SolidWorks scored quite a coup having James Cameron, creator of hit movie Avatar, keynote at their annual user conference. This chafed many at Autodesk, as it was Autodesk software that was responsible for the creation of many of the special effects the movie is already famous for. Autodesk had made sure everyone who attended their annual user meeting knew that. In fact, a 20 minute exclusive about the making of the movie was one of Autodesk University's highlights. But they didn't get the man himself.
SolidWorks says they signed up Cameron to speak before Avatar became a hit. They got lucky. A few questioned Cameron's lack to direct connection to SolidWorks software but most who heard him speak, both at the keynote and at the ensuing press conference, came away impressed by his technical knowledge. SolidWorks does that -- get really interesting speakers regardless of their affiliation. I met Steve Wozniak, founder of Apple, at a previous SolidWorks World. Nothing to do with SolidWorks but meeting him sure impressed my kids.
Lest the thunder be stolen in its entirety, Autodesk today put out a press release, Avatar: Autodesk Software Core to Realization of James Cameron’s Creative Vision. James Cameron is apparently loath to endorse software himself, but Autodesk did get a quote from the digital effects supervisor of Lightstorm Entertainment.
Roopinder Tara is editor of TenLinks.com and tweets at @rtara.
When it comes to James Cameron's "creative vision", thunder is not the only thing that has been stolen.
Posted by: Steve Johnson | Feb 18, 2010 at 07:12 PM