Gnomon School Introduces New SOFTIMAGE|XSI for Maya and 3ds Max Users Course

Inaugural training course to offer transition techniques for production artists

MONTRÉAL, Québec – March 25, 2008 - Softimage Co., a part of Avid Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVID), today announced that Los Angeles-based Gnomon School of Visual Effects is now offering a 5-week (15 hour), production-based course entitled XSI for Maya and 3ds Max Users-Transition Techniques for Production Artists. Responding to the growing demand for SOFTIMAGE®|XSI® software artists, Softimage and Gnomon designed this course to help artists working with Autodesk® Maya® and Autodesk 3ds Max® software learn techniques and workflows for a quick transition to SOFTIMAGE|XSI. XSI for Maya and 3ds Max Users will be taught by Craig Slagel, former Senior Worldwide Graphics trainer for Electronic Arts, and begins May 5, 2008.

Gnomon’s XSI for Maya and 3ds Max Users is a comprehensive introduction to the most advanced 3D animation software for games, film, and television productions. The end goal of this course is to arm students with a solid understanding of SOFTIMAGE|XSI 3D software and how it can help save production time and reduce costs. A variety of production techniques will be taught to students including: techniques for modeling, texturing, animation, lighting and rendering in XSI. The in-depth training will also introduce students to industry-leading tools and workflows unique to XSI, including:

• SOFTIMAGE|XSI non-destructive workflow
• GATOR - for transferring surface attributes between models
• MOTOR - for transferring motion data between character rigs
• Ultimapper - for generating film-quality normal maps
• The clip-based animation mixer

Students will also learn how to take full advantage of the XSI next-generation Gigapolygon Core architecture to work with highly detailed characters and environments.

“Gnomon is recognized globally as a school that offers innovative training for digital artists,” said Darrin Krumweide, CAO/ Director of Education at Gnomon School of Visual Effects. “We’re excited to introduce the new SOFTIMAGE|XSI for Maya and 3ds Max Users course, led by Craig Slagel, as more and more 3D artists move to the SOFTIMAGE|XSI platform or work in a mixed studio environment with other 3D packages.”

“There is a growing demand for 3D artists trained on SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, and one of our top priorities in 2008 is enhancing educational offerings for SOFTIMAGE|XSI,” said Marc Stevens, Softimage General Manager and Avid Technology Vice President. “The Gnomon School of Visual Effects is offering their first-ever approach to mastering SOFTIMAGE|XSI for 3D artists trained in other 3D software packages. This new course will help artists expand their skills to take advantage of new job opportunities and master the latest creative tools from Softimage—whether for dedicated or mixed pipeline environments.”

Pricing and Availability:

The Gnomon ‘XSI for Maya and 3ds Max Users’ training course begins May 5th, and runs till June 2, 2008. The tuition fee is US $860.00. To register, please visit www.gnomon3d.com/registernow.html.

Special Event:

Softimage and Gnomon will host a special event that showcases SOFTIMAGE|XSI and the tools that will feature prominently in the upcoming XSI for Maya and 3ds Max Users class. This event is open to all students and professionals interested in learning more about Softimage technology, the Gnomon School, and its courses. For event details, times and registration, visit: http://www.gnomon3d.com/gnews/2007_2008/winter/2008_03_18.html

About Gnomon School
Gnomon School of Visual Effects specializes in training for careers in high-end computer graphics for the entertainment industries. Located in the heart of Hollywood, Gnomon offers a full curriculum for individuals wanting careers in 3D, professionals in need of specialized training, custom training for production studios and online courses. In conjunction with several major studios across Los Angeles, our instructors and our esteemed Advisory Board, Gnomon's curriculum and facilities have been designed to constantly evolve to reflect any new demands that may arise from the entertainment industry. Gnomon’s entire curriculum has been developed, tested and is taught by some of the most recognized CG professionals working in the industry. With over 50 classes offered each term, Gnomon’s curriculum is geared specifically to meet the demands of visual effects, animation and game development studios. Founded by Alex Alvarez in 1997, Gnomon is located at 1015 North Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90038. On the Web, we can be found at http/www.gnomonschool.com.

About Softimage Co.
Softimage Co., a part of Avid Technology, Inc., develops intuitive, production proven tools that free 3D artists to create the world’s most compelling characters in the film, broadcast, post-production and games industries. Its flagship product, SOFTIMAGE|XSI is the most complete and intuitive character animation solution available. Easily integrated into any CG production pipeline, XSI software enables 3D artists to create the most lifelike character performances. SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT is the first commercial toolset that accelerates facial animation that empowers 3D artists to create, refine and repurpose high-quality, lifelike facial animation in less time than traditional solutions. For more information about Softimage, please visit www.softimage.com.

About Avid Technology, Inc.
Avid is a worldwide leader in tools for film, video, audio, 3D animation, gaming and broadcast professionals – as well as for home audio and video enthusiasts. Avid professional and consumer brands include Avid, Digidesign, M-Audio, Pinnacle Systems, Sibelius, Softimage and Sundance Digital. The vast majority of primetime television shows, feature films, commercials and chart-topping music hits are made using one or more Avid products. Whether used by seasoned professionals or beginning students, Avid’s products and services enable customers to work more efficiently, productively and creatively. Avid received an Oscar® statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid® Film Composer® system for motion picture editing. For more information about the company’s Oscar, Grammy® and Emmy® award-winning products and services, visit www.avid.com.

© 2008 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice. Promotions and discounts are subject to availability and change without notice. All prices are USMSRP for the U.S. and Canada only and are subject to change without notice. Contact your local Avid office or reseller for prices outside the U.S. and Canada. Avid, Digidesign, Film Composer, M-Audio, Pinnacle Systems, Sibelius, Sundance Digital, Softimage, Face Robot, and XSI are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. mental ray is a registered trademark of mental images GmbH in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.