Craft Animations, leading developer of professional real-time 3D animation technology, has announced its new Academic Partner Program, which offers leading colleges, universities and 3D animation schools subsidized access to Craft Director Tools. The company has additionally announced the University Of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts as the latest adopter of this new program, which helps to further establish the growing network of students who are skilled in new era animation technologies.
As part of the Craft Animations Academic Partner Program, USC and other qualifying schools and universities will receive:
-- Free licenses for Craft Director Tools to aide with relevant coursework, such as computer animation and design-- Early access to select upcoming 3D technology from Craft Animations and the opportunity to provide strategic input that will influence future developments-- Craft Animations technical and supervisory support for select academic projects
"This program provides a wonderful opportunity for students to stay ahead of the technology curve by developing skills on emerging animation techniques and technologies," said Craft Animations CEO Deborah Lygonis. "Education programs are a priority for Craft Animations. The company originated as a master's thesis project; therefore, providing an avenue for new talent and innovation through education is in our blood. We are proud to share our technology with the talented students of USC."
Craft Director Tools utilize research in high-end artificial intelligence and autonomous control systems to drastically condense traditional animation processes. By eliminating the prolonged tasks of key framing and scripting, Craft Director Tools provide artists more time for creative processes. Professional users including Digital Dimension, Toyota and Lockheed Martin have reported reduced production times by up to 90 percent. Additionally, they have gained the opportunity to create natural motion paths on the fly through autopilot functions, or a variety of input devices such as gamepads, joysticks, keyboards, Wacom boards and 6DOF controllers (such as Space Pilot).
