L.A. Inc., the Los Angeles's Convention and Visitor's Bureau, has commissioned CalArts School of Film/Video to make 20 one-minute films created by CalArts students, highlighting the city's landmark cultural institutions and reflecting the "new L.A." as a vibrant cultural epicenter and edgy arts maverick. The films have been compiled into a four-minute piece that will be used by L.A. Inc., at convention, meeting and leisure travel industry events around the world to promote the city and attract tourism. This is the first time a U.S.

New York University is hosting the first Camp/Game: Intensive Video Game Creation this summer, from July 6 to August 6, 2004. The summer camp is geared toward high school seniors and undergraduate students (17-25) interested in learning the finer points of the videogame industry. Camp/Game is created and run by the Division of Entertainment, Technology, Digital Arts and Design (ETDAD), part of NYU's School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS).

Gnomon School of Visual Effects will present an evening with legendary stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen on April 20, 2004 at 7:00 pm. Harryhausen will speak about his work (including the recently restored MOTHER GOOSE STORIES) and life and sign copies of his newly released book, RAY HARRYHAUSEN: AN ANIMATED LIFE (Billboard Books), which will be available for sale at the event.

Escape Studios in London has announced a new range of courses aimed at developing specific skillsets with Maya. The new courses have been written and will be taught by industry professionals.

The new courses include:
* Character Animation Essentials: The program covers all the key areas of character animation including an understanding of the principles of animation and how exactly they translate into a 3D software environment.

Oregon3D has purchased a license from Newlands & Co. Inc. for rights to the data that comprises a 3D prototype of the city of Portland, Oregon. Oregon3D plans to use the Portland City model for realtime visual simulation projects, allowing users to fly through the virtual city in realtime.

Oregon3D Inc., The Academy for Digital Arts & Sciences, has announced its second annual Oregon3D Film Camp. Scheduled for Aug. 15 - 27, 2004 at Oregon3D, students from around the world will partake in the process of creating a short film collectively. Under the guidance of award-winning director, Mike Wellins of Happy Hour Ent. (previously from Will Vinton Studios), students will work step-by-step through the entire film production process and an actual short film for their demo reel.

As part of its continuing series, the Gnomon Workshop released three new training DVDs by sculptor John Brown (A BEAUTIFUL MIND, PLANET OF THE APES, SPY KIDS). These titles focus on sculpting, casting and molding the full-size head and character maquette.

Sarasota, Florida-based Ringling School of Art and Design has released its continuing studies and special programs for summer 2004.

Gnomon School of Visual Effects begins registration for the spring 2004 term, which runs from April 5 through June 13. Registrations may be submitted through the mail, via fax, in person or online at www.gnomon3d.com.

Oregon3D, The Academy for Digital Arts & Sciences, and Discreet will sponsor upcoming "Storytelling and Animation" seminars at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Jose, California. Scheduled for March 25, 2004, this two-part class will explore the world of animation from a general overview to the current state of animation as a career.