reported by Troy Williams, CyberScreenwriter.com

Bringing 30-foot-tall robots to life in this summer's blockbuster film "Transformers" incorporated some of the most complex modeling and animation ever attempted at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). The experts behind the film will discuss their challenges and successes during a special session at SIGGRAPH 2007, the 34th International Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques held 5-9 August 2007 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California, USA.

Since the film features 14 fully computer generated characters (some containing more than 10,000 individually controllable pieces of geometry), entirely new graphic systems had to be developed to make this not only feasible, but also production friendly - a challenge not to be underestimated. From oil filters and axles to pistons and body panels; each piece had to have the ability to be individually controlled while operating within a substantially complex system.

ILM Visual Effects Supervisor Scott Farrar, Associate Visual Effects Supervisor Russell Earl, Animation Director Scott Benza, Digital Production Supervisor Jeff White, and Digital Matte Supervisor Richard Bluffwill provide this unique inside glimpse into the making of this complex and visually stimulating film.

"If it was not for the collaborative community spirit of SIGGRAPH and Hollywood's industry leaders, many of these challenges, experiences, and successes would never be exposed to the public," stated SIGGRAPH 2007 Special Sessions Co-Chair Jerome Solomon. "We are very grateful to ILM for bringing this perspective to SIGGRAPH. This will be both an educational and exciting special session."

SIGGRAPH 2007 will bring an estimated 25,000 computer graphics and interactive technology professionals from six continents to San Diego, California, USA for the industry's most respected technical and creative programs focusing on research, science, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education, and the web from 5-9 August at the San Diego Convention Center. SIGGRAPH 2007 includes a three-day exhibition of products and services from the computer graphics and interactive marketplace from 7-9 August 2007. More than 250 international exhibiting companies are expected. Registration for the conference and exhibition is open to the public. More details are available at http://www.siggraph.org/s2007.

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) SIGGRAPH sponsors SIGGRAPH 2007. ACM is an educational and scientific society uniting the world's computing educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources and address the field's challenges. ACM strengthens the profession's collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for life-long learning, career development, and professional networking.