Visual Futurist: The Art & Life of Syd Mead

[Tami]

[url=\"http://siggraph.ca/festivals/information.php?SYD\"]Visual Futurist: The Art & Life of Syd Mead[/url]

May 14, 2008

We are giddy with excitement. Why? Well, we're turning 5 this May, and [url=\"http://www.sydmead.com/\"]Syd Mead[/url] is coming to help us celebrate with a double feature - a presentation and Q&A with him, followed by a screening of Blade Runner: The Final Cut! Join us for the fun on May 14 at the Empire Theatre on Granville St. It has been years since Syd Mead, one of the most influential designers of our times, has been to Vancouver. He'll be speaking about his approach to design and the visionary work with which he has made his indelible mark on popular culture and our perceptions of the future. But wait - there's more! Our long-time supporter, Sophia Books, will be there with Syd's latest DVD - you might even be able to get the man himself to sign a copy for you. On top of that, Tangible Interaction is coming back with their Zygotes - a massive interactive hands-on display of fun meeting technology that the whole crowd can take part in. Reserve your tickets now and don't miss out on this huge event!

Blade Runner: The Final Cut
Initially a disappointment at the box office in North America, Ridley Scott's Sci-Fi film noir set in a future Los Angeles has gone on to be an enormous cult hit. Apparently the Europeans got it the first time around, as the film did well there. Harrison Ford stars as Decker, a Blade Runner who's job it is to track down and destroy androids who have somehow escaped their own programming in an attempt to live a more human life. Blade Runner has been ranked as the second most influential effects film of all time by the members of the Visual Effects Society, beaten only by Star Wars. Syd Mead's designs were brought to life by a fabulous team of effects artists, and the resulting vision created a legacy of influence in cinema and video games alike. Mr. Mead will introduce the film.


SPEAKER SESSION

Wednesday - May 14, 7:00 PM
Visual Futurist: The Art & Life of Syd Mead with Syd Mead

Members: $10 // Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $15*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.

Doors open at 6pm.


Syd Mead

Syd Mead is a living legend amongst designers - he has been called a "visionary" and a "visual futurist". From his beginnings in automotive design at Ford, Syd developed a style and philosophy that has spawned an enormous body of work filled with futuristic yet realistic creations. Syd's work shaped the modern conception of the future with his designs for Blade Runner, Tron, Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Aliens. Films that forged a vision which still reverberates through the motion picture industry today. Few artists or designers have been as fortunate as to be involved with such a variety of industries around the world. Whether it be designs for vehicles, film, theme parks, interactive games, toys, products, theatre sets, ships, planes, or architecture, Syd has managed to leave his mark and provided his unique perspective each and every time. Today Syd lives and works in Southern California, where he continues to design, illustrate, speak and inspire.