The Visual Effects Society (VES) is presenting the first "VES '99: A Festival of Visual Effects" which will take place June 4-6 at the Leonard Goldenson Theater of the Television Academy. The event is designed to provide an annual platform for sharing creativity and common interests in the production of visual effects for the entertainment industry. The three-day program includes a series of seminars presented by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Jim Henson's Creature Workshop and Sony Pictures Imageworks among others. No doubt, a major highlight for many will be speakers from the production crew of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE - Dennis Muren, Senior Visual Effects Supervisor; Rob Coleman, Animation Supervisor; and John Knoll and Scott Squires, Visual Effects Supervisors. Following each of their presentations will be a screening of a classic visual effects film (e.g. WAR OF THE WORLDS) that influenced them to enter the field. Another special event is a presentation by the legendary Ray Harryhausen (MIGHTY JOE YOUNG, CLASH OF THE TITANS). Tickets are available to VES members as well as VES Member Companies. In addition, members of LA SIGGRAPH, the American Society of Cinematographers, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Directors, and other visual effects/production organizations may purchase tickets. The remaining seats will go on sale to the general public in April and May. Visit www.vesmem.org or call (818) 789-7083 for further details.