(25 April 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: CG Overdrive, an event for computer graphics (CG) and animation enthusiasts held in Singapore for the first time last year, will return this year with an enhanced line up of activities and a new event partner.

Organised by Visual Communication Order (VCO) an affiliate of 3dsense Media School, the company has signed on Singapore Exhibition Services (SES) as co organiser for CG Overdrive, to propel Asia's media industry forward.

This year, CG Overdrive will be held from 16 - 22 June 2007 at Singapore Expo in conjunction with BroadcastAsia, CommunicAsia, EnterpriselT and interactive digital media and entertainment exhibition and conference (IDME).

VCO project director Justin Chua said, "The success of CG Overdrive last year, it's inaugural year, is a vivid manifestation of the desire for a dedicated and committed Computer Graphics (CG) Platform in Asia that facilitates the transfer of CG knowledge and vital networking opportunities. We are greatly heartened by the strong and invaluable support from the CG Community.

"This year, we are pleased to have SES on board as VCO's partner in organising CG Overdrive. Their invaluable experience in event organisation will be instrumental in anchoring CG Overdrive as a key event for CG buffs and enthusiasts with the aim of growing it together with the booming animation industry in Asia."

Speaking on the synergy between CG Overdrive and BroadcastAsia as well as VCO and SES, SES CEO Stephen Tan said, "it only makes practical sense to place CG Overdrive side by side BroadcastAsia. CG Overdrive opens the window to inspiring and creating dynamic digital content for different mediums. BroadcastAsia showcases the latest and most innovative technologies for delivery of that content.

"The computer and animation industry is constantly challenged to produce more ambitious work in a shorter space of time. CG Overdrive and BroadcastAsia will address various techniques for efficient production and delivery in a highly competitive and time constrained industry."

CG Overdrive's knowledge centric event will comprise a total of four major segments, up from the original two, namely the CG Conference, CG Festival, Masterclasses and Forums, and the CG Guilds Gathering segments.

A week long event, CG Overdrive 2007 will commence with Interactive Forums aimed at discussing issues critical to the healthy development of the CG Industry and Hands on Masterclass sessions that strive to impart vital techniques and artistry to professionals and students.

The CG Conference will address topics such as character animation techniques, digital paintings, character modeling, 3D film making, visual effects and production of CG cinernatics for games and etc.

A host of CG Festival activities such as an exhibition, digital film screenings and a digital art gallery will also be staged to connect and inspire CG enthusiasts.

The Recruitment Overdrive section will likewise be held to allow CG talents and aspiring CG artists a conduit to submit their portfolios and present their talent to recruiting local and international studios.