Last year's inaugural //ADAPT conference was such a success that this year's show is expanding from two to five days.

Digital animation and vfx professionals from all over the world convened in Montreal in September 2006 at the inaugural //ADAPT (Advanced Digital Art Production Techniques) conference. This year, the show is expanding from two to five days -- and there's a good reason why.

"In 2006, the event exceeded all our expectations and the feedback we received was absolutely amazing," comments //ADAPT co-founder Jean-Eric Hénault. "The biggest feedback we got was that there was just too much to see and not enough time to see it all. We ended up with so much content; we felt we had enough to fill an event lasting at least twice as long. We are adding more content for this year, and much of it is quite spectacular."

Hénault explains that extending //ADAPT 2007 to five days avoids overlapping events and maximizes content. "It is now physically possible to attend classes in the 2D and 3D Masters Program, if you purchase the full conference pass," Hénault says.

//ADAPT 2007 plans to present 2D, 3D and Exploration tracks of programming, similar to last year, but with a big plus. "We have also added a 2D/3D + Program, open to all attendees, which will feature extra classes on how tools of the trade are used on game and film projects," Hénault adds. "In addition, attendees in the 2D and 3D Masters Program can also take advantage of the 2D/3D + and the Exploration program among all the other activities surrounding the conference."

A highlight of this year's conference is the appearance of keynote speaker Phil Tippett.

A-List Speakers
Last year, //ADAPT attendees were treated to such A-list speakers as Syd Mead, Iain McCaig and Mark Goerner, and they are all returning this year. Hénault also offered a sneak peek at the list of other high-quality speakers presenting in 2007.

"To begin with, on Monday evening, Sept. 24 at 7:00 p.m., Phil Tippett will be our keynote speaker," Hénault continues. "We are very honored to have such an illustrious guest on what is, after all, only the second edition of this event."

Tippett is the founder of Berkeley-based Tippett Studio. His filmmaking knowledge and ability to design and breathe life into complex animated characters has earned him two Academy Awards, two Emmys and a Special Achievement Award during the course of a career that has spanned more than 30 years.

"I intend to bring along fond memories from where we've been, advantages of the current digital age and some trepidation toward the future," Tippett offers. "Having participated in the dramatic changeover from creating visual effects for motion pictures photo-chemically (and with models) to now, where nearly everything is being created digitally, I've been allowed a somewhat unique perspective."

Hénault has provided some highlights from the forthcoming 2007 program. "Keep in mind this is just a sample of the actual program and more names will be announced shortly," he continues.

KEYNOTE
Phil Tippett

2D PROGRAM
Syd Mead (Blade Runner, Aliens, Tron, The Island)
Iain McCaig (Star Wars Episode I, II, III, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Hook)
Mark Goerner (Superman Returns, X-Men 2, The Terminal, Minority Report, Constantine)
Ryan Cook/Double Negative (Harry Potter I – III, Star Wars Episode I, II)

3D PROGRAM
Shawn Kelly & Carlos Baena/AnimationMentor.com (Star Wars I, II, Hulk, Cars, The Incredibles)
Bill Kroyer/Rhythm & Hues (The Chronicles of Narnia, Tron, A Nightmare on Elm Street)
Dan Gregoire /Halon Ent. (Transformers, War of the Worlds, Star Wars II, III)
Andy Schmidt/Pixar (Ratatouille, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc.)
Aaron Holly (Meet the Robinsons, The Matrix Revolutions, Matrix Reloaded, Shark Tale)

FOUR SPECIAL FEATURE PRESENTATIONS
Ratatouille /Pixar (Michael Fong)
Transformers/Industrial Light & Magic (Todd Vaziri)
Halo 3/Bungie (CJ Cowan)
Making of a 3D Movie Panel featuring:

Carolyn Soper (vp production)/Walt Disney Animation Studios
Tim Johnson (co-director of Over the Hedge)/DreamWorks Animation SKG
Lydia Bottegoni (co-producer of Surf's Up)/Sony Pictures Animation/Imageworks