* Thursday, April 19, 2001. Hollywood, California, U.S.A.
Gnomon announced that the next event in a series of lectures on ground-breaking films will be a presentation of "Independence Day" by the film's computer animation supervisor, Joseph Francis. Although the lectures are designed primarily to give Gnomon students the option to learn about filmmaking as a craft, they are open to anyone interested in hearing industry professionals discuss noteworthy films. The lecture series includes a presentation by the guest instructor, viewing of the movie, with discussion to follow. The presentation will take place Thursday, April 19 at Gnomon, 1015 North Cahuenga Blvd., in Hollywood. To make a reservation, e-mail your name and phone number to duane@gnomon3d.com or phone 323-466-6663. The event is free, but reservations are required. After graduating from Duke University in 1985 with degrees in Computer Science and Studio Art, Joseph Francis began his career in computer animation at R/Greenberg Associates in Manhattan. After eight years in the New York office, where he served in various capacities such as animator, CG department manager, designer, and live-action director, he transferred to the Los Angeles office, RGA/LA, where he worked for another three years as creative director. In 1996 he supervised computer animation for the film "Independence Day," and he has worked as an independent since then. In 1998 he wrote and directed a 30-minute live-action film, "Only Hope." He spent much of last year at Insomniac Games, exploring how to incorporate linear storytelling elements into a non-linear game-playing environment for their upcoming PlayStation 2 project.
