Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1011500
Welcome to the SIGGRAPH 2018 Computer Animation Festival! This is a banner year for celebrating great achievements and innovations in our commu- nity. I hope you find this program to be a useful guide for exploring the works featured in the Electronic Theater, the VR Theater, Real-Time Live!, and Production Sessions. The 2018 Electronic Theater is packed with short films, cinematics, visual effects reels, and real-time renders. Our jury, comprised of seasoned industry professionals, carefully considered each submission based on originality, craft, storytelling, and use of technolo- gy. During Monday's opening-night Electronic Theater screening, awards will be present- ed for Best in Show, Jury's Choice, and Best Student Project. The SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival is proud to be recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a qualifying festival for the Best Animated Short Oscar. Along with our celebration in the Electronic Theater, we are delighted to have the return of the popular VR Theater. This year's program features 360-degree films from 11 coun- tries. Access to the program has also expanded to offer more seats for screenings, as well as five kiosks that will show select stories within the Immersive Pavilion. Production Sessions, once again, has a strong lineup that will let you learn from top film- makers and visual effects artists. In addition, returning for its second year is the Produc- tion Gallery, which will feature costumes, props, art, and gaming experiences from some truly jaw-dropping projects. (View the full lineup starting on page 20.) If you like a good show and real-time graphics, you can't miss Real-Time Live! on Tuesday. This year brings more amazing real-time cinema and mixed-reality projects. (You can check out the complete lineup on page 26.) Finally, if you are interested in hearing from the creators of interactive and engaging projects, join us for Immersive Talks throughout the week in the Immersive Pavilion. These discussions will be focusing on advances in the AR/VR/MR spaces. I sincerely hope you enjoy SIGGRAPH 2018. Larry Bafia Computer Animation Festival Director