Softimage's SOFTIMAGE|XSI software is being introduced to two Master of Fine Arts programs at USC's School of Cinema-Television: Interactive Media and Animation and Digital Arts. According to the university, this is to help meet industry demands for professionally educated animators and digital media creators. As part of Softimage's academic efforts, it recently placed licenses of SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, an industry leader in nonlinear 3D production environment, in the department to help train graduate students pursuing advanced animation degrees.
The Animation and Digital Arts MFAs provide a solid foundation for the entire realm of animation -- from traditional hand-drawn character animation to fully digital animation -- using state-of-the-art technology such as the SOFTIMAGE|XSI environment.
The Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media, a new intensive three-year program designed to prepare students for creative careers in the emerging field of interactive entertainment, focuses on the areas of game design, immersive narrative, mobile media and content for broadband applications.
Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology Inc., 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. The SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, an integral player in Avid's Make, Manage and Move Media strategy, is the flagship product offering from Softimage. To find out more about becoming a Softimage academic partner, please go to www.softimage.com/Education/XSI/PartnerProgrammes/AP.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
