reported by Sarah C. Drake, FictionFanatic.com

SIGGRAPH 2007 announced the selection of Scott McCloud as the next Featured Speaker at the 34th International Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, 5-9 August 2007 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California, USA.

McCloud has been writing and drawing comics since 1984. His book "Understanding Comics" was a New York Times notable book for 1994 and is available in 16 languages. His new book, "Making Comics" explores the art and craft of telling stories visually. He is well known throughout many industries. In fact, "Sin City" and "300" creator Frank Miller, called McCloud "just about the smartest guy in comics."

As an accomplished public speaker, McCloud has presented visual lectures on comics and technology at computer events, corporations, universities, film and music festivals, and government organizations including Harvard University, Microsoft, and the MIT Media Lab.

The focus of McCloud?s presentation will center on the fast-changing American comics field. Bolstered by the literary ambitions of the "graphic novel" movement, a flood of international influences, and the growing importance of new technologies, the comics landscape shifts regularly in surprising and increasingly unpredictable directions. McCloud will put all these trends into perspective in a fast-moving visual presentation.

"Scott brings a fresh and invigorating perspective to SIGGRAPH. Storyline and creativity play an increasingly important role in print, film, television, and gaming," stated Joe Marks, SIGGRAPH 2007 Conference Chair from Walt Disney Animation Studios. "His timely presentation will appeal to a wide audience."

For 2007, SIGGRAPH will replace the single Keynote Speaker presentation with Featured Speakers that will represent different key areas in an effort to enhance the SIGGRAPH attendee experience. The Featured Speakers will discuss the themes of industry/commerce, art, or research as they related to the SIGGRAPH community.

SIGGRAPH 2007 will bring an estimated 25,000 computer graphics and interactive technology professionals from six continents to San Diego, CA, USA for the industry?s most respected technical and creative programs focusing on research, science, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education, and the web from 5-9 August at the San Diego Convention Center. SIGGRAPH 2007 includes a three-day exhibition of products and services from the computer graphics and interactive marketplace from 7-9 August 2007.

Website: www.siggraph.org