Special Showing's of Mary Lance' "Agnes Martin: With My Back to the World"

From the New York Times: 

"I'm very careful not to have ideas, because they're inaccurate," the artist Agnes Martin says in Mary Lance's touching documentary about her, but it's a lie. Ms. Martin was full of ideas, and she dispenses them engagingly in the course of the film, "Agnes Martin: With My Back to the World," made from 1998 to 2002.

Local documentarian Mary Lance' film has received great acclaim around the world -- don't miss this chance to see it here!

AGNES MARTIN: WITH MY BACK TO THE WORLD 
Produced and directed by Mary Lance 
Music by Steve Peters 

Special 2:00 PM Showings September 6th and 7th at Albuquerque's Guild Cinema

A groundbreaking documentary on the internationally renowned painter Agnes Martin.  Shot over a period of four years, from 1998 through 2002, Agnes Martin's ninetieth year, interviews with Martin are inter-cut with shots at work in her studio in Taos, New Mexico, with photographs and archival footage, and with images of her work from over five decades. In it Martin speaks about her work, her working methods, her life as an artist, and her views about the creative process. She also discusses her film, "Gabriel" and reads from her poetry and lectures. In keeping with Martin's chosen life of solitude, she alone appears in the documentary. 

Education & Serious Games @ IGDA 9/10

There are several exciting things going on in New Mexico's game development community. Please take a look:

First, this month's Rio Grande IGDA chapter meeting will take close a look at educational games ("serious games" for adults as well as video games for school-aged kids). These kinds of games are one of the fastest growing arenas in interactive media, offering exciting opportunities for game developers. They are not only an important tool for classroom teaching and adult training, but they are also used in the health field, in advertising and a variety of other endeavors. Using real case studies, we'll be discussing lessons learned -- successful techniques that earn A's as well as badly-thought out approaches that garner F's. Special guest will be Carolyn Handler Miller, author of Digital Storytelling: A Creator's Guide to Interactive Entertainment and writer of numerous educational games. Also Janeen Anderson from Game Production Services will speak.

When: Wednesday September 10 2008
Time: 6:30 -- 8:30 PM
Where: The Art Center Design College
5000 Marble Ave. NE, Albuquerque NM 87110 (view map) (505) 254-7575
Room TBD, ask reception for directions
Cost: Free!

October's Rio Grande IGDA meeting will focus on teams developing games for the Microsoft Dream|Build|Play competition.

I'm also pleased to introduce our chapter's new program co-chairs, Jonathan Whetzel
(jhwhetz@sandia.gov) and Luke Nihlen (lnihlen@gmail.com) of Tenth Artist. Their energy and enthusiasm is already helping build our local game development community, and I think we'll be seeing even more exciting activities to come.

More info at: http://www.igda.org/albuquerque/events.html

Address 5000 Marble Ave. NE, Albuquerque NM 87110

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BarCamp Albuquerque 3: Sept 13 & 14th

Albuquerque BarCamp 3 is coming up on Saturday September 13th and 14th, 2008. As the name implies, this is the 3rd BarCamp we've seen here in Albuquerque -- and they continue to get better, reflecting the growth in talented web, software and technology professionals we've been seeing lately (it's pretty exciting).

What it BarCamp? Want to sign up? Read on below (from Reid Givens at the Refresh Albuquerque Group Site)...

What is BarCamp?

BarCamp is a conference unlike most all other conferences for two
reasons:
1. No one owns it or makes any money off of it
2. The attendees are the presenters

BarCamp is based on the simple idea that we are all experts. Why pay a
few so called experts to come in and talk when we have a wealth of
information right here? Besides, when we don't pay for speakers, we
don't have to charge for the conference.

Attending BarCamp doesn't mean that you HAVE to present (although you
probably know something some of us don't), but it does mean that for
at least a day you can learn something new that can affect your
career, and you get to see who else in the community is out there,
what they're doing and just plain have fun. Going to BarCamp was the
best thing I ever did for my career, and it created friendships that
have lasted years.

BarCamp is free and doesn't take a lot of time out of your life. Come
and meet designers, developers, marketers, usability experts and
anyone else that stops by. This year, lunch will be provided so you
don't even have to pay for food! You can't lose!

For more information about BarCamp in general, visit:
http://www.barcamp.org

For more information about BarCampAlbuquerque, visit:
http://www.barcamp.org/BarCampAlbuquerque

motion08 discounts announced

Our good friends at motion 08 have announced discounts to make this year's conference more affordable for NM residents and students. They have a great line-up this year (and we're also excited to have the NM premiere of Domefest 2008 in association with the conference on October 14th). Check it out!

motion08 :: Special Offer for New Mexico Residents

NM residents are invited to attend motion08 for the student rate of $499*! (regular rate is $1099/$899 early bird)

Don’t worry students, we haven’t forgotten about you. Students can attend for $299** (regularly $499).

Use the following promo codes when registering online:

regular ticket moNMReg08

student ticket moNMStu08

motion is a unique event, focusing on the art of animation, broadcast design, title design, VFX and motion graphics. The event includes one full day of motion{u} extreme training plus two days of keynotes, panels, and sessions by some of the biggest talents in the industry.

Mark your calendar for motion08

October 12-15, 2008

Hyatt Regency Downtown ABQ

www.motionconference.com

*must show proof on NM residency

**must submit proof of current full-time status

BUBONICON 40 this weekend!

Perhaps because it's been around so long -- this is really its 40th year! -- Bubonicon has been something newcomers like me (15+ years) don't really get. What is Bubonicon?

From Wikipedia:

Bubonicon is an annual multigenre convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, typically held during the last weekend of August. It is the largest general-interest science fiction convention in New Mexico and among the oldest in the Southwest.

It's so popular, their site might actually be down at the moment... but it features an amazing mix of Sci-Fi, fantasy and speculative fiction writers, many of whom live right here in New Mexico. This year also features local folks like Steven Gould (Jumper) talking about the journey from book to screen, Laura Mixon talking about Storytron, and Hugo-nominated toastmaster Daniel Abraham. (And a lot more fun and craziness too.)

The event is relatively inexpensive too, so check it out (visit the website for more details).

Sony IPAX Online Mentorship Program

Image via CrunchBase, source unknown
Lots of good and interesting reports coming back from SIGGRAPH, including this news from the 3d4all forum:

Online Education Program by Sony's IPAX, with Animation Mentor

Sony Pictures Imageworks and Sony Pictures Animation's IPAX education program announced today the launch of its new online mentor program, which will begin in the winter of 2009, and will leverage Animation Mentor's unique learning model and state-of-the-art online technology.

The three-month program will pair top students from 18 IPAX member schools from around the world with top Sony Pictures Imageworks and Sony Pictures Animation artists who will provide individual online mentoring, training, and guidance.

Animation Mentor's innovative mentor/apprentice teaching model and online learning platform will enable Sony mentors to work with students to help them develop their skills and grow their craft. Tools include live video conference Q&A sessions with mentors, video guest lectures with industry experts, and eCritiques where mentors can provide video commentary while drawing directly on the student's work to illustrate their concepts.

IPAX, Sony Pictures Imageworks' and Sony Pictures Animation's professional education development program was created in 2004 to connect faculty from leading academic institutions with industry professionals.

Bobby Beck, chief executive officer and cofounder of Animation Mentor said, "There is nothing more valuable than the guidance a professional can give a budding animator who is honing their craft. This partnership really validates the unique teaching model Animation Mentor embodies and the powerful technology we've created to support an incredible learning experience -- no matter where you are on the planet."

This is an opportunity for IPAX member schools to engage future visual effects and animation professionals with the mentor/apprenticeship learning model perfected by Animation Mentor's online teaching program. Top students from the 18 IPAX member schools will be selected through an application process where student work is reviewed by Sony artists and matched with an appropriate Sony artist/mentor. The program is designed specifically for advanced students who are working on a range of special projects including short films, animation or visual effects. Sony mentors will give students individual input and feedback to help guide their work and perfect their skills over the course of the program.

The program is limited to students from IPAX member schools. Their respective faculty will initially recommend candidates who will ultimately be selected based on the quality of their work.

For more information:http://www.sonypictures.com/imageworks/ipax/

AniMotion NM: Particles this Coming Tuesday

From Teri Farley at The Art Center Design College:

AniMotion NM: Particles in 3D Animation and Motion Graphics

Where: ARTS Lab
When: Aug 19, 2008 7:00 PM –8:30 PM

Join the Art Center's own 3D animator and Digital Prestidigitator, Aaron Barreras for an evening of everything particle emitters!

This session will start with the basics of particle emitters presenting a variety of examples. Then we will take a look at particle emitters for animation and motion graphics using Maya and After Effects – including forces, collisions, rendering, instancing, track mattes, and Particle Playground in After Effects. We will also touch on Particular - a third party plugin for After Effects. There will be Q&A at the end of the session.

Also, lots of news from Siggraph, too!

This session takes place, Tuesday, August 19, from 7:00pm-8:30pm at the ARTS Lab

See you on there!

ARTS Lab
131 Pine St NE (Google map)
near central and university

NMITSA Lunch: Wendy Ederer on Successful Marketing

NMITSA's monthly membership lunch series continues this Thursday with Wendy Ederer, a well known sales and marketing guru, presenting her "Top 10 Tips for Successful Marketing." The August NMITSA luncheon will take place on August 14th at the Flying Star downtown from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.

Wendy Ederer has been referred to as "eternally optimistic and contagiously enthusiastic." Wendy draws upon her 28 years of sales and marketing experience to enable her clients' organizations to grow. Utilizing her proven method of Connection Based Selling, and infusing her personal motto of, "Make a Positive Difference," in all of her sales and marketing training and consulting, she has assisted many companies including Panasonic, Bausch & Lomb, Principal Financial Group, and Fidelity National Title to achieve greater revenues and client retention.

Registration for this event is $25 for members and $40 for non-members. To register, please click here.

Character Animators for Imageworks?

Saw an interesting post on a job board a few minutes ago...

Sony Pictures Imageworks, Inc. is an Academy Award winning, state-of-the-art digital production studio dedicated to the art of visual effects production and character animation.

The company's achievements have been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with Oscars for its work on SPIDER-MAN 2 and the CG animated short film The ChubbChubbs! Other Oscar nominated projects include Surf's Up! The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Spider-Man, Hollow Man, Stuart Little and Starship Troopers. Movies currently in production include body of lies, valkyrie, Open Season 2, G Force, Watchmen and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Sony Pictures Imageworks is currently looking for qualified Character Animators for our new digital production studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Character Animator:

Utilizes traditional methods and computer graphics systems to create desired performance of computer graphics characters within a shot. Emphasis should be placed on conveying emotion along with motion. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in Maya, while additional experience with other software packages is highly desirable. 2 -5+ years production animation experience is required with feature film experience highly desirable. Ability to follow creative direction is a must. Character design and acting experience a plus.


If you fit the job requirements for Character Animator and are interested in living and working in Albuquerque, please email a copy of your resume to ABQrecruit@imageworks.com

For job descriptions and more Sony Pictures Imageworks/SIGGRAPH details, please visit us at www.imageworks.com

Sony Pictures Imageworks is an EO/AA employer.

--
NMITSA is now accepting nominations for the fourth annual Tech Excellence Awards.  More info at http://www.nmitsa.org/

Eric Renz-Whitmore, Program Coordinator
ARTS Lab
MSC04 2570
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
505-277-2253
http://artslab.unm.edu

Sony Camera Demos and Workshops this Wednesday @ UNM

Sony Electronics is really pitching in this year with the 2008 Duke City Shootout. As this year's official camera sponsor, they're providing a special workshop for the Shootout's DP's and camera operators, but they're also working with us at UNM's ARTS Lab and the Communication & Journalism Department to share information and expertise with a series of demos this coming Wednesday from 10 AM to 5PM.

They'll be held in the Communication & Journalism studio on main campus near the NW corner of Central Ave. and Yale Blvd to talk primarily about their XDCAM compact model, the PMWEX1 (which we'll be using for this year's Shootout). These sessions with Sony's tech experts and KNME cinematographer John Britt will provide an opportunity for DP's to discuss the best settings to use for a variety of needs. Educators -- and indie filmmakers -- are welcome to attend as well.

More info to come.

Duke City Shootout Rides Again...

Or something like that.  One of the key events that's helped put Albuquerque high on the list of independent filmmakers (and publications like Variety and Moviemaker) is DFI's Duke City Shootout.  UNM's ARTS Lab is again helping out (as am I as a DFI Board member and this year's post-production supervisor), and every year things improve. We're particularly happy to have Sony Electronics' support this year; it's involvement from professionals from Sony, Apple, IATSE 480 and SAG that provide one of the world's best (and most intense) learning experiences in digital filmmaking. 

What's up this year for public participation? Check out the following:

Just added:

Wednesday, July 23rd, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Sony Electronics Camera Demo and Workshop

School of Communication & Journalism, UNM Main Campus

Sony Electronics returns as the official camera sponsor of the 2008 Duke City Shootout, providing demos and workshops on the PMWEX1 cameras we'll be using for our shoots. This coming Wednesday, Sony technicians and KNME's resident camera artist John Britt will be at UNM's Communication and Journalism school to provide demos, workshops and hands-on experience with the EX1 for Shootout participants and the public alike. More details to come.

Friday, July 25th, 7:00 PM: Shotgun Start

Albuquerque Studios

Our homage to the frontier, the ceremonial Shotgun Start, kicks off Friday night about 7 pm at Albuquerque Studios. Then follow the crowd to our opening night party. (Must be a crew member to participate.)

Friday, July 25th, 8:00 PM: Kick-Off Party

Albuquerque Hyatt Regency

Our Opening Night bash takes over the Atrium at the Hyatt Regency downtown from 8 pm on.

Wednesday, July 30, 7:00 PM: Crew Wrap Party

Albuquerque Hyatt Regency

Bring us your tired, weary and poor crew members and get 'em a drink at the always wild Wrap Party. You'll find us in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency, starting at 7 pm.

Friday, August 1st, 5:30 PM: MASSIVE CINEMA

Albuquerque Hyatt Regency

Join us in the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to check out the winners of the Shootout's Massive Cinema competition, sponsored by Intel, Albuquerque Studios and the American Film Institute.

Friday, August 1st, 8:00 PM: BEST OF THE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT/NEW MEXICO

Albuquerque Hyatt Regency

Come see the magic worked by local film crews during the recent 48 Hour Film Project, and get a sneak preview of the movie that will compete with the Shootout films on Saturday. Join us in the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency from 8-10 pm to watch the best of and find out who won.

Saturday, August 2nd, 7:00 PM: GALA PREMIERE

Kiva Auditorium, Albuquerque Convention Center

The Shootout climaxes with the Gala Premiere screening of our seven short movies, plus the winner from the 48 Hour Film Project, in a fight for the soon-to-be-coveted Palm de Grease. Join us at the Kiva Auditorium inside the Convention Center. Then stay tuned for the awards ceremony, and a post-premiere bash across the street.

Order Your Tickets Here.

Saturday, August 2nd, 9:30 PM: POST-PREMIERE PARTY

Albuquerque Hyatt Regency

Follow us across Civic Plaza to the Post-Premiere Party in the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency where you can mingle with filmmakers and crew 'til the break of dawn.

For more information and updates on events, visit the Shootout website.

Tricklock's Manoa Project This Weekend

One of Tricklock Theatre Company's best programs is its Manoa Project which works with teens to develop their writing, directing and acting skills in a professional theater setting.

Now in its sixth year, it's wonderful to see some of the talent that's blossomed along the way, with alums heading off to college for writing and film programs, and otherwise embarking on new creative journeys. Often surprisingly perceptive from talent so young, the Manoa Project is always worth checking out.

July 18-23, 2008

The Main Stage Performance!
Sicarius Aurorae
by Asher Ely

July 18-20, 2008

Friday & Saturday @ 8pm
Sunday @ 6pm

The Manoa Ensemble Work Demonstration &

Staged Reading of
Shades of Grey, Growing Darker

by Amanda Burroughs
Saturday, July 19 @ 2pm

At the Albuquerque Journal Theatre
National Hispanic Cultural Center

Special Santa Fe Performance!!!

ONE NIGHT ONLY

Wednesday, July 23 @ 8pm

Scottish Rite Temple

463 Paseo de Peralta

Advanced Tickets available through NHCC Box Office

505.724.4771

online at www.ticketmaster.com

About the MANOA PROJECT:
Celebrating six wonderful years of training and performance, Tricklock Company’s The Manoa Project is a summer theatre training program for Albuquerque area teens, co-sponsored by The National Hispanic Cultural Center, NM Arts, Albuquerque Community Foundation, and Albuquerque Academy. The program gives students an intensive, 7-week training program in physical theatre, led by the award-winning Tricklock Company (2008 “Best of Burque” –Live Theatre Troupe). Students learn the dynamics and tools of creating theatre in an ensemble-based environment, in conjunction with producing and performing a world-premiere performance of a new play by a New Mexico teen playwright. The script is selected through a juried, statewide competition, and receives full production in Albuquerque, followed by a brief tour to Santa Fe. The program is tuition-free, giving equal opportunity of training and performance to all Albuquerque teens.


About “Sicarius Aurorae”:
Travel down a back alley in ancient Rome, make sure you have your wits and knife about you, and practice that secret handshake, as you enter the world of Sicarius Aurorae. The year is 33 BC, the height of the Roman Empire. Rome balances on a tightrope, as would-be revolutionaries and dictators fight for prominence, setting the stage for a government that will set the precedent for years to come. Meet Cassus Septimus, a simple Praetorian caught between the feuding factions. Content to be a part of the bigger picture of a great civilization, Cassus finds himself suddenly singled out when he is framed for the murder of his wife. Follow Cassus as he falls in with a group of vigilantes known as the Sicari Aurorae. Travel with him as he journeys down the dark road of revenge, adding to the body count of the already turbulent times. Be there when Cassus realizes he must not only face his enemies but also himself, in a battle to discover who he is. The playwriting competition-winning play for the Manoa Project’s 2008 Season digs deeper at the Rome we know and revere and gives a glimpse at the underbelly, where corruption, vengeance and betrayal rule. Playwright, and Bosque School Senior, Asher Ely not only invites his audience into a meticulously created past, but asks an essential question: what does it mean to truly think independently?

www.tricklock.com

Tricklock Company
1705 Mesa Vista NE Albuquerque NM, 87106 505.254.8393

More DomeFest: NM Business Weekly Coverage

From the NM Business Weekly:
Peripheral Vision
New Mexico Business Weekly - by Megan Kamerick NMBW Staff

DomeFest, Albuquerque's homegrown digital media festival for full-dome theaters, has made its first debut outside its native soil.

The festival usually premiers in Albuquerque before hitting various venues around the world. But this year it premiered in Chicago at the nation's oldest planetarium, the Adler, following a July 3 meeting of the International Planetarium Society.

The timing seems just right for the festival to hit a bigger and more influential audience. DomeFest, the only worldwide festival devoted to content produced for full-dome (curved overhead screen) theaters, received a record 40 entries this year from all over the world. By tying the showcase to the biannual IPS conference, it has raised its profile significantly among the people looking for the content DomeFest provides: the 700-plus members of IPS from 35 countries around the world.

DomeFest and the related full dome summit packed the 270-seat Adler Planetarium for hours, said Hue Walker Bumgarner-Kirby, multimedia development specialist with the ARTS Lab at the University of New Mexico. The festival's jury selected 13 pieces for the final program and two alternates.

David Beining, founder of DomeFest, which is housed at the ARTS Lab, said the contacts he made in Chicago are already taking hold.

The DomeFest program is showing the week of July 5 in Germany, and it will show in at least two venues in the United Kingdom and in Montreal...

DomeFest 2008 will show in New Mexico on Oct. 14 as part of Motion08, an animation and digital media conference.

Visit the full article here: http://albuquerque.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2008/07/14/story1.html?ana=e_ph

This Week in ABQ Area Media Events

Busy week coming up here in New Mexico, with lots of neat events in the Albuquerque area (visit the NM Media Events page for even more events).


Tuesday, July 8th

What: NM Incentives @ AniMotion NM July 8th
When: Wednesday, July 8th from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Where: ARTS Lab Garage (131 Pine Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 -- just north of Central and one block west of University)

AniMotion NM welcomes New Mexico Film Office Deputy Director Jennifer Schwalenberg and award-winning animator Chris Kientz to talk about producing animation in New Mexico, our production rebate program and other incentives, and how they apply to animation and VFX work.
How can animators make use of these incentives? Come to the next AniMotion NM meeting and find out.


Wednesday, July 9th

What: MEL Scripting a Character Rig July 9th @ ARTS Lab with Chris Maraffi
When: Wednesday, July 9th from 5 - 8pm
Where: ARTS Lab Garage (131 Pine Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 -- just north of Central and one block west of University)

This workshop will demonstrate an overview of how to approach MEL scripting a biped character rig in Autodesk Maya to automate and streamline the character rigging process. It will show you the advantages and issues in creating a rig through code, and will give you a sneak peak of the content of Chris' new book on the same subject, due out early fall.

Thursday, July 10th

What: NM Marcom & Tech Mixer July 10th
Where: Albuquerque the Magazine Offices, 1550 Mercantile Ave. NE, Top Floor, Jefferson & I-25, Above REI
When: Thursday, July 10, 2008, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
How: $12 at door includes A FREE ATM magazine subscription, hors d’oeuvres, hosted bar and your chance to win some great door prizes. RSVP to sasacco@aol.com

This year's 4th Annual “NM MarCom Mixer” will bring together not only the Marketing and Communications industries, but also leaders and top professionals in technology and media as well. And while there's no *one* association covering all that's happening in film and media -- all are welcome!


Friday, July 11th through Sunday, July 13th

What: 48 Hour Film Project New Mexico

Teams are already signed/signing up, but you might still be able to get involved. Visit the 48 Hour Film Project site for more details.

DomeFest 2008 Update: Playing Next in Hamburg

DomeFest 2008 continues to spread its wings. After selling out the fulldome conference sessions (held in association with the International Planetarium Society's biannual conference in Chicago), DomeFest 2008 played to overflow crowds at the famed Adler Planetarium.

Winners include both established names and some newcomers -- including the Best of Fest prize, which went to a student production (that's truly awesome, btw). More on all of that later.

For now though, if you're on the other side of the Atlantic this coming week (or have friends who are), the digital media festival bitfilm 08, will be having its closing events in Hamburg, including the EU premiere of DomeFest 08 at the Planetarium Hamburg on July 10th and 11th.

Thursday, July 10
6pm: Machinima
7pm: 3D Space 1
8pm: 360° - Domefest nominees
9pm: Best of 360°
10pm: FX Mix 1
11pm: Realtime

Friday, July 11
6pm: Flash
7pm: 3D Space 2
8pm: FX Mix 2
9pm: 360° - Domefest nominees
10pm: Best of 360°
11pm: 360° - Alien Action
12pm: Stuttgart Tricks - Highlights from the Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film

More info available at bitfilm 08.

Storytelling Seminar @ ARTS Lab July 19 & 20

STORYTELLING

Matthew McDuffie, an instructor in the Dramatic Writing Program at the University of
New Mexico, and a professional screenwriter who has written for HBO, Showtime,
Warner Brothers, and the producers of ER, Capote, and Six Feet Under, will lead an
intensive and intimate workshop for novelists, playwrights and screenwriters who are
determined to create stronger stories and characters. Participants are encouraged to bring
in their own work to develop over the course of the weekend event.

The workshop will be held at UNM’s Arts Lab 131 Pine St. NE, Albuquerque, NM
July 19th and 20th, from 10 AM to 4 PM. The cost is $225. Lunch will be served. Call
(505) 265-2569 or buzzblanco@comcast.net for more information and reservations.

"Matthew is a passionate storyteller. He lives for it. He understands that the problem
solving and puzzle-making of good story is to serve emotion and character, and
ultimately the audience. In this age of reality TV and internet immersion, Matthew has
not forgotten that entertainment is an art form."

Bonnie Curtis – Producer of Saving Private Ryan and Minority Report

NM Incentives @ AniMotion NM July 8th

NM Production Incentives @ AniMotion NM, July 8th

AniMotion NM welcomes New Mexico Film Office Deputy Director Jennifer Schwalenberg and award-winning animator Chris Kientz to talk about New Mexico's production rebate program and other incentives and how they apply to animation and VFX work.

A cornerstone of the success we've seen in encouraging film production, New Mexico's incentives have become a model envied by states across the country. But while a few states are experimenting with rebates even larger than ours, none has been able to match our straightforward approach and commitment to customer service.

How can animators make use of these incentives? Come to the next AniMotion NM meeting and find out.

When: Wednesday, July 8th from 7 - 9pm
Where: ARTS Lab Garage
(131 Pine Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106)
just north of Central and one block west of University

Scripting a Character Rig July 9th @ ARTS Lab

Image via WikipediaMEL Scripting a Character Rig in Maya by Chris Maraffi

When: Wednesday, July 9th from 5 - 8pm
Where: ARTS Lab Garage
(131 Pine Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106)
just north of Central and one block west of University

This workshop will demonstrate an overview of how to approach MEL scripting a biped character rig in Autodesk Maya to automate and streamline the character rigging process. It will show you the advantages and issues in creating a rig through code, and will give you a sneak peak of the content of Chris' new book on the same subject, due out early fall.

The advantages of learning and utilizing MEL (Maya Embedded Language) or any other integrated package scripting is comparable to that of riding a bike vs. a motorcycle. Sure you can get there by peddling hard enough, but why not let the motor do the hard work while you just steer to your destination. The concepts in this lecture will introduce just how helpful MEL can be to increase your abilities and productivity in Maya.

Chris is the author of Maya Character Creation, a book that simplifies the complex nature of character creation and rigging using Maya, as well as Softimage XSI FX & Design, which covers character creation and animation using XSI . Most recently he was the Course Director of the scripting and character rigging classes at Full Sail University in Orlando Florida. He has also taught certified 3D training classes at Mesmer Animation Labs, The Academy of Art, The Masters Institute, School of Visual Arts, Pratt School of Design, NYU, & NYIT.

Before becoming an educator and certified trainer, Chris worked as a professional artist, animator, and consultant for broadcast, film, and internet companies in New York City.

Join us for this unique event and learn just how powerful MEL can be!

NM-Made Films & Fundraiser Saturday

Hi everyone...

From Production Coordinator Elaine Thompson...

As you may or may not know, Matt McAlister, our Set PA on "LOVE LIES BLEEDING" and "THE SPIRIT" as well as working on numerous New Mexico productions, passed away on April 11th of this year. With his passing, he left behind not only his parents, grandparents and siblings but a young son by the name of Cyrus McAlister. Matt did not have any insurance so in an effort to help his son Matt's family has established a trust fund in the memory of Matt for Cyrus.

We are having a Fund Raising Event this Saturday, June 28th at the historic Kimo Theatre in Albuquerque.
The doors will open at 11:30AM. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased the day of the event or can be purchased in advance at the Kimo this week. In addition, Delaney Marsh, has tickets available to purchase directly from him.

We will be screening the following three movies in this order: The Horror Chronicles "UNDEAD or ALIVE" and "BURIED ALIVE" then "LOVE LIES BLEEDING" starring Christian Slater. The first screening will begin around 12:30PM with an intermission between each film. We will also have a sneak peak of the upcoming film by Frank Miller "THE SPIRIT".

There will be live music provided by Exit 116 and Boris McCutcheon and the Saltlicks.

Any and all proceeds from this event will be donated to the trust fund for Cyrus McAlister.

If you cannot attend the event but would like to make a donation you can go to the following website that has been set up through a PayPal account: http://inmemoryofmatt.com

I've attached a flyer with the basic information for the event which is being sponsored by the City of Albuquerque Film Office, Mountainair Films, Odd Lot Entertainment and Precinct 13 Entertainment.

I've included many of the local POC's and APOC's in this distribution in an effort to get the info out there so perhaps you can print this flyer and post it in your production offices. I've also included many of our local casting directors so that you can pass along this info to our local cast members appearing in these films.

Today, IATSE Local 480 has generously purchased 40 tickets which will go to the first 40 members of Local 480 at the door. You will need to see me and have your current membership card or driver's license so that I can check your name off the roster.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me (number below) or Delaney Marsh – Cell: (505) 231-8608.

Please get the word out and pass along this info. Thanks to everyone for your help and support in making this a successful event.

Warmest Regards,

Elaine Thompson
Production Coordinator
Cell: (310) 503-1566
Email: misselaineeus@earthlink.net

P.S. SUMMERFEST 2008 is also taking place on Sat., June 28th so be advised that Central will be closed between 3rd and 5th.

NMITSA Lunch: Kevin Silver on User Experience Design

I'm particularly excited about this announcement. Kevin is a real star in the world of interaction and user-centered design working here in Albuquerque with Clearwired. He's a nice guy too, with a passion for user-centered design that's infectious.

What is User-Centered Design -- or User Experience? Why is it important to us here in New Mexico or anyone making a product or service they want consumers to use?

Is Apple doing pretty well?

I could try to explain, but... I encourage you to come to the next NMITSA lunch and hear from a real expert.
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NMITSA is pleased to announce that Kevin Silver will be our featured guest at the upcoming June membership luncheon on June 19th from 11:30 am until 1:00pm at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Albuquerque. Kevin will be speaking on User Experience Design.
Tickets for this luncheon are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here. Registration for NMITSA members is $25, for non-members it is $40. We look forward to seeing you all on the 19th!

Kevin is an empathetic champion of users and a strong proponent of user-centered design. He strives to design digital products that are simple, elegant, and easy to use. Involved in desktop application design and development since 1995, he started tinkering with HTML in the late 90s-just in time for the flurry of growth on the Web before the big .com bust. Kevin has worked on a diverse range of projects, including designing applications for Indian Health Services (a federal agency), Envision Utility Software, University of New Mexico, Anchor Computer, the United States Air Force, and Web sites for Norwegian Cruise Lines, Dr. Martens, Buck Knives, Museum of the African Diaspora, and Adobe, to name a few. One thing Kevin has learned through all of these engagements is that satisfying the needs and goals of users is central to a successful experience.