3rd IFDM Director Candidate to talk this Friday

Hi everyone...

Our third and final IFDM Director Candidate will be visiting this week -- and giving a public talk at ARTS Lab as part of the GFX Cafe series.  If you'd like to know more about the potential direction of our Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media Program -- and hear a really interesting speaker -- this is a good chance to do so.

Friday May 9th

12:00 – 1:30
Public Lecture
Place: GFX Cafe at the ARTS Lab (131 Pine St. in High
Performance Computing Bldg. West of University & Central)

Title:
Film and Digital Media in the next 5-10 years

Abstract:
Film and Digital Media represents a true convergence of different disciplines. In the last 10 years, this convergence has been dramatically changed how we think about media (i.e. internet, nonlinear media, iTunes, 3D/VFX etc.). In the next 5-10 years there are just as dramatic changes on the horizon, as well universal fundamentals that won't change. In addition, this next digital phase represents even greater opportunities in the academic/industry nexus. Some predictions (with lots of visuals).

Dr. Craig Caldwell
Biographic Overview

CRAIG CALDWELL has a substantial record of achievement in the field of computer graphics/animation and advanced skills in the areas of visual communication, 3D animation/vfx, digital storytelling, and the production pipeline. His background includes research on how simulation processes are instrumental for creating a new richness to the medium but also currently on the success of industry based production pipelines. The pipeline can be seen as a critical (and constantly in flux) algorithm for managing the workflow of the storytelling process in concert with the modeling/rigging, animation, effects, lighting, sound, interactivity etc. if the project is ever to be finished (… on time, within budget, and with great success).

He has taught Art at Northern Arizona University where he teamed up with the Head of the computer science department to design and construct a Visualization Center, with the support of the NSF.  He received a PhD from the Advanced Computing Center for Art and Design at the Ohio State University. He has an MFA from the University of Florida in Painting and Drawing. In 1994, at the University of Arizona he initiated and created the computer graphics area for the Visual Communication area.  At UofA he served as Associate Director for the College of Fine Arts New Media Center & Digital Arts. In 1997, he worked in Artist Development, at Walt Disney Feature Animation in Burbank, CA where they were making the 3D feature "Dinosaur" and transitioning into a fully functioning 3D studio.  The work at Disney developed skills in the production process and work across disciplines with the Leads of animation, modeling, rigging, layout, editorial, story, effects, visual development, archival, digital software development, and shot-finaling.

In 1999 he returned to UofA and in 2001, became Head of the Media Arts Department. In 2004 he was asked to return to Walt Disney Feature Animation to assist in integrating the studio's new proprietary 3D production pipeline that was being created for Chicken Little, Meet the Robinsons(2007), Bolt(2008) and Rapunzel Unbraided(2009. The work ranged from designing the curriculum for the new system to testing the proprietary software as it was being developed for the studio.

In 2005, he was recruited to work at Electronic Arts, Tiburon Studio in Orlando, Florida. At EA he trained game developers in the production techniques for such games as Madden '07, Tiger Woods golf and NFL coach.  In addition, he worked closely with the Manager of University Relations who heads up their new experimental partnership program with educational institutions.

In 2006, Griffith University invited him to become the Head of for their newly formed Film School (Film, Animation, and Digital Media). As Head he is working on the School's expansion into the interdisciplinary areas of Visual Effects and Games with the Queensland College of Art.

For questions please contact Diahndra Grill at 277-2286 or dgrill@unm.edu