Softimage Co. and the National Animation and Design Centre (NAD Centre) launched NAD Centre Internet Academy (NADIA), the first realtime, interactive learning program for SOFTIMAGE|XSI digital content creation software. NADIA allows 3D artists to access professional instruction for SOFTIMAGE|XSI software directly from a desktop PC connected to the Internet. Participants can choose from a series of 18 modular courses supplemented by an extensive library of material and scenes.
“In today’s market, where new business opportunities are constantly evolving, 3D artists are life-long learners who are always looking to expand their technical and artistic skill set,” said Suzanne Guèvremont, general manager of NAD Centre. “With the recent surge in demand for professional 3D training, and for SOFTIMAGE|XSI software training in particular, we’ve designed a flexible, customized and cost-effective program to help studios and freelancers update their practical knowledge from virtually any location.”
NADIA’s live interaction capabilities allow instructors to take control of a participant’s workstation and display manipulations in realtime and in full view directly from the SOFTIMAGE|XSI user interface. The use of NADIA’s own Web folders allows instructors and participants to load large scene files and deliver live rendering, all in realtime.
Ideal for all artists who want to improve their XSI skills –- from individuals or teams using either SOFTIMAGE|XSI software or another 3D software package, to instructors looking to adopt the software as part of their curriculum –- the program is based on three levels of instruction: Essential, Intermediate and Advanced. Courses are then divided into six topics: Modeling; Texturing and Rendering; Animating in XSI; Simulation; Lighting and Rendering Optimization Techniques. Both public and private sessions are available, to accommodate both individuals and team needs. Class enrollment is two to four students and courses are taught in four-hour blocks to provide a truly meaningful learning experience.
“This training initiative continues our 3-Democracy vision –- making the most advanced 3D content creation software accessible to multiple levels of CG professionals,” said Jason “Chinny” Brynford-Jones, XSI product manager for Softimage. “Now creative artists, freelancers, or facility owners who use or want to use SOFTIMAGE|XSI have access to affordable, customized professional training –- right from the comfort of their homes or offices –- with instant feedback and direction. This gives artists everywhere the chance to learn and improve their XSI skills, which are becoming increasingly important in the professional job market.”
For more information, please go to
www.softimage.com/training or
www.nadcentre.com .
Softimage Co., (
www.softimage.com ) a subsidiary of Avid Technology Inc. (
www.avid.com ), is an industry leader in 3D animation, 2D cel animation, compositing and special effects software, designed to address the demands of the film and commercial/broadcast and games/interactive industries.
Established in 1992, the National Animation and Design Centre (
www.nadcentre.com ) has trained more than 800 CGI professionals who currently work in film and television, post-production and gaming industries for companies around the world such as Microïds, ILM, Buzz Image Group, Ubisoft, Digital Fiction, Electronic Arts and Weta. The NAD Centre, the first school worldwide to provide SOFTIMAGE software training, is one of a select handful of SOFTIMAGE|XSI and Avid DS Authorized Training Centre as well as an Authorized Training Centre for most current 3D content creation software.
