David Brin writes that “a year ago, the Computer Graphics Society ran a ‘Grand Challenge,’ resulting in vivid images, animations, and even movie trailers, for Greg Bear’s novel, Eon.* Now, in another SF-themed challenge, individual artists and teams have until mid-June to illustrate scenes or trailers based upon David Brin’s Uplift Universe. Every challenge features some lavish and high-tech prizes for all finalists.”
The goal of this challenge is to depict the relations between humans and aliens. Images should be set “within the epic backdrop of David Brin’s Uplift Universe series. This includes the classic novel, Startide Rising,” as well as five others. The series “is an epic spanning five galaxies and billions of years of history. The story Brin tells… is one of political and personal intrigue set in the near future. The epic centers on humans and their two Uplifted client races: Neo-Chimps and Neo-Dolphins. Upon contact with the galactic civilizations, the human clan and their clients are a source of trouble from the start.” The inspiration page has images, information on the series, notes from Brin, and more.
Entries for the challenge can be made in three categories: Image – Individual; Video – Team; and Video – Individual. All entries will also be eligible for any of the following awards: Modeling; Texturing; Animation; Lighting; Visual Effects; Landscape/Matte Painting; Art Direction; Compositing and Editing; and Best Character. Prizes include computers, software, memberships, and more, and are detailed on this page. Deadline for entries is 9 June 2008. Judges will include: Greg Bear, David Brin, Jim Burns, Bob Eggleton, Dehong He, Meng-Han Ho, James Kaufeldt, Mathias Kollros, Kevin Lenagh, Martin Sen, Mark Snoswell, Taino Soba, Leigh van der Byl, and Torsten Wolber.
For more information on the Uplift challenge, see this page. Details on the Eon challenge are available on this page.
The CGSociety is “the most respected and accessible global organization for creative digital artists. The CGS supports artists at every level by offering a range of services to connect, inform, educate, and promote, by celebrating achievement, excellence, and innovation in all aspects of digital art.”