SIGGRAPH: AUTODESK BRINGS TOOLS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
The "Fun with Maya" Tech Talk explores some of the more surprising behaviors of Autodesk Maya software dynamics with one of its creators, Academy Award-winning scientist Duncan Brinsmead, who will reveal insider tricks on using nParticles, nCloth and Paint Effects.
Representatives from Sony Pictures Imageworks, Starz Animation, Psyop/Mass Market and Mythic Entertainment, an EA Studio, will be on hand to discuss some of their work, including Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 9, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning and various commercials.
Autodesk representative Jennifer Goldfinch is set to speak at a panel discussion during the Student Volunteer session that will be hosted by Post's sister publication CGW. It will offer students job-finding tips and industry insight. The session will be streamed live on www.cgw.com.
And as part of the SIGGRAPH Outreach Program, Autodesk donated licenses of the Autodesk Animation Academy suite to help build a computer graphics lab for the students of Algiers Technical Academy.
Also on the education front, Autodesk is offering instructor training through its APEX program, including a three-day workshop that trains and certifies candidates seeking Autodesk Certified Evaluator (ACE) and Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI) status for Maya, 3DS Max and Softimage software.
In its online "Area" (www.area.autodesk.com/siggraph2009), Autodesk is offering online master classes from pros that will provide tips and tricks on the company's software.
On the product front, Autodesk introduced "Suites for Digital Entertainment Creation." The product suites offer a 35 percent savings over purchasing product licenses separately.
The Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites offer customers a choice of either Maya or 3DS Max software, along with both Mudbox and MotionBuilder software. The Autodesk Real-Time Animation Suites are designed for animation-intensive productions and also offer a choice of Maya or 3DS Max software, in addition to MotionBuilder software. And for those looking to develop a career in animation, the company offers the Education Suite for Entertainment Creation, which includes access to learning resources and Maya, 3DS Max, MotionBuilder, Mudbox, Softimage and SketchBook Pro software. The Suite is available for both institution and student purchase.
The Animation Academy Suite offers software and curriculum resources that enable students to learn 3D while exploring new ways to visualize ideas. It includes Maya, 3DS Max, MotionBuilder, Mudbox and SketchBook Pro software, as well as a curriculum resources DVDs and access to online community resources.
All four Windows suites are expected to ship in the fall. The Entertainment Creation Suite will be priced at $4,995, while the Real-Time Animation Suite will be $4,795. Resellers can provide price details for the educational suites.