tools that support industry trends such as Sustainable Design, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Digital Entertainment Creation.

You’ll also notice a new look and feel to the community – it’s been designed to help you find just what you’re looking for, faster. We’re eager to hear what you think – please send us your feedback via the links on the site.