SIM goes to SIGGRAPH

As the partially sunny July comes to an end, Vancouver gears up for a tech-packed month in August. Specifically on the brain is the highly anticipated computer graphics and interactive media spectacular, SIGGRAPH (Special Interest Group for Computer Graphics). SIGGRAPH is a major tradeshow that draws film and tech professionals from all over the world. The SIM Centre will be at SIGGRAPH as part of Emily Carr's Applied Research booth.

The festival is scheduled to take off and power through August 7th to the 11th on the waterfront at the Vancouver Convention Center, and is bound to be an energetic spectacle of animation techniques, interactive installations and a frenzy of networking. With everything from film screenings to videos games to inside business tips to interactive installations, there's bound to be something for everyone. From hot-button bigwigs like Pixar, Dreamworks, EA Games Canada and Sony Picture Image Works to small but undeniably talented solo artists, SIGGRAPH 2011 is a YVR event not to be missed.

Personally, after a YouTube binge on previous SIGGRAPH videos I'm most stoked and earnest to view this year's Art Gallery. Coming at it from a student's point of view, I know several of my recently-graduated animation friends have hopped on the volunteering lists in hopes of seeing/meeting/learning all that SIGGRAPH has to offer. They see it as a chance to not only get the insider's scoop on up and coming animation programs, but also to have fun being submerged in animation and animation-related activities for five days.

All in all, a bang-on way transition from the slow and steady summer and into another year at school. And if you're at SIGGRAPH, we hope you'll visit SIM at Booth 947.