fmx/08 - Stuttgart/Germany

13. International Conference on Animation, Effects, Games and Digital Media. May 05 to 08, 2008
fmx/08 offers talks, workshops, screenings and much more – covering the creation, production and distribution of the whole spectrum of digital imagery. The main focus lies on the convergence between animation, effects, games and digital media.

fmx/conference includes lectures on varied up-to-date topics ranging from cinema and television to games and mobile entertainment. International speakers will discuss and share artistic, aesthetic and technical visions, opening their digital tool kits, analyzing new developments and debating the future of 3D entertainment.

fmx/forum invites companies to present their latest achievements and introduce new products. Researchers, hard- and software vendors and users can debate new technologies and practical application, whereas graduates and freelancers meet recruiters looking for new talents.

NVIDA - Digital Art Competition

This competition invites you stand on the shoulders of giants like Frank Gehry and gaze into the far reaches of imagination and technology. We challenge you to create the most awe inspiring architecture and landscape - to stretch the envelope of human experience and to dazzle the senses.

What we want: Awe inspiring fusions of architecture and landscape – that simple. The emphasis is on imagination and artistic expression.
What we don't want: Technical marvels that are cold and devoid of artistic merit and beauty.

One image per entry must be uploaded prior to March 10th 2008.
Images must be 2560 x 1600 JPEG images – at least 90% JPEG quality.
Entrants must be members of CGTalk or CGSociety.
visit NVIDA

The Art of Beowulf

Visual effects innovator Robert Zemeckis uses motion capture technology to resurrect the ancient epic poem "Beowulf" for the modern screen. Actors Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, John Malkevich, and Robin Wright Penn bring to life Neil Gaiman's fascinating redefinition of this macabre dark ages tale. Fans who relish the intense, action-packed film will want this extraordinary hardcover packed with lavish concept art from production designer Doug Chiang's revered studio (responsible for the design of "Robota", "Star Wars: Episode I", and "War of the Worlds"). Quotes from the production designers, artists, actors, and filmmakers, as well as accessible text on the technology utilized in the film, complete this stunning homage to the genesis and visual execution of a unique motion picture.

buy The Art of Beowulf at AMAZON

Paul Lasaine - Visual Development

Paul Lasaine began his career in live-action, primarily in visual effects as a matte painter. After interviewing for a job at Amblimation, he later received a call from startup company DreamWorks to work in visual development. He is now a production designer at Sony Pictures Animation. His credits include titels such as Alien³, Batman Returns, The Prince of Egypt and The Lord of the Rings.

More samples of his work can be seen on his blog: http://paullasaine.blogspot.com/
Further you'll find his tutorial about creating photoshop brushes here