The Panels program has returned for SIGGRAPH 2004, the 31st international conference on Computer Graphics & Interactive Techniques, to be held Aug. 8-12 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The Panels program is a blend of debate, argument and discussion on important topics in computer graphics and related fields. Experts and skeptics deliver opinions, insights, speculation and summaries of recent work. The audience follows up with questions, comments and criticism.
* 3D Animation: Difficult or Impossible to Teach and Learn?Moderator: Francis Schmidt, Bergen Community College
Panelists:Jim Jagger, BioWare Corp.Jim McCampbell, Ringling School of Art and DesignCraig Slagel, Electronic Arts
Teaching skills needed to animate in current 3D software is difficult. Learning the process may be even more challenging. As the only totally digital art form, 3D animation does not fall neatly into computer science or art. However, it does share an abundance of the complexities and consternations of both fields. Panelists examine these challenges from three viewpoints -- user, creator and educator -- and search for a consensus on what works well, what needs improvement and future possibilities.
* Building a Bridge to the Aesthetic Experience: Artistic VirtualEnvironments and Other Interactive Digital ArtModerator: Dena Eber, Bowling Green State University
Panelists:Brian Betz, Kent State UniversityTobey Crockett, University of California, IrvineFlavia Sparacino, Sensing Places/Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Most artists, curators and museum educators share an important common goal: to create or curate art that viewers can appreciate and enjoy. Ideally, they also want viewers to enter an experience that is immersive and builds a connection with the work beyond the media's surface. This discussion is an open debate on the effectiveness of using virtual environments and interactive digital works to help the viewer experience art in a richer way. Panelists discuss theory, individual artist experiences and studies that connect the quality of the aesthetic experience to digital interactivity.
* Careers in Computer Graphics Ent,Moderators: Rachel Falk, PDI/DreamWorks
Panelists:Luke O'Byrne, The OrphanageHael Kobayashi, Animal LogicBob Nicoll, Electronic ArtsDan Scherlis, EtherplayKate Shaw, Industrial Light & Magic
This discussion serves as a forum for information exchange between people interested in computer graphics entertainment as a profession. Panelists are from large, mid-sized, and small companies spanning a variety of industries including digital features, games, visual effects, commercials and more. Topics include: required production skills, production support, entry-level positions, internships, reel and resume preparation, employment application techniques and typical employment shortages/surpluses. Whether you are a student, an educator or just plain curious - this panel delivers the inside angle on industry employment information.
* Cultural Heritage and Computer Graphics: What Are the Issues?Moderator: Holly Rushmeier, Yale University
Panelists:David Arnold, University of BrightonAlan Chalmers, University of BristolKatsushi Ikeuchi, The University of TokyoMark Mudge, Cultural Heritage ImagingRoberto Scopigno, Istituto Scienza e Tecnologie dell'Informazione
Throughout the world, governments are allocating more financial support for projects that use technology to preserve and communicate cultural heritage. This panel considers several key related topics including the role of computer graphics in these projects as well as discussing if basic tools and techniques developed in graphics are adequate for use in cultural heritage. A primary panel goal is to discuss what we need to do to move past the current "yet-another-project" phase and build a formal body of knowledge in computer graphics and cultural heritage.
* Custom Software Development in Post-ProductionModerator: Andrew Chapman, Framestore CFC
Panelists:Jack Brooks, Walt Disney ImagineeringDavid Hart, PDI/DreamWorksDaniel Maskit, Digital DomainSteve Sullivan, Industrial Light & Magic
Most post-production and digital effects work employs custom software to varying degrees. Typically, this software is imperative for high-end work and is capable of producing stunning results. However, digital artists and many others find the software difficult to use and too fragile. The panel discusses these deficiencies, why they occur and how to improve the custom software experience.
* Games Development: How Will You Feed the Next Generation of Hardware?Moderator: Christian Lavoie, Sony Computer Ent. Europe
Panelists:Emilie Saulnier, Vicarious VisionsJames Spoto and Frank Vitz, Electronic Arts
It seems that every new high-end platform release results in more and more complex development techniques and expanded resources. For instance, videogame development teams have grown from one or two-person operations to teams of 30-plus employees. Plus, production times have grown from six months to three years (or longer). Thus, the main panel focus is to explore how we can approach the challenge of making the games that the next generation of hardware will demand. While many possible solutions exist, the challenge is finding one that allows teams to output quantity and quality while maintaining financial viability and manageable staff numbers.
* Next-Generation User Interface Technology for Consumer ElectronicsModerator: Garry Paxinos, US Digital Television
Panelists:John Card II, EchoStar Technologies Corp.Evan HirschRebecca Lim, Starz EncoreGlen Stone, Sony
As the power and complexity of consumer electronic devices continues to increase, the potential for a more enthralling, visually exciting, and compelling user experience also increases. The purpose of this panel is to investigate application of existing tools and techniques from various disciplines within the ACM SIGGRAPH community to the next generation of consumer devices. This panel is a follow-up to the ACM SIGGRAPH Campfire (Workshop) on the same subject held in May in Snowbird, Utah.
For registration information, visit www.siggraph.org/s2004/registration.
SIGGRAPH 2004, the 31st International Conference on Computer Graphics & Interactive Techniques, will bring nearly 25,000 computer graphics and interactive technology professionals from six continents to the weeklong conference. A comprehensive technical program and special events focusing on research, art, animation, games, interactivity and the Web are planned. SIGGRAPH 2004 includes a three-day exhibition.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
