Mackay districts movie making potential has been recognised by the likes of Baz Luhrmann and Donald Sutherland as they work on their latest blockbusters with their A lister, Hollywood, all star casts in Airlie Beach and Bowen recently.

Soon, Central Queensland University (CQU) Mackay in conjunction with Mackay City Council through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) and Arts Queensland, will welcome movie makers of a different kind to CQU Mackay and this time they are giving free public seminars on their work.

Dr Steve Pace, lecturer in Digital Innovation at CQU Mackay has a passion for animation and with the support he has received, he has arranged for Bruce Carter, Head of Visual Effects at Animal Logic and Eric Saindon, a Visual Effects Supervisor at Weta Digital to come and talk to his students and the public about the illusionary world of animation.

Wondering where you’ve heard these digital animation studio names before? Animal Logic is responsible for the recently released film Happy Feet and quirky television show Tench Tonight.

Weta Digital are known for their Oscar winning Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong.

“We’re bringing these industry experts to the campus primarily for the benefit of students in our Bachelor of Digital Innovation degree, but also to raise local awareness of careers in the digital media industries such as animation, web design and game design,” said Dr Pace.

Dr Pace plans to send out invitations to each of the schools in the area interested in learning how these blockbusters were constructed, starting with Bruce’s visit on Thursday March 22 and later with Eric visiting the campus in May.

For further information, call Dr Steve Pace on 4940 7417.

Photo caption: CQU Mackay is set to welcome the Head of Visual Effects from Animal Logic, the world renowned digital animation studio responsible for creations such as Happy Feat, David Tench Tonight, The Matrix and Moulin Rouge.