More than 170 people arrived at CQU Mackay last Wednesday night to view the fascinating presentation by digital media artists from the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and Weta Digital.

The special presentation at Central Queensland University Mackay was also transmitted live to a further 200 people via video screens located at CQU’s Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg campuses.

The presentation, made possible by the sponsorship of Arts Queensland and Mackay City Council, featured digital media artists Eric Saindon from Weta Digital and Brett McLennan from ACMI, both of whom have worked with large scale cinema productions such as 'Lord of the Rings', 'I Robot' and 'King Kong'.

During the presentation, Mr Saindon demonstrated some of Weta Digital’s Academy Award-winning work in 3D modelling, animation and visual effects. Mr McLennan discussed ACMI’s role as an innovative cultural institution dedicated to the moving image in all its forms: film, television, games, video and digital media.

CQU’s Dr Steven Pace was pleased by the amount of interest and enthusiasm generated by the presentation.

“More than a third of the audience members completed our evaluation forms and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” reported Dr Pace.

Here is just a sample of the feedback received.

“Great! Exciting! Interesting! Informative!".

“High calibre guests. Great for regional students.".

“You have given us something to think about in terms of study in this area.".

“It was great!. Digital Magic should happen annually.".

Event organiser, Dr Pace, said funding was secured through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) to raise public awareness of digital media art forms, careers and educational opportunities within the local community.

“Although Digital Magic will not be repeated, the success of this presentation has encouraged us to look at similar opportunities in the future”, he said.

Photo: (Left to right) Presenters Brett McLennan from ACMI, Eric Saindon and Elisabeth Arko from Weta Digital.