The Vancouver Effects and Animation Festival (VEAF) showcases all types of effects work and animation from realistic water effects to traditional cel animation work. The event will feature guest speakers, panels and awards. Special guests will include visual effects legend Ray Harryhausen and Mark Gustafson, senior creative director/supervising producer for THE PJS. Some of the categories for the festival competition are: Commercials (animated), Commercials (effects), Feature Film (animated), Feature Film (effects), Music Videos (animated), Music Videos (effect), Short Films, Titles, Idents, PSAs and Stings, Simulations, Education and Training Videos, Student Work, CD-Roms and Websites.

Animators Ruth and Roger Whiter were lucky enough to meet Ray Harryhausen for tea and a chat about his career, read what was said in Animation World Magazine.

Want to know more about Mark Gustafson and his work on THE PJS? Then check out Animation World Magazine's interview.

Fantasm 2001 is a leading multimedia science-fiction, fantasy, horror, art, film and gaming convention. Foundation Imaging's computer animation wizard, Mojo, will be on hand to discuss his work on the TV series BABYLON 5, STAR TREK: VOYAGER and STARSHIP TROOPERS. Visitors can bring their demo tapes and questions on how to break into the computer animation business.

Side Effects Software will present the X-MEN work completed by C.O.R.E. Digital on Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 6 pm at University of Toronto's Hart House. Nordin Rahhali, who served as a technical director on X-MEN, will discuss C.O.R.E.'s work on the film, including early challenges and Houdini's role in overcoming them. Side Effects will also present new Houdini capabilities, including its artist-friendly interface, customizable panels and vector expressions and the integrated Houdini scripting language. An hors d'oeuvre reception will begin at 6:30 pm and the presentation will follow in the second floor Debates Room at Hart House, located at 7 Hart House Circle, Toronto. Please RSVP to rsvp@sidefx.com or call (416) 504-9876 for more information.

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The Dusty Film Festival Awards is an annual ceremony to celebrate the top-graduating seniors in film, video and computer animation at the School of Visual Arts. This year the event will be held at the Zeigfeld Theater. Approximately 1200 people will attend the event, including many people soon to be looking for employment in creative fields. This year, the festival includes three days of continuous screenings (May 14-16) leading up to the special activities on May 17.

The 8th Edition of the Festival Synthesis is a festival dedicated to CG movies and animations. Last year the event had 10,000 visitors. This year's Synthesis will feature a retrospective on the work of ILM. The event will also include screenings, discussions, company presentations and product demos.

Join the Vancouver Film School (VFS) for a presentation of their 3D, classical and Maya programs; see award-winning student work; bring your portfolio for review and meet the roadshow team. The evenings will include refreshments and prizes. The VFS roadshow team will be in Dallas on July 16 at the Sheraton Suites Market Center Hotel from 6-9pm; in
Austin on July 17 at the Sheraton Austin Hotel and Conference Center from 6-9pm; in
Houston on July 18 at the Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel from 6-9pm; and in
Denver on July 20 at the Westin Tabor Center Hotel from 6-9pm. RSVP to rebecca@vfs.com or call 1-800-661-4101

The 22nd Annual International Monitor Awards were established by the Association of Imaging Technology and Sound to showcase the best in electronic production, post-production and digital media. The nine craft areas are editor, visual effects, graphic design, 3D animation, color correction, sound design, audio mixing, original scoring and best achievement. The event accepts entries from film, television, shorts, PSAs, music videos and interactive media.

The Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry is holding its first Puppet Short Film and Video Festival. See some of your favorites, some oldies, some you've never heard of and have some lovely Japanese food too! Admission is free. The event will run from 7:00 pm to approximately 9:30 pm. Material is not suitable for children. If you are interested in submitting a short for next year, please contact the organizers.

The Vancouver Film School (VFS) is holding a three hour presentation that includes detailed descriptions of their classical, 3D and Maya programs. Student works will be shown and portfolios will be reviewed. The presentation will be held at the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel, 303 East Cordova Street, Pasadena, on Saturday, August 11 from 2-4pm. The event will include refreshments and prizes. RSVP to rebecca@vfs.com or call 1-800-661-4101

Side Effects Software will host a free seminar at SIGGRAPH 2001 to address increasing worldwide demand for Houdini skills and Certified Houdini Trainers. The event will appeal to school staff with plans to expand their 3D animation offerings and trainers interested in augmenting their existing skill set to take advantage of employment opportunities. Ray Corbett, Training Supervisor at Digital Domain, will share his experience providing Houdini training at one of the world's leading effects companies and review job opportunities for Houdini users and trainers. Randy McCrimmon, Associate Director, 3D Animation, from the Academy of Art College, San Francisco, will discuss their successful Houdini program, and Richard Kidd, Certified Houdini Trainer, will speak about industry opportunities available as a freelance Houdini Trainer. This event provides a great opportunity to learn about Side Effects Software's support of educational institutions and trainers and to get details about the Houdini Trainer Certification Program, including requirements and how to apply. All seminar attendees will be eligible for a 50% discount on the introductory certification application fee should they choose to enroll. The event will take place on Sunday, August 12, 2001, noon to 12:45 pm at the Westin-Bonaventure Hotel (Downtown LA), San Jose Room. Reservations required.