Alias|Wavefront will be holding Maya MasterClasses during SIGGRAPH 2003. The 90-minute seminars will be presented by accomplished industry professionals and Alias|Wavefront experts. Topics will include mental ray for Maya, Character Articulation for Games, MEL, Previsualization and Maya Fluid Effects, to name a few. Many of the classes are for intermediate to advanced users; however, Exploring Maya 5 Features is an excellent session for the beginner to intermediate level. The classes will be held at the San Diego Marriott in Marina Ball Room, Section F, which is located at 333 West Harbor Drive. Below is a list of the various classes and its times.

Monday, July 28, 2003
* MEL Crash Course

The Ultimate Movie Making Experience!
August 10

This international film competition is open to short and feature films of any genre and format that have been produced in the years 2002 and 2003. The directors will be in the cinema while their films will be presented without being divided in categories. The festival will give filmmakers a chance to network and give students a chance to learn from a global talent pool. For more information contact the festival via Paladini, 8, 20133 Milano, Italy, phone: +39 02 713 613, e-mail: info@milanofilmfestival.it or on the Web at milanofilmfestival.it.

The 4th Annual Festival of Fantasy, Horror & Science-Fiction kicks off with special 50th anniversary screening of a brand-new print of THE WAR OF THE WORLDS with cast-member Ann Robinson and others in attendance. Other highlights include: a sneak preview of Eli Roth

The 30th Flanders International Film Festival has introduced a new policy to encourage quality film distribution in Benelux. Money attached to the festival

The Sixth Annual Marco Island Film Festival is a film festival celebrating the best in feature-length and shorts in drama, comedy and animation. Awards honoring filmmakers are presented during the closing ceremony. Named one of the top 10 Film Festival getaways by Chris Gore's FilmThreat.com, Marco Island is a beautiful oasis off the coast of Florida. This festival is reaching global proportions, attracting hundreds of independent films from all over the world. Filmmakers enjoy the island style hospitality of this intimate and meaningful festival filled with lots of awards and networking opportunities. The event includes nightly beach screenings, parties, panels, high-tea and an awards ceremony. Opening Night

The Atlantic Film Festival is one of the premier Canadian film festivals, with an international reputation that attracts filmmakers from across the country and around the world. Every September, an ever-increasing number of film fans and industry delegates converge onto Halifax to experience the festival, which features an entertaining and aspiring collection of short and feature-length films from Canada and beyond. The event features film screenings, the CBC Industry Series, parties and receptions. For further information visit www.atlanticfilm.com.

Oregon3D Inc., The Center for Visualization TechnologiesSM, will have famed stop-motion animator Will Vinton speak at its upcoming Oregon3DSM Film Camp. The two-week film school-style camp will involve students in the total process of creating a short film as a group. Drawing from more than two decades of experience in the animation industry, Vinton will join the camp as part of the Film Camp's lectures series and provide students with insight from past projects such as the famous California Raisins and THE PJ'S. Under the guidance of award-winning director Mike Wellins and Oregon3D's discreet-certified flame compositor Phil Guzzo, Oregon3D Film Camp students will work step-by-step through the entire film production process, and come away with a well-rounded experience of modern filmmaking and an actual film for their reel. The Film Camp will take place from 9:00 to 5:00 pm, at Oregon3D's training facility, 735 SW 20th Place, Suite 230, Portland, Oregon. The cost of Film Camp is $1,500 and includes some lunches. For additional information on Film Camp and class registration, visit the Oregon3D Website at www.oregon3d.com/filmcamp.html or call (866) 626-9100.

UCLA Extension's Computer Graphics and Graphic Design Program is hosting a free open house, featuring a presentation of the recently updated curriculum, a panel of UCLA Extension instructors and industry experts and discussion of career opportunities in the field. Attendees may enter a drawing for a free course and learn about a selection of fall quarter design courses available at a 10% discount (at this event only). In addition, those who attend will be eligible for a 10% discount on the certificate candidacy fee. The open house begins at 7:00 pm at UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center, 10920 Lindbrook Drive, Room 202. For more information call (310) 206-1422.

The 7th Hollywood Film Festival is a celebration of the art of film. The event features a three-day Hollywood conference from October 17-19, featuring networking with Hollywood pros. Each year top executives, producers, agents and others from such companies as Columbia/TriStar, Paramount, Walt Disney, Miramax, New Line, Fox Searchlight, the Samuel Goldwyn Co., NBC, Overseas Filmgroup, CAA, ICM, Metropolitan, William Morris, Writers & Artists, and many others, participate as panelists. From October 17-19, HFF screens the finalist features, documentaries and shorts. Festival parties and special events include an Opening Night Premiere and a Closing Night Premiere. The Hollywood Movie Awards Ceremony will take place Monday, October 20, 2003, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. For more information contact the Hollywood Film Festival at 433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 600, Beverly Hills, California 90210, tel: (310) 288-1882, or visit www.hollywoodfilmfestival.com.