An underground youth computer graphics organization: The 'Demoscene' 

At SIGGRAPH 2001 in Los Angels, a unique session will provide insight into a largely unknown computer graphics organization focused on pushing the boundaries of real-time art and technical innovation. Known as the 'Demoscene', it has existed from the early personal computers to today's consumer 3D platforms, continuing to educate a new generation of engineer's and artist's in real-time computer graphics. The Demoscene also provides a form of expression, real-time art, with its productions a key example of creativity expressed on today's personal computers. The session will present the best of the Demoscene, provide a speaker from the Demoscene, and offers new perspectives on education and real-time art in computer graphics. 

What is the Demoscene? 

'Demos' and 'Intros' are the main products of the Demoscene, described as programming, art, music all synchronised in real-time on consumer systems to create short 3-5minutue 'Demos' or 'Intros' perhaps seen as a bizarre real-time MTV music video. The Demoscene encompasses a wide variety of skills, a 'Demo' focus on a rich experience, while an 'Intro' limited to a maximum of 4 or 64KB concentrate on size optimisation. What people accomplish in this tiny workspace is truly incredible. 

The Demoscene is for everyone, people of any age, experience and geographic location, from inquisitive school students to undergraduates and professionals all contribute to this community. It provides an outlet for creative freedom both technical and artistic, enabling people to lean a variety of skills in real-time computer graphics. The community is supportive, provides friendly competition and is an excellent vehicle to build a social network with similar minded people. Apart from all the real-world implications, first and foremost, its fun, enjoyable, and an experience people value for life. 

The Birds of a Feather session runs from 6-7pm in Room 506 on Wednesday August the 15th during SIGGRAPH 2001 in LA. 

Agenda: 

• Background, history and general information 
• Guest Speaker from the Demoscene 
• How this applies, and where to go from here 

• Saku Lehtien, 
  Remedy Entertainment, 
  Graphic Artist 
• Soren Hannibal, 
  Shiny Entertainment, 
  Engineer on 'The Matrix' video game 
• Aaron Foo, 
  Sony Computer Entertainment America, 
  R&D Engineer 

For further information on how you can get involved, visit the website http://www.scene.org/dog or email dog@scene.org