Tablescape

This is great, its emerging technology that could be quite a fad soon. Look Here and see what you think.

SIGGRAPH Sunday/Monday

Ok, so its lunch on Monday and I didn't post anything last night but now I have a little bit more to write about.

Yesterday I started with the first half day course, The Art of Open Season. Sony Pictures spoke how the put Open Season together from development to final render in a great course. This feature is looking extremely promising with some nice design and animation going for it. Too bad about the voice cast - not my favourite bunch.



Lecturers (from right) Doug Ikeler, Sean Mullen, Darren Lurie and Max Bruce.

Sean spoke about the rig and Character Setup, including key panels similar to the synoptic in XSI and Slicers which enabled the animators to refine and sculpt the silhouette of the character.

After a quick lunch, I was back in the extremely cold hall, these guys love their air conditioning and I fear I am getting sick from the hot-cold conditions here.

The second course yesterday was all about Narnia and how Rhythm & Hues developed Aslan and the other creatures involved in the battle.



Lectures included (from left) Ivan Neulander, Tae-Yong Kim, Wil Telford, Hans Rijpkema, Brad Hiebert and Jubin Dave.

Vastly more informative than the DVD, this course went into more detail and showed some early work on Aslan and how the Griphon got his walk on part. Not overly technical this course was great for the beginner, with a small bit of "what was that?" when Ivan spoke about rendering hair...



In the main lobby there is an exhibition on the teapot containing some interesting interpretations on the original Teapot render. From sculpture to paintings and even glass blown teapots.

This morning I was between a course on Sketch Based interfaces and emerging technologies sketches. Nothing as good as yesterday but the preperation on the main exhibition is underway and visible from the catwalk through the centre. Looking like fun tomorrow.

Now it's off to a course on defining Character Dev Techniques, the Electronic theatre and then the Chapters party. Looking forward to it but I will post some more later this week. They are being strict about photos here so hopefully I can get some more.

Showreel 2006

Just to let you know, my reel for 2006, featuring new 7Up and Vodacom work is available for download 15MB HERE.

Boston / SIGGRAPH day 1

Registration started yesterday at 6pm and a whole bunch of attendees and exhibitors turned up. So far the shuttle service from the hotel, through the "big dig" detours and to the Convention Centre have worked well. Granted, yesterday was a Saturday afternoon, so we shall see what Monday is like when we have to deal with normal traffic.
Registration was painless, quick and efficient for the most part. When I arrived there was a short line which by the time I had registered had grown to easily 150m.



The line growing as eager atendees wait to register.





Inside the registration hall.

I got my registration papers, card and other useful info for the week ahead. Then made my way to collect my conference DVD etc. Unfortunately the DVD wasn't available and will be shipped to me later. Now the full conference starts today, so hopefully I will have little bit more information and photos this evening.

New Laptop

Well I finally went out and bought a Notebook, that I have been meaning to get for ages. I am now typing this post on my new Sony Vaio VGN-FE28GP.



Look at the specs here.
So far I am very happy with it, and with my new H2 Sony Cybershot and Sony Ericcson W800i, all my gadgets are very compatible. Who needs a Mac?? Pfft!!!

I am still getting used to the lack of mouse, but will be purchasing a wireless mouse soon. Rubbing a single finger on my touchpad is causing the others to cramp as I hold them clear....ouch.

EDIT: just thought I would let you all know, I also purchased a Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 - if you are considering this? DON'T!
I mean, don't buy one, don't don't consider it...er. You know what I mean.
This wonderful piece of Microsoft mania is extremely annoying if you use the middle button to actually click. Its so unresponsive and you have to click at the right angle or it takes it as a scroll left and right option. Aaaargh - I just need three buttons and a wheel up and down - now they add left and right. Soon with a twist and double flip of the wrist, I will be able to move windows without selecting the boxes.

Ok, Microsoft, looks like I am going to spend another R209 to buy a Logitech cordless optical Notebook Mouse. The wheel doesn't seem so complicated.