Welcome to the Electric Image Forum and Project Phoenix. About three weeks ago, I set out to create a new Electric Image community here on CG Talk. Throughout my posts Ive listed my reasons why I feel the Electric Image Animation System is such a great piece of software. Its powerful, possesses a rich lineage, has ushered in hundreds of individuals into the professional 3D animation and visualization markets, and unquestionably produces some of the most beautiful 3D renderings Ive ever seen. But alas, this undeniably great and extremely popular piece of software has gone through some rough times in its history. Usage decreased, buyouts were made, and progress stagnated. Some people wondered if this program was headed for the electronic graveyard.
Those times are gone.
Today the Electric Image Technology Group has reformed and has been steadily modernizing this fantastic application with a number of new technologies. The improvements are rather impressive; so impressive that I want to personally challenge you to give the program a try. Henceforth, Ive created this EIAS specific mini challenge called Project Phoenix. (Details forthcoming Wednesday, 8 February 2006)
Ive been asked, Why am I doing this? Im not really certain. EIAS isn’t the only software package I use. Maybe its because I’m rather fond of rooting for the underdog. Im not sure. But I do know that I am not receiving anything from EITG. (In case you were wondering) The only way I benefit is to hopefully see one of the programs I enjoy using thrive.
CG Talk has a profound history of offering tremendous CG challenges and competitions with an array of fantastic prizes donated by the various sponsors of the CG Society. I originally petitioned for an exclusive EIAS user competition and there were a number of EIAS vendors who were willing to contribute to the cause. However, the CG Society president wisely informed me that despite the cool idea, offering an exclusive, community specific challenge with non Society sponsors posed certain difficulties to an organization that attempts to appeal to all users of the cg community and it posed a conflict of interests with its official Society member sponsors. If a CG Society endorsed independent challenge is offered to the EIAS community, similar contests must be offered to all communities and that could become a logistical nightmare for CG Talk. I agreed. We did however find a little compromise. An informal, personal, application specific competition could exist and offer a prize if I, a CG Society member, were willing to be the sole sponsor. As I mentioned, the only benefit I receive is hopefully seeing the program I enjoy using thrive.
So with that, I decided it was worth the effort and I do have a prize to give away. One that is very special to me. For those who have not heard my story, Im just an average guy from the Midwestern United States with the dream of working in Hollywood. I wanted to make animated movies and visual effects, but not only that, I wanted to work for George Lucas on a Star Wars film. What were the odds? I have no earthly idea, but some how, whether it was determination, talent or shear luck, I was given my chance. One thing I do know is that EIAS contributed to that chance. So the prize I intend to offer to the winner of this challenge is my mint condition ILM Episode II: Attack of the Clones, VFX crew, leather varsity jacket. (Original value $250. Potential e-bay value? Hmmm, who knows. Though I hope you wouldn’t turn around and sell it.) I’m a rather tall guy so the jacket is an XXL. But that’s ok. You’ll be able to wear it over a sweater! I wore this jacket only once to the films premiere and it represents in my mind what someone can do if they put their mind to the task. Whether you liked the movie or not, it means a lot to me and thats what I want to share with the CG and EIAS communities as a whole. Its more about what the jacket represents than the jacket itself.
Now for those of you non-EIAS users who are saying, What about us? Well, I want to open up the competition to you too. All you have to do to qualify for the event is create your 3D image with EIAS. But I dont own the program! you say. No problem. EITG offers the ability to obtain a complete, fully functioning demo of EIAS with NO RESTRICTIONS, free of charge.
http://www.eitechnologygroup.com/store/eias_demo.html
Instead of using the online order form, contact Philip Martin at EITG (phil@eitechnologygroup.com) directly and tell him that you want to try the software out. This way he can extend the 30 day time limit of the demo to the length of the competition. (Which will be 45 days) Then participate in the upcoming competition. If my judging panel finds your image the winner, Ill send the jacket to you. Maybe, just maybe, youll like EIAS so much youll want to purchase the program. (One caveat. If you do not decide to purchase a seat of EIAS after the competition, the hardware dongle supplied with the demo must be returned to EITG to avoid a potential licensing fee. See Philip for details.)
Its a potential win-win situation for you! Besides, the EIAS community could use a little challenge from those of you outside our community. Gives them something to work towards. 
So stay tuned.
If you’re not a member of the CG Talk forum, what are you waiting for? Sign up today!
ALL THE DETAILS, RULES, AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MINI CHALLENGE WILL BE POSTED ON 4-5 February 2006 AND THE CONTEST WILL BEGIN ON 8 FEBRUARY, 2006.
