This month's CATNAP meeting features Jim Rohn, formerly of Midway Gaming, who will examine the development process for games. He will walk through the pre-visualization process from storyboard to 3D layout in Maya. The meeting begins at 1:00 pm with networking. Bring works for the open screening session as well as technical questions you may have. The new meeting location is the Illinois Institute of Art, 180 N. Wabash (corner Lake and Wabash), Room 234 in downtown Chicago.

The May meeting of CATNAP focuses on casting and directing voice talents. Featured presenter is Mike Nawrocki of Big Idea Productions, co-writer of A VEGGIETALES MOVIE and the voice of Larry the Cucmber. The meeting includes an opportunity to network and screen work. The meeting begins at 1:00 PM at the studios of iToons, 3717 S. Ravenswood, Chicago.

The September meeting features independent animator Chris Sullivan. Sullivan, a professor at School of the Art Institute will discuss his body of work, including the recently completed feature "Consuming Spirits". The meeting will take place at the Illinois Institute of Art, 180 N.Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Room 234 from 1 to 4 PM. Networking and open screenings are a regular part of this monthly gathering of Chicago area animators and students.

The October meeting of CATNAP will focus on the topics of Clean-up/Tween Painting/Paint Layouts as part of an ongoing lecture series that follows the animation production process. Meetings include time to network and screen work. There will be updates on member and group projects, including the CATNAP promo. Meetings begin at 1 pm, and are free and open to the public. Meetings are held at the studios of itoons, 3717 N. Ravenswood, Suite 210 in Chicago.

CATNAP's November meeting looks at the topic of Flash Animation vs Traditional techniques. Featured presenter is Flash guru Bob Risetto. The monthly meeting also features networking, screenings and an update on the group animation project. Open to all and free of charge. The meeting begins at 1 pm at the studios of itoons, 3717 N. Ravenswood Ave, Suite 210, Chicago.

Anime, Cosplay, Sci-Fi,Fantasy,martial arts, and more. Workshop on media and animation. A Gathering of Warriors

SEMAFX, the ACM SIGGRAPH Professional Chapter of Southeast Michigan features their First Creative Congress of Michigan on Tuesday, February 21, 2006, from 6-10 pm. This Congress cordially invites all User Groups, schools, companies, post houses, studios and other creative organizations to send us ONE Delegate who will speak for your group and describe your GOALS to the gathering. Even if you don't want to speak, then come mingle and schmooze with some of Michigan's most creative, talented and inspiring people! The intent of this Congress is to FOCUS everyone's creative energies into a poweful force that will have a positive and dramatic impact on our creative society! I encourage everyone with a single creative cell in their body to join us for this unique and powerful event. The networking potential is staggering! This single evening will generate new collaboration opportunities between individuals and organizations on an entirely new level!

The Digital Media Festival hosts Australia

The Digital Media Festival delivers an exhibition with the latest cutting edge tools for Animation, Visual Effect, HD/Digital Video production/Post production and Digital Imaging. Leading digital media technology tools from Apple, Sony, Panasonic, Adobe, Avid, Discreet and Canopus (just to name a few) will be exhibited with industry expert specialists on hand to inform and educate the industry.

Platinum Partner Apple will host the Apple Training Theatre with workshops on Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Shake and Motion. The Digital Media Partner Theatre will host a stream of free information sessions from the industry leading product vendors at the show.

There are 3 conferences held along side the exhibiton. These are the Australian Effects and Animation Festival, DVFest & Digital Imaging Festival.

Discreet invites the public to its Data Overdrive and Open House events that will showcase Discreet