Alias/Wavefront Gets Back to Class with Release of Eight New Learning Tools; Launch of Six DVDs And Two Books in Time for Back to School

Business Wire, August 29, 2002

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 29, 2002

Alias/Wavefront(TM), an SGI (NYSE:SGI) company, announced today the release of eight new learning tools in time for back to school. The new learning tools consist of two books and six DVDs and address all levels of user from those using the Alias/Wavefront Maya(R) software for the first time to intermediate and advanced users who want to progress their knowledge in specific Maya techniques.

Learning Tools for all Skill Sets

Alias/Wavefront has specifically developed learning tools for all levels of users. Beginners will benefit from Learning Maya / Beginner's Guide(TM), a one-hour guided tour of Maya aimed at the novice user. Those who have been intimidated by 3D and computer graphics no longer need to be afraid!

Intermediate users will benefit from Learning Maya / Dynamics(TM), a book that combines step-by-step tutorials with theoretical discussions. Users will also benefit from chapter-by-chapter instructor overviews provided by Alias/Wavefront certified instructor, John Patton. These overviews presented in QuickTime(R) format on CD-Rom will enhance understanding of rigid and soft body dynamics as well as particle animation and rendering.

The advanced user can also benefit from additional theory and recommended workflows when using the Maya dynamic systems with the Maya(R) Techniques / Rigid Body Simulations for Visual Effects DVD. This DVD exposes the underlying structure of Rigid Bodies and provides a clear and in-depth understanding of the mechanics and techniques necessary to work effectively with the Maya dynamics systems.

Authors Include Renowned Industry Professionals

A host of acclaimed 3D professionals authored a number of the latest releases and join Alias/Wavefront in presenting the most up to date the Maya topics. "Students using our learning tools will have an absolute advantage," says Danielle Lamothe, sales and marketing manager, education at Alias/Wavefront. "Having the 3D industries' leading professionals guide users through specific Maya topics provides information you simply can't access anywhere else."

Habib Zargarpour, Associate Visual Effects Supervisor at Industrial Light & Magic(R) is your guide through the DVD, Maya(R) Techniques/ MELBot Wars(TM): Virtual Fighting Robots. Users will learn to build their own autonomous robots and teach them to fight each other using MEL expressions. This is serious play, benefiting from Zargarpour's years of industry experience and success. Once users have built their MELBot they can go to www.melbotwars.com to fight them in the virtual arena.

Learning Tools Overview

Books
  Learning Maya / Dynamics
  $ 79.99(1) US

  Learning Maya / Rendering(TM)
  $ 79.99(1) US

DVDs
  Learning Maya / Beginner's Guide
  $29.95(1) US

  Maya Techniques / MELBot Wars: Virtual Fighting Robots
  $69.99(1) US - Authored by Habib Zargarpour, Associate Visual
   Effects Supervisor, Industrial Light & Magic

  Maya(R) Techniques / Understanding Maya Shading Networks
  $129.99(1) US - Authored by Scott Rays, Character Artist for
   Volition Inc.(R)in Champaign, Illinois

  Maya(R) Techniques / How to Integrate Quadrupeds into the
  Production Pipeline(TM)
  $129.99(1) US - Authored by Marc-Andre Guindon, artist on many 3D
   productions including television programs feature films and 3D
   games

  Maya(R) Techniques / Rigid Body Simulations for Visual Effects
  $129.99(1) US - Authored by Adrian Graham, Senior Technical
   Director at Toybox in Toronto, ON

  Maya Techniques / Polygon Texturing, Lighting and Shading(TM)
  $129.99(1) US - Authored by Rob Ormond, Maya Product Specialist,
   Alias/Wavefront

All Alias learning tools are available to purchase now at: www.aliaswavefrontstore.com For more information see: www.aliaswavefront.com/mayalearn

About Alias/Wavefront

As the world's leading innovator of 3D graphics technology, Alias/Wavefront develops software for the film and video, games, web, interactive media, industrial design, and visualization markets.

Entertainment customers include BlueSky Studios, Cinesite, CNN, Disney, Dreamworks Electronic Arts, ESC Entertainment, Industrial Light & Magic, Midway Games, Nintendo, Pacific Data Images (PDI), Sega, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Square Co., Ltd., Warner Feature Animation and Weta Ltd.

Alias/Wavefront is a wholly owned, independent software company of SGI(R) with headquarters in Toronto, Canada. Please visit the Alias/Wavefront website at www.aliaswavefront.com or call 1-800-447-2542 in North America. International contact numbers include: Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa, +44 (0) 1494 441273; Germany, East & Southeast Europe, 0049 89 31 70 20; France, Spain and Portugal, +33 1 44 92 81 60; Italy, 39 039 6340011; Japan, 0120 764 088; and other parts of Asia Pacific, 81 3 3470 8282.

The Alias/Wavefront logo is a registered trademark and Alias/Wavefront and Melbotwars are trademarks of Alias/Wavefront, a division of Silicon Graphics Limited in the United States and/or other countries. Maya is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc., exclusively used by Alias/Wavefront, a division of Silicon Graphics Limited, and the Maya logo, Learning Maya / Dynamics, Learning Maya / Rendering, Learning Maya / Beginner's Guide and Maya Techniques / Polygon Texturing, Lighting and Shading are trademarks of Alias/Wavefront, a division of Silicon Graphics Limited. QuickTime is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. registered in the US and other countries. Industrial Light & Magic is a registered trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. Volition Inc. is a registered trademark of Volition, Inc. All other products or companies mentioned are trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Alias/Wavefront, 210 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 1J7, Tel: 416-362-9181, FAX: 416-369-6140.