TORONTO — The Toronto ACM SIGGRAPH Professional Chapter has launched its Website (http://toronto.siggraph.org). In addition, the chapter will host an event on June 25 that will include a screening of the SIGGRAPH 2012 Electronic Theater.
ACM SIGGRAPH (Association of Computer Machinery’s Special Interest Group in computer GRAPHics and interactive techniques) has grown globally from a handful of computer graphics enthusiasts to a diverse group of researchers, artists, developers, filmmakers and scientists across various industries. Toronto is now home to a local professional chapter seeking to centralize and enhance city-wide collaboration.
Toronto is home to many professionals and innovative companies involved in all aspects of software, content, and media production. The local chapter is being made possible by volunteers and sponsors. Side Effects Software, the developer of Houdini, a procedural node-based 3D animation and visual effects solution, is a founding sponsor for the Toronto Chapter.
“SIGGRAPH has played an important role in our growth as a company over the last 26 years,” says Kim Davidson, president and CEO, Side Effects Software. “The launch of a Toronto chapter, where we have our headquarters, provides a great forum for the local community of artists and developers to connect.”
The Toronto ACM SIGGRAPH chapter plans to draw together and support the growth of opportunities for professionals and companies, both creatively and technically.
“We are combining our membership drive with a debut screening of the SIGGRAPH 2012 Electronic Theater to give our future members a taste of what our upcoming events will be like,” says chapter president Jacky Bibliowicz.
The annual SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival Electronic Theater Program presents the world's most innovative, and accomplished digital film and video creations. An internationally recognized jury receives hundreds of submissions and presents the best work of the year in the Electronic Theater. The SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a qualifying festival.
“For the Toronto Chapter’s launch event, we wanted to share the best compilation of SIGGRAPH global animations with the city, unleashing winning creativity, with recognition in surround sound,” notes Valerie McCulloch, chapter secretary. The Royal Theater is the perfect venue for cutting-edge, digital animation. “We are thrilled and thankful to be sponsored by our host venues. The Royal has the charm of 1930s art deco design, but showcases cinema with the latest in digital and audio technology. Exceptional service for the evening will be managed in partnership by the Monarch Tavern. The Monarch Tavern will host and facilitate the post Electronic Theater networking event.”
CanWood Entertainment Inc. is demonstrating their support by delivering event production expertise. The June 25th Electronic Theater tickets are limited in availability and can be purchased through: http://tosiggraph-launch.eventbrite.ca/.