Beam International Limited (ASX: BEM) today announced that it has received approval for a grant of $2.1 million from the Industry, Research & Development (IR&D) Board under the R&D Start (Large Grant) Program for its proposed Research and Development program into 3-dimensional computer-based animation.
 The grant will be received over the next 18 months and will be applied to project expenditure of $4.2 million. The project, which is currently entitled The Complete Virtual Studio, will enable animators to create computer graphics character animation of the highest quality and realism with unprecedented productivity. It will integrate methods for animating faces, bodies, hands, and inanimate objects.
"We are tremendously excited by the opportunity that this grant gives us. Beam has already shown that it is at the very forefront of animation technology and this grant will ensure that we can continue to maintain our position and lead the world in this expanding field," commented Alfred Milgrom, Beam's Chairman. "The world market for computer-based animation is poised to flourish and the success of this technology as seen in movies such as 'Titanic', which used virtual characters, shows what is already possible."
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Beam International Limited has a history of involvement in 3-dimensional computer animation, both through its pioneering use in its game products, and through the development of Famous Faces. Famous Faces enables animators to capture the facial expressions of actors and apply that data to animate the faces of any character, whether realistic or fantasy.
"Our success with Famous Faces assures us that we are well placed, both technologically and strategically, to undertake the Complete Virtual Studio project. Famous Faces has been acclaimed by animators at major international studios, because it allows them to use motion capture without technical and performance problems, and without taking away the creativity of the animation process," said Gordon Lescinsky, Beam's Technical Director for 3-D Animation.
As well as satisfying a significant international market, Beam International believes that there are special benefits to Australia in investing in this technology.
"There is special benefit for Australia in supporting pioneering work in computer animation. As this technology rapidly changes the way film and television content is made, Australian studios, already among the most computer-aware in the world, will become early adopters, and world leaders in its use," continued Alfred Milgrom.
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