Creative Cow West 2003 MAYA Course Keynote Speaker Mark Sylvester www.marksylvester.com is the Creative Director and co-founder of mixed grill, a Santa Barbara design firm focused on the field of Information Visualization. Mark was a co-founder of Wavefront Technologies in 1984, one of the first commercial animation software developers. In 1995 Wavefront merged with Silicon Graphics and Alias Research, and Mark served as Ambassador for the organization, Alias|Wavefront. In this role, he worked closely with the development organization and the product teams as a liaison between customers and the company ensuring a close relationship between artists and developers. Mark initially helped to develop The Advanced Visualizer, a 3D-computer animation system first used at Universal Pictures. Alias|Wavefront software was used by Industrial Light and Magic to create the landmark effects for the current Star Wars movie, Episode Two: Attack of the Clones. Alias|Wavefront software was also used in these recent blockbuster films including, Lord of the Rings, Shrek, Monsters, Inc and Spider Man. The software was awarded two Scientific and Technical Achievement Awards by the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences. Mark is a frequent speaker at industry events including Siggraph, The National Association of Broadcasters, Digital Media World (Australia) and Nicograph (Japan). He has published articles on computer animation, digital compositing and the future of digital production techniques. His work is also featured in the book, "Return on Innovation." He recently addressed the World Animation Festival about the expanding role of virtual humans in film. The history of Wavefront, as written by Mark is included in the authoritative text, "CG101, The History of Computer Graphics," by Terrance Masson. Mark co-founded a non-profit organization that serves youth in Santa Barbara. ASPIRE, the After School Program for Interactive Research in Education was founded in 1994, and has grown to a year-round effort. Science and Art partners work closely with the animation students to lend expertise in subject areas that become the focus on team created projects. Mark has been a committed member of the Santa Barbara community on many levels for the past 30 years, including these awards and positions; President of the South Coast Alliance of Media Professionals (SCAMP) Board member of the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce President of the Partners in Education Recently recognized by Congresswoman Lois Capps, State Senator Jack O'Connell and Assemblywoman Hanna-Beth Jackson for outstanding contribution and support to education 1999's Executive of the Year by the South Coast Business and Technology Association Marquee Award by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for his commitment to new media education Santa Barbara Magazine named him one of its' 25 Most Intriguing in 2001 Member of the Board of Trustees of the Arts Institute Member of the Executive Board of the Santa Barbara City College Foundation Advisor, DiMi - Digital Media Innovation Initiative Member, Presidents Council, Art Center College of Design Member, Chancellors Council, University of California, Santa Barbara ###