Over the four days in early December 2014, the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (SZCEC) was transformed into a hub of digital innovation as leading computer graphics and interactive techniques pioneers convened at SIGGRAPH Asia 2014. Now in its 7th year, the event, which rotates around Asia-Pacific, attracted over 6,000 industry professionals, researchers, artists, developers and enthusiasts from 53 countries .
Having successfully closed its 7th edition, SIGGRAPH Asia has moved forward to further position itself as the leading computer graphics and interactive techniques conference and exhibition in Asia-Pacific, said the SIGGRAPH Asia 2014 Conference Chair, Professor Baoquan Chen, dean of the School of Computer Science and Technology at Shandong University and chief scientist of the visual computing research center, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. It comes with great pleasure to see so many Chinese and international companies at this event. We have chosen Shenzhen as the starting point in Mainland China for SIGGRAPH Asia, as the region has an incredible amount of well-developed companies, and a large amount of good resources in the industry. Mainland China has seen rapid advances in creative design and entertainment industry. As a result, more opportunities have been created for our industry professionals both regionally and internationally , he added.
The SIGGRAPH Asia conference featured exciting and informative sessions by Keynote Speakers Scott Ross of Digital Domain andSteven Feiner of Columbia University, as well as other pioneering figures of the ever-evolving industry such as Peter J. Bentley, Digital Biologist and Robb Denovan of Pixar Animation Studios .
Can Asia Become Hollywood? Scott Ross Sparks Debate in Keynote Speech
As a pioneer in the digital media and entertainment industry, Scott Ross has worn many hats throughout his career. As a co-founder of renowned Academy Award-winning digital production studio, Digital Domain, Ross' commendable direction saw the studio receive Academy Awards for ground-breaking visual effects in Titanic, What Dreams May Come and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, as well as several Academy Award nominations for numerous other films.
For his keynote speech at SIGGRAPH Asia 2014, Ross not only highlighted the fact that China will surpass the United States and become the world's largest box office territory, but also examined which model China may adapt to gain influence in the global movie scene. In the past, various Asian countries, such as Japan, Korea, and India have tried different ways to participate in the studio production style that is present in Hollywood. The current Hollywood methods may act as a lesson for China and its love affair with the silver screen. Ross explained, China has great potential in becoming the next Hollywood' as the country has a large amount of resources, and has the ability of becoming the financial partner for international filmmakers. It may also be suggested that both China and the West could work together rather than be strictly guided by the studios.
Steven Feiner Explores Pioneering Applications for Augmented Reality
Professor of Computer Science at Columbia University, Steven Feiner directs the Computer Graphics and User Interfaces Laboratory and co-directs the Columbia Vision and Graphics Center. For over 20 years, Feiner's laboratory has been engaged in Augmented Reality (AR) research. His research created the first outdoor mobile AR system using a see-through head-worn display, and pioneered experimental applications of AR to fields such as tourism, journalism, maintenance, and construction.
During the Keynote Speech at SIGGRAPH Asia, on the topic of From See-Through to Be-Through: AR and the Future of User Interfaces , Feiner generally talked about AR and its ability to change our lives. He discussed how AR could augment a world beyond our own first-person perspective, assist us as we work and play together, and create hybrid user interfaces for multiple display and interaction devices that complement each other. According to Feiner, After over 45 years of research in labs around the world, AR eyewear is now poised to take its first steps toward mainstream use. In many applications, for this to be possible, AR eyewear will not only need to work well, but it will also need to look good, feel comfortable, and run for extended periods of time.
Computer Animation Festival Awards Top Three Achievers
The SIGGRAPH Asia 2014 Computer Animation Festival presented stunning animation and visual effects works. This year, it showcased the latest technologies and creative innovations for attendees, and thrilled with a variety of creative arts and technological advancements.
This year's Best in Show Award was given to Bang Bang!, by Julien Bisaro of Ca mans Productions in France. Bang Bang! presents a dazzling visual narrative, further enhanced by a rapid pace that keeps viewers completely engaged from the start to its satisfying ending.
The Jury Special Prize was presented to James Cunningham of Media Design School (New Zealand), for his short film Over The Moon. The Best Student Project Prize was awarded to Jinxy Jenkins, Lucky Lou, by Michael Bidinger and Michelle Kwon of the Ringling College of Art and Design (United States) .
I would like to emphasize that there are quite a number of outstanding pieces that attracted the committee and jurys attention with intriguing visual designs and gripping narratives, said the Computer Animation Festival Director Jinny HyeJin Choo.
Robin King, Computer Animation Festival Chair, added: We were also delighted by the number of finalists who developed and created their submissions in Asia. It shows the growing focus on innovation and creative thought in the region, which
