"Flash in the Pan" Animation Challenge kicks off

By Vivian Fan

Contributing Writer

The lights are dimmed above a new kind of stage as Tech's award-winning library prepares to host its first "Flash in the Pan" Animation Challenge. Organized in partnership with the Office of Information Technology and sponsored by Adobe, the contest aims not only to showcase the original computer graphic work of Tech students, but to also demonstrate the Library's ever-increasing multimedia technology that is available to all students.

"Flash in the Pan is truly an interactive library experience. Students gain exposure to the technology, equipment, instructional materials and personalized help that the library has to offer," said Brian Mathews, User Experience librarian.

Open to any current Tech undergraduate or graduate student, the "Flash" challenge hopes to inspire students to think with their creative side and explore the technology that the Library has to offer.

Not just any regular contest, "Flash" also hopes to promote student interest in the graphic arts by providing different opportunities and events to work with and learn computer programs.

Throughout September, challenge organizers and the Library's multimedia studio have hosted introductory courses on industry-standard programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Flash, iMovie and Maya, which are taught by Tech faculty and staff at the Library.

"[Students] get to see the library as a place for the creation, demonstration and collection of their own work, not just that of someone who came before them," said Jon Bodnar, subject librarian for the major Literature, Communication and Culture (LCC).

Also from a more accessible outlet, the challenge provides tutorials and more than 170 book recommendations from its official web site: www.flashinthepan2007.blogspot.com.

Not to mention, the library (open 24 hours a day, five days a week) provides Wacom tablets, laptops, digital cameras, digital camcorders and other equipment for checkout, as well as state-of-the art Mac and PC computers for student usage.

"I am excited about this contest because it taps into the creative life of our students and shows them that we have a stake in their creative endeavors," Bodnar said.

To enter, participants can submit videos created using Adobe or Macromedia Flash from two to five minutes long, on any "clean" theme.

Entries will be judged by representatives and professionals from companies such as Adobe, Marvel Comics, Homestar Runner and Sanrio/Hello Kitty.

Submissions for the challenge are due Oct. 18 by mail or in person, and winners will be announced Oct. 25 at the Library East Commons (LEC) Award Show.

At the award show, students can interact with digital-media professionals first hand, and as an added bonus, receive Adobe software and t-shirts in free giveaways. The grand-prize winner of "Flash" will receive a Graphire Bluetooth Wacom tablet.

"This is a good opportunity to develop better multimedia skills and apply them in real-life situations," said Albert Leung, a first-year Computer Science major.

Leung cited the fact that he had experience with multimedia design programs in high school.

"Not to mention, the prize...that tablet, I want it. They should have more contests to encourage people to do this. I'm glad to be at a school that does stuff like 'Flash in the Pan.' I even wish that they'll have more opportunities like major- or concentration-wise [projects] if it works out," Leung said.

"Flash in the Pan will hopefully not only be fun for the students, but also motivate participants to tap into their creative side...while offering them an opportunity to have their work seen by industry professionals," said Alison Valk, Information Associate of the Information Services Department.

"This is a learning opportunity on one hand and great entertainment on another. Since the contest is limited to Tech students, this is a really great chance for someone to stand out and showcase their skills," Valk said.

For more information, check out the "Flash in the Pan" web site at flashinthepan2007.blogspot.com. The coordinators can also be contacted by e-mail at flashinthepan2007@gatech.edu.