We are constantly pushing the boundaries with the CGChallenges. The previous challenge (EON) saw the introduction of a film trailer category. We were astounded by the quality of entries in that category and the range of skills demonstrated. Inspired by that we dramatically expanded the categories for this challenge. This also reflected a dramatic increase in the prize pool with sponsors lining up to participate.
The Animation category is another first. Here entrants had to develop their own story and animate it – a huge task. The range and quality of entries were outstanding, making it very hard to select the Master and Excellence winners.
"Spaced Out" • Martin Sen (Versiden)
“A delightful animation that is full of energy and emotion. The execution, timing, lighting and composition are all world class. It’s also just the right length – it tells a story without excess or cutting corners. Truly a master class animation.”
Prizes: » BOXX Workstation » Autodesk Maya or 3ds Max » Stash 6 Pack » Ballistic book of choice » CGS Membership for 1 year
"Polkarella" • Zubuyer Kaolin (overcontrast)
“A wonderful piece that merges Seuss and Pokemon influences with a liberal dash of twisted humour. The atmosphere, colours, animation, timing and compositions are all excellent.” "Polkarella" challenger page.
Prizes: » NVIDIA Quadro 3500 » Softimage XSI Advanced » Stash 6 Pack » Ballistic book of choice » CGS Membership for 1 year
This traditional challenge category pitted all illustrators against one another – formerly we had separated 2D and 3D illustrations. The range of illustrations and techniques used were enormous. What was consistent though was the thought, emotion and quality expressed in the entries.
"5 o`clock, somewhere at the orcish border" • Mathias Kollros (guterrez)
Prizes: » BOXX Workstation » Corel Painter X » Stash 6 Pack » Ballistic book of choice » CGS Membership for 1 year
"Carrot Run" • Bobby Chiu (digital-bobert)
“Great energy, cute and funny… a fantastic combination. Decidedly strange as well – a vegetarian dragon chasing a furry legged carrot bearing a set of mean teeth. Good composition and depth also. All round an excellent image.” "Carrot Run" challenger page.
Prizes: » NVIDIA Quadro 3500 » Corel Painter X » Stash 6 Pack » Ballistic book of choice » CGS Membership for 1 year
For the first time we introduced a full blown short film category. To aid entrants, Paul Gulino wrote a professional screenplay that entrants could adapt for this category. As the winning entries demonstrate, the CG community rose to the challenge and created some outstanding short films. As with the previous challenge, we were astounded by the amount of effort and skill demonstrated in all of the entries.
"Atoms and Pixels" • Taino Soba (Taino)
• Adrian Zamora (AdrianZ)
• Michael Vafeas (mcvaffe)
• Meng-Han Ho (menghanho)
“Very clever and very well done. This short film has it all from a great screenplay adaption, to great integration of live and CG elements to great visual effects. An extraordinary achievement from a group of students with a very bright future.” "Atoms and Pixels" challenger page.
Prizes: » BOXX Workstation - or - 2 renderBOXX’s » Autodesk Maya or 3ds Max » Luxology modo 3D » REALVIZ Image Modeler » 2 Softimage XSI Foundation » Stash 6 Pack » Complete Ballistic book set » 6 CGS memberships - 1yr
"Vacant" • Jacob Luamanuvae (jakeDaMus)
• Stephen Richard Hutt (Headcased)
• Bryce Fredrik Johansen (HowlingMad)
• Grant Stephen Percival (SamoanSamurai)
• Daniel Patrick Meighan (monkeykingmagic)
• Mathew Luke de Ruiter (Judg3m3ntDay)
• Rebecca Elizabeth Rose Raphaela Cole (lilmoocow)
• Kieran Rea Thawley (crazyEyes)
• Robert John Gordon Cancian (JellyBeanKiller)
• Daniel Gregory Nunns (Xorsist)
• Aidan Gillies (Freckles)
• Ka Ho Wong (jameskaho)
• Alexia Gonzalez (MayaBrat)
• Daniel Lynch (kiwistarboj)
• Darwin Go (darwin_go)
• Tim Gilmore (Timage)
• Jack Tema (PimpCane)
“What a twisted screenplay adaption – very entertaining. The timing and camera direction were great. The sound track was also well done, as was the lip sync. This was an enormous and well balanced production with a lot of animation, editing, texturing, lighting direction and overall team work.” "Vacant" challenger page.
Prizes: » 4 NVIDIA Quadro 3500 » Softimage XSI Foundation » Luxology modo 3D » 2 Mudbox » REALVIZ Stitcher Unlimited 5.6 » Stash 6 Pack » 6 Ballistic Books of choice » 6 CGS memberships - 1yr
