Side Effects Software, developer of the award-winning Houdini 3D software package, has assembled a panel of judges for The Houdini Apprentice Challenge, an art and animation contest centering on the company's Houdini Apprentice Edition. Co-sponsored by Hewlett Packard and ATI Technologies, the Challenge uncovers new animation talent for leading studios that use Houdini solutions within their visual effects pipelines. Through June 16, 2003, 3D artists from anywhere in the world are invited to create work in modeling, character animation and effects while mastering marketable new Houdini skills.
The panel consists of:
- David Allen, sr. effects developer/lead animator, PDI/Dreamworks- Tom Capizzi, technical director, Rhythm & Hues- Rick Glumack, visual effects developer, PDI/Dreamworks- Sean Lewkiw, sr. technical director, Jim Henson's Creature Shop- Kevin Mack, visual effects supervisor, Sony Pictures Imageworks- John Mariella, co-founder & vp, C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures- David Prescott, CG supervisor, Digital Domain- Nordin Rahhali, effects artist, Framestore-CFC- Rita Street, publisher & editorial director, Animation Magazine
A best entry in each category, as well as a best overall entry, will be chosen to win a range of prizes, including an HP XW4000 workstation, ATI Fire GL X1 cards and Houdini commercial licenses. Top entries will also be promoted throughout the industry and shared with top effects industry employers. All awards will be announced at the Houdini annual meeting during SIGGRAPH on July 27, 2003, in San Diego, California. Attend the annual Houdini meeting on July 27 to receive the latest version of Houdini Apprentice and see the winning animations from the Houdini Apprentice Challenge. To register or for more information, visit www.sidefx.com.
Houdini Apprentice has been recently enhanced to include the latest Houdini functionality, and can now be conveniently downloaded online along with new video tutorials. Visit www.sidefx.com for download instructions.
The Houdini family of animation software used in THE MATRIX and LORD OF THE RINGS franchises, among many other films, includes modeling, animation, character tools, particle and channel operations, compositing and integrated rendering with Houdini Mantra.. All Houdini applications work together seamlessly and are available for the NT, Linux, IRIX and Solaris operating systems.
Established in 1987, Side Effects Software is an industry leader in the development of advanced 3D graphics and special effects software for use in film, broadcast and game development. For more information about Side Effects Software and its products, visit www.sidefx.com.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
