Showcase for digital entertainment

Demonstration into the creation of Middle Earth

By Jonathan Fildes in San Antonio, Texas

Want to know how the characters in Star Wars Episode II were created, find out how computer games will change the way we use computers?

Or how a robot called Lewis could be your wedding photographer? Well, then Siggraph 2002 could be for you.

At one of the world's largest multimedia conferences, held this year in San Antonio, Texas, US, more than 6,500 international experts will reveal the digital future of the entertainment industry.

Siggraph - Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques - is now in its 29th year.

The annual six-day conference attracts experts in animation, computer graphics, robotics and digital art. It is a meeting of the people who create what we watch on the big screen to the computer screen and how we watch it.

Digital voyages

Highlights this year include a keynote address from Esther Dyson, often described as the most influential woman in cyberspace, who will explore issues of control and identity on the internet.

Siggraph facts

29th conference

20,000 anticipated visitors

6,000 international visitors

300 exhibitors

Talks and demonstrations promise enlightening voyages into the creation of Middle Earth for the film Lord of the Rings, and the Star Wars universe.

Across the hall, Lewis the robotic photographer will try to snap your photograph, while Public Anemone, an organic, sea anemone-like "robot creature" will emotively respond as you tap on its tank.

If it all sounds too much, step into the theatre, where veteran and novice film animators show their best, while digital artists create works of art as you watch.

If you have time to stand around long enough, your digital representation may even become a part of one.

Interactive future

As the 20,000 attendees try to grab a glimpse of the next big thing, 300 exhibitors will display the technology that drives the industry.

Animation secrets behind Yoda

There are also a series of courses and lectures that will allow visitors to familiarise themselves with the tools which will help transform the way we see entertainment.

Siggraph 2002 is about defining and revealing the digital future, and if what is on offer this year is anything to go by, it promises to be a very exciting and unusual place.

Siggraph 2002 runs from 21 to 26 July at the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Centre, San Antonio.

You can hear more from Jonathan Fildes at Siggraph on the BBC World Service programme Go Digital.