SIGGRAPH 2013 Computer Animation Festival Seeks Cutting-Edge Content

Artist Meats Meier recently completed this year's version of "Animation Mother",

Celebrating its 40th year, the world’s most innovative exploration of computer-generated animation and visual effects will be on display at SIGGRAPH 2013 in Anaheim, California this summer. The four-day, international event (21-25 July) spotlights the most prestigious innovators of technical and artistic short films. The festival showcases everything from student films to blockbuster visual effects and mainstream commercials.

Furthermore, the Computer Animation Festival is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a qualifying festival. Since 1999, several works originally presented in the Computer Animation Festival have been nominated for or have received a Best Animated Short Academy Award.

“As a qualifying venue for the Academy Awards, our jury judges on various criteria including the quality of technical submissions, creativity, and the art of storytelling,” said Jason R.M. Smith, SIGGRAPH 2013 Computer Animation Festival Director from LucasArts.  “And we encourage submissions from a wide variety of sources whether you are a global studio, a small start-up, or a student team, there is a place for you at SIGGRAPH.” 

The festival accepts submissions in 10 distinct categories:

• Computer Animation Shorts
• Music Videos
• TV and Web Commercials
• Visualizations and Simulations
• Student Projects
• Animated Feature Films
• Visual Effects for Short Films and TV Programs
• Visual Effects for Live-Action Feature Films
• Real-Time Graphics
• Miscellaneous

Stereo 3D work will be considered and can be entered in any of the above categories. Shot breakdowns to fully illustrate the amount of CG work involved in photo-real submissions are encouraged.

All entries must be uploaded by 5 March 2013 (22:00 UTC/GMT). Only finished works will be considered for inclusion, and all submissions must be uploaded at final resolution.

View detailed information on how to submit Computer Animation Festival content.

An Appeal from the SIGGRAPH 2013 Student Volunteer Chair: "Last Call for Applications"

Apply now to be considered for an invitation to join an  incredible group of gifted and dedicated students who help make SIGGRAPH possible.

The SIGGRAPH Conference draws thousands of attendees together from around the world, along with industry professionals who are linked by a drive to push the boundaries of advanced computer technologies. As a Student Volunteer, students will get to peek behind the curtain and become an essential part of running this prestigious, international event.

Please encourage the industry's future leaders to apply!
We need students who demonstrate leadership, enthusiasm for service, and a passion for computer graphics and interactive techniques. But hurry! The deadline is coming up very fast: 5 February 2013, 22:00 UTC/GMT. For information on how to apply, eligibility requirements, benefits and more click here. You may also access our online application system directly here.

Need some assistance promoting the program to students?
Visit our documents page on our website (powerpoint presentation, web banners, etc.), view our presentation online, or become a fan of our Twitter or Facebook page!

Thanks to friends like you, we have been able to promote the SIGGRAPH Student Volunteer Program to a greater number of students than ever before! Last year, a majority of our students heard about the Student Volunteer Program through a teacher, mentor, or an advisor. We need your help again this year to promote this unique opportunity to students.

Right-brained or left-brained, we are all working to advance the world of computer technologies. We invite you to encourage students to volunteer for this unparalleled experience--it's a no-brainer!

We hope to see you in Anaheim in 2013!

Best Regards,

Gracie Arenas Strittmatter
SIGGRAPH 2013 Student Volunteer Program Chair
sv2013@siggraph.org

SIGGRAPH 2013 Calls for Real-Time Live! Content

SIGGRAPH 2013 seeks cutting-edge Real-Time Live! content to be presented as part of this year’s prestigious Computer Animation Festival. Examples of accepted real-time simulations and graphics submissions include:

• Military or industrial simulations
• Interactive animation and graphics
• Research projects
• Computer games
• Real-time art explorations
• Scientific visualizations: medical, astrophysics, astronomy
• Interactive data visualization and information graphics

As long as the submission is interactively controlled, rendered in real time, and repeatable for a live audience, it will be considered. Accepted work is demonstrated live on a PC or game console in front of an audience. The result is an entertaining, informative, and engaging experience.

Check out examples from a previous year in the following video:





“Celebrating its 5th anniversary, Real-Time Live! has grown into a can't miss event at SIGGRAPH and has established itself as the premier annual showcase for the best of the best in interactive real-time graphics,” said Abe Wiley, Real Time Live! Chair from Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. “We hope that this year's content will be more diverse than ever and highly encourage submission from all industries and fields of research."

The Real-Time Live! submission deadline is 5 March 2013. All real-time work will be reviewed by a professional jury of industry experts from traditional computer graphics, video games, and research organizations.

Entries will be judged on creativity, innovation, performance, and most importantly, the ability to render in real time in front of a live audience as part of the Computer Animation Festival. The top selections will be played and demonstrated live on a PC or game console.

View detailed information on how to submit Real-Time Live! content.

SIGGRAPH 2013 Seeking Mobile Content

SIGGRAPH Mobile also features an interactive area where attendees can investigate mobile technologies.

Mobile graphics is growing at an incredible speed. Only a few years ago, mobile devices were so limited in display capabilities and processing power they were hardly considered a viable platform for computer graphics. Today, smartphones, tablets, and handheld gaming devices with powerful graphics hardware can easily run advanced games, productivity apps, and multimedia presentations on large full-color screens.

"The mobile devices in our pockets keep us connected to our friends, entertain us whenever we have a spare minute, and help us find information when we most need it," said Lars Erik Holmquist, SIGGRAPH 2013 Mobile chair from Yahoo! Labs. "And they pack in additional features such as cameras, sensors and location awareness that make the possibilities for new graphics experiences practically endless."

SIGGRAPH Mobile will feature a variety of activities during a full day of SIGGRAPH 2013 in Anaheim and is looking for the best content from all types of participants including industry, media, art, academia, and more. Like many SIGGRAPH programs, it is jury-reviewed to ensure the best quality experience for participants and presenters. There are many different formats for presentation - from single-speaker sessions to full-blown workshops and presentations.  The deadline for content is 17 March 2013.

"At SIGGRAPH Mobile, we want to see the exciting things that are happening in the field of mobile graphics and apps! Come and show your newest mobile game, your amazing augmented-reality app, or your ass-kicking graphics hardware," said Holmquist. "Share experiences on mobile development and design tools, how to get to millions of users in the app stores, and how to harness the power of social networking. If it is new, useful, or just plain cool, we want to see it at SIGGRAPH 2013!"

To ensure that all types of work can be shown and discussed, there are four submission categories:
• Presentations are focused talks, typically by one speaker, on a single topic, technology or result.
• Panels are multi-speaker presentations and discussions in a particular area.
• Workshops are hands-on tutorials on current mobile technologies and tools.
• Demonstrations of the latest and greatest mobile applications, software, and hardware.

Submitters can select their presentation times and target different types of SIGGRAPH audiences.

An international jury will judge all submissions according to quality, novelty, diversity of topics, and relevance to the SIGGRAPH Mobile program. To round out the program, the jury and the chair may invite additional presentations. The jury includes Jesse Barker, ARM, Inc.; Henriette Cramer, Yahoo! Labs; Matt Jones, Swansea University; Florian Michahelles, ETH Zürich; and Mark Piszczor, Nukotoys, Inc.

For more information on submitting, click here.

SIGGRAPH 2013 Deadlines Approaching

SIGGRAPH 2013 Call For Submissions
Left Brain + Right Brain

SIGGRAPH 2013 invites you to showcase your expertise and unique technical and creative skills at the International Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, 21 - 25 July 2013 in Anaheim, CA. From students to studio executives, from scientists to artists, SIGGRAPH is home to the best and brightest minds in computer graphics. This year, present your best work to SIGGRAPH 2013.

Every submission juried for SIGGRAPH 2013 is examined by a team of highly qualified top practitioners and subject matter experts. Due to the review time necessary, and production process post acceptance, our submission deadlines are generally several months ahead of the conference itself. All submission deadlines are strictly enforced, so please plan accordingly.

Important Submission Deadlines*
Be Sure to Plan Your Submission Process Accordingly!

• 17 January: Technical Papers
• 22 January: Art Papers and Art Gallery
• 5 February: Student Volunteer Applications
• 12 February: General Submissions (Courses, Emerging Technologies, Panels, Posters, Talks, Studio)
• 5 March: Computer Animation Festival and Real-Time Live! 
• 19 March: SIGGRAPH Mobile 
• 2 April: Dailies 
• 7 May: Late Deadline for Posters

Submission Deadline Notes:
Unlike recent years, each SIGGRAPH 2013 program has only one deadline, except Posters. There are no "Late Breaking" deadlines for Studio or Talks. Poster submissions can occur prior to the 12 February "general submissions" deadline or the 7 May late Poster deadline. In both cases, Posters are reviewed using the same criteria and by the same jury. Authors submitting prior to the early deadline will get decision notification in mid-April.

*All deadlines are 22:00 UTC/GMT. To determine what time that is where you are, you can use a converter such as The World Clock.

SIGGRAPH 2013 Call for Submissions

                                            Left Brain or Right Brain ... which one are you?

Celebrating its 40th year, the SIGGRAPH conference is the premier international event on computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2013 invites you to showcase your expertise and unique technical and creative skills at the International Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, 21 - 25 July 2013 in Anaheim.

From students to studio executives, from scientists to artists, SIGGRAPH is home to the best and brightest minds in computer graphics. This year, bring your best work to SIGGRAPH 2013.

Every piece submitted to SIGGRAPH 2013 through the Call for Submissions is reviewed by a highly qualified jury composed of top practitioners in the relevant field. Because we want each jury to have the time to review each piece carefully, submission deadlines generally are several months ahead of the conference itself. All the submission deadlines are strictly enforced, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Important Submission Deadlines:

Be Sure to Plan Your Submission Process Accordingly!

8 January 2013*    Student Volunteer Team Leader Applications

17 January 2013    Technical Papers

22 January 2013     Art Papers and Art Gallery

5 February 2013    Student Volunteer Applications

12 February 2013  Courses, Emerging Technologies, Panels, Posters, Talks, Studio

5 March 2013        Computer Animation Festival and Real-Time Live!

2 April 2013           Dailies

1 May 2013           SIGGRAPH Mobile

7 May 2013           Late Breaking deadline for Posters

Submission Deadline Notes:
Unlike recent years, each SIGGRAPH 2013 program has only one deadline, except Posters.
There are no "Late Breaking" deadlines for Studio or Talks. Poster submissions can occur prior
to the 12 February "general submissions" deadline or the 7 May Late Breaking Poster deadline.
In both cases, Posters are reviewed using the same criteria and by the same jury. Authors
submitting prior to the early deadline will get decision notification in mid-April.

*All deadlines are 22:00 UTC/GMT. To determine what time that is where you are, you can use a converter such as The World Clock.

SIGGRAPH 2012 Highlights from Los Angeles

The SIGGRAPH 2012 Exhibition continued the tradition of being a top draw with attendees.

Los Angeles – SIGGRAPH 2012, the world's premier conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques, welcomed 21,212 artists, research scientists, gaming experts and developers, filmmakers, students, and academics from 83 countries around the globe to Los Angeles this week. In addition, 161 industry organizations exhibited at SIGGRAPH 2012 representing 44,750 sq. ft. of exhibit space – approximately a 5,000 sq. ft. increase over 2011.  A total of 19 countries where represented on the show floor. 

SIGGRAPH 2012 Chair Rebecca
Strzelec addresses the media.

“As SIGGRAPH 2012 draws to a close, I’m incredibly proud of the body of work that represents thousands of hours of effort from hundreds of volunteers,” said Rebecca Strzelec, SIGGRAPH 2012 Conference Chair from Penn State Altoona.

She continued, “SIGGRAPH is not about a location – it is about the kindred spirit of our community and being able to provide cutting-edge content across many different fields.  In that sense, SIGGRAPH 2012 was a resounding success whether you are an artist, a scientist, a game developer, or a student… we featured incredible content that will continue to inspire everyone into 2013 and beyond.”

In all, more than 1,200 speakers and contributors participated in the conference through a variety of talks, sessions, panels, papers, presentations, tutorials, and screenings.

Highlights from SIGGRAPH 2012 included:

• Keynote Jane McGonigal Says Playing Games Can Improve Health and Lengthen Lives:

Jane McGonigal, director of game research and development at the Institute for the Future (IFTF) treated the audience to a lively discourse on how games are transforming the way we lead our real lives, and how they can be used to increase our resilience and well-being.

McGonigal’s research has shown that scientific studies suggest playing games can and have helped those with autism, ADHD, PTSD and even cancer. She has created the game SuperBetter, which helps players achieve health goals or recover from illness or injury by increasing their personal resilience.

A lively discussion panel during the Business Symposium.

• The second annual SIGGRAPH Business Symposium was held on Sunday, featuring keynote speakers Carl Rosendahl, founder of Pacific Data Images, venture capitalist, and co-director of Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center-Silicon Valley, and John Textor, chairman and CEO of Digital Domain Media Group. The objective of the event was to help shape the future direction of the computer graphics industry.

Noisy Boy from "Real Steel" appeared
at the Computer Animation Festival.

• The Computer Animation Festival presented the world's most innovative, accomplished, and amazing creators of digital gaming, film, and video. A total of 91 films were shown during the Festival. In addition to film screenings, the Festival included interactive sessions and exclusive learning opportunities to gain industry secrets and advice from some of the most successful professionals in the field. 

SIGGRAPH 2012 Computer Animation Festival award winners include:
•  Best in Show Award: Réflexion, Directed by Yoshimichi Tamura, PlanKtoon; France

• Jury Award: How To Eat Your Apple, Directed by Erick Oh, Independent; USA and South Korea

• Best Student Project Prize: Estefan, Directed by Jeff Call, Brigham Young University; USA

• Best Student Project Prize Runner-Up: Globosome, Directed by Sascha Geddert, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg; Germany

• Best Student Project Prize Runner-Up: Herr Hoppe und der Atommüll, Directed by Jan Lachauer and Thorsten Löffler, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg; Germany

• Well-Told Fable Prize: Rosette, Directed by: Romain Borrel, Gaël Falzowski, Benjamin Rabaste, and Vincent Tonelli, Supinfocom Arles; France

The Technical Papers Fast Forward was once again a packed house.

• Technical Papers, the premier global forum for presenting groundbreaking research from today's leading experts. The SIGGRAPH 2012 Technical Papers program featured 94 Technical Papers, selected among 412 submissions. The Technical Papers detailed new advances across many fronts, including 3D display technology, photographic prints for HDR images, textile design, and more.

Entrance to the SIGGRAPH Art Gallery: In Search of the Miraculous

• The SIGGRAPH 2012 Art Gallery: In Search of the Miraculous presented exceptional digital and technologically mediated artworks that explored the existence of wonderment, mystery, and awe in today’s world of mediating technologies and abundant data. From nearly 400 submissions, the Art
Gallery jury selected 12 pieces to be featured.

Download photos from SIGGRAPH 2012 at http://www.siggraph.org/photos

Join Us in Anahiem in 2013
SIGGRAPH 2013, the 40th International Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, will be held 21-25 July 2013 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California

Editor's Note: Special thanks to John Fujii, SIGGRAPH 1996 Conference Chair, who served as the official photographer for SIGGRAPH 2012.