Village Gamer

The first annual SPARK Animation Festival was held over the past five days in Vancouver. Organized by our local ACM SIGGRAPH chapter, the event experienced a steady, high attendance and great reviews from those who attended the various panels and screenings.

SPARK’s opening event was an informal question and answer session with Mark Osborne and John Stevenson, co-directors of the Dreamworks animated feature Kung Fu Panda. Through a series of questions led by moderator Glenn Entis, the directors divulged how the film’s artists created animation which not only respected the Chinese culture, it remained true to real-life Kung Fu. In order to help understand the discipline and movement of martial arts, the studio team was led through a grueling five hour instructional session by wushu instructor Eric Chen. Further insight was gained regarding the teamwork, development milestones and philosophies behind Kung Fu Panda were shared with the audience, making it an enjoyable learning experience for all who attended. The panel discussion was followed with a special screening of Kung Fu Panda, which turned out to be a very well-done animation with a simple message – it doesn’t matter who you are, you have it within you to become your own hero.

The entire SPARK Festival was filled with a great mixture of fun, education and social networking. Other

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Through the generous sponsorship of Big Fish Games, a Women In Games International social mixer was held recently in Vancouver – an event I have long hoped for. I have received many invitations in the past to other WIGI events, but was never able to attend as they were always being held at events I wasn’t able to be at. This local event, which was held at the Goldfish Pacific Kitchen in Yaletown, was very well attended. Several of us were invited up to the future home of Big Fish Games Canada for a quick tour and informational session. I am truly envious of that office space – the dark wood beam ceiling and old exposed brick walls make for a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and I am looking forward to seeing how the studio will look once everyone is moved in.

The most exciting news to develop from the social mixer is that WIGI will be increasing their involvement in the Vancouver area, starting with a panel discussion later this fall. The details of the panel are yet to be released, but promises to be an exciting addition to the monthly educational panels hosted in Vancouver, such as those held by our local ACM SIGGRAPH chapter. If you or anyone you know would like to become involved with WIGI, please visit their site for more information.