imagina’s annual computer graphics event has become a key date in the calendar of 3D graphics professionals and is set to further its reputation once again this year at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The event is set to host some key talks and presentations between 3–5 February, prompting 3D World to catch up with the events’ director general Laurent Puons before heading out to the conference next month.
What are the key themes of imagina 2010?
imagina’s themes are represented by four different sectors – architecture, territory planning, industry and Media & Entertainment.
Conference topics will include, respectively, ‘Green building: 3D simulation in sustainable architecture’, ‘3D City & Territory Modelling: Issues and Perspectives’, ‘Digital mock-up and simulation, Style and 3D design’ and ‘Virtual prototyping and 3D stereo CGI: How to give your images a new dimension’.
imagina’s new positioning allows each of the four sectors to share their experiences of using 3D technologies.
What’s changed since last year?
The three most recent imagina events have no connection with those that went before.
Essentially, we realised that 3D technologies were no longer the exclusive preserve of a select group of insiders working in cinema, video gaming or advertising. 3D experienced a democratisation – it is now within everyone’s reach. As a result, we developed the new concept of an event that responds to the genuine needs of those working with 3D. In fact, we transformed our Festival into a Market.
imagina has now become a veritable trading ground for the 3D industry, enabling publishers and service providers to come and meet buyers in their sector.
In the past there has been a large focus on DCC (digital content creation) – will this be renewed for 2010?
The 2009 event met with great success, with an increase in exhibitors of more than 30% and an increase of over 10% in the number of visitors – all this despite a difficult economic climate. For 2010, then, we have developed particular themes that were especially significant in 2009.
In addition, a task force with the aim of implementing a project to create a 3D ethical charter met after the 2009 event. The official signing of this charter will take place during imagina 2010.
The Media and Entertainment strand was slightly under-represented last year – how important is this section to imagina?
This year, because of its topical nature, imagina has the unique opportunity to host a conference on Avatar. The development of this film as a 3D movie is nothing less than revolutionary, and to have Lightstorm Entertainment and Ubisoft together to talk about it will provide those present with a unique opportunity to hear the insights of the experts who worked on Avatar and its accompanying video game.
Do big CG conferences such as SIGGRAPH influence your content?
SIGGRAPH is an internationally recognised event that places particular emphasis on Media & Entertainment and plays host to the large American and European studios – this is no longer the case with imagina, which has taken a much more business, and market-orientated direction.
imagina is the leading event for design and decision-making solutions that use visualisation and simulation and, as a result, can attract new people and groups working in the industry.
Which are the most anticipated parts of the conference this year?
The 2010 event will clearly show the success of imagina’s shift towards new markets. We need only mention [famed French architect] Jean Nouvel, who will give a keynote speech, and the Avatar conference that will feature James Cameron’s studio and Ubisoft. This will be a first in Europe – the studio and the developers of the Avatar video game sharing a stage.
What are imagina’s objectives in regards to audience?
We aim to attract people who have mastered their subject; it is always good to have people who are a leader in his or her area.
The main aim, however, is to ensure that imagina plays host to people who have a significant amount of experience using 3D technologies and who can share this experience with anyone attending, in the hope of advancing the use of these technologies.
Have you made any changes to the imagina Awards event this year?
As a result of the continued development of the event, we inevitably had to push the awards onwards and offer architectural firms, communications groups, landscape designers and other groups carrying out 3D projects the opportunity of participating in this prestigious competition by creating new prizes and juries.
For more info visit: www.imagina.mc
