FoC

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6 - 7February 2010

Now Broadcasting Cain...

Now Broadcasting Cain...

By Andrea Emmes

The gaming industry is a highly competitive fi eld with long hours fi lled with tedious work that produces amazing results. Many of the top companies, such as Electronic Arts (EA), Activision and Take Two Interactive are pushing out title after amazing title in all genres and for all platforms. What is interesting is that Activision, a medium sized company, makes more money than its competition, Electronic Arts, which has 2100 more employees.

There are many positions available within the gaming industry such as Programmers, Artists and Animators, Game Designers, Producers, Audio Developers and QA Testers. Each position has a starting salary that usually stands fi rm for the fi rst three years and then the more time you put in with the company, the more likely your salary will increase. The average starting salary range begins at $27, 894 and ends at around $64,500.

Gaming has been taking shape in this country since Pong arrived in 1972 and has not slowed yet. By breaking the barriers of technology, video games have dominated our culture. Films have to compete now as titles like Modern Warfare 2 grossed $550 million in its fi rst week and has sold over $1 billion to date. The question is: What does it take to break into this

booming industry?Here are some of the

burning questions that students want answers to. Ray Cobo, producer at Activision Blizzard, shares his thoughts on the subject.

Canvas: How did you get your start in the gaming industry?

Cobo: Back in the 90s, I was working in fi lm production and got hired to work on the live-action shoot for Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom by EA/Origin-Systems. Being an uber-nerd & gamer, it was one of the few times I was actually star struck in Hollywood by folks like Mark Hamill, Malcolm McDowell, Tom Wilson, and Chris Roberts. A few years later, I decided to make the leap from fi lm to games and contacted some of the guys from Wing Commander.

Chris Roberts had started a company called Digital Anvil to develop Freelancer and had hired Daylight Productions to do all the cinematics. Who, in turn, hired me to help coordinate that effort. One thing led to another and I was eventually assimilated into Digital Anvil as an Assistant Producer.

I did everything from QA to design brainstorming to art outsourcing to ordering crunch food and wrangling voice-over talent. Since then, over 10 year later, Ive had the great fortune to work on

some fantastic franchises like Medal of Honor, Command and Conquer and Transformers.Canvas: How big is the pressure in the industry?

Cobo: It depends on the day or rather, the phase of project youre in. During Pre-Production, things are relatively stress-free, people are working normal hours, theres a lot of brainstorming and collaboration, and deadlines are typically more lax. As you head into Production, things start to get a little more stressful. The scope of the project comes into focus, the team has to fi nd ways to work around limitations be it technical, resources, and sometimes political. Hitting or missing a deadline could mean the difference between shipping that piece of the game or not. As the team moves into the fi naling phase (alpha to ship), the pressure gets amped up a bit more.

All that said, a team that works well together can weather the stresses of game development pretty well. Regardless, theres a fair amount of pressure on a day-to-day basis, but when you take a step back and look at it were making games!! How awesome is that?!?!

Canvas: I know that being a game developer/designer you must put in long days and long hours. Is there ever a burn out period?

Cobo: Ah, crunch my old foe. Back when I fi rst started making games (10 -15 years ago), I practically lived at the offi ce. The industry has evolved a great deal since then; some on its own and some by external forces like EA-Spouse.

Regardless, many game companies have come to realize theres a point after a certain number of hours per week that people start to get tired & make mistakes sometimes costly ones. So, a great deal of effort is made to minimize crunch as much as possible and promote a strong work/life balance.

Canvas: How long do closed testing, alpha and beta testing take when fi nalizing a game? Once the results are in, what do you do to make the necessary changes?

Cobo: The time it takes to fi nal a game can vary greatly depending on your target platform(s), what kind of game you are (original game, licensed title, sequel, etc.), what internal/external Quality Assurance & Marketing resources are available to you, and how quickly the team can fi x bugs.

From my experience working on console & PC titles, the fi naling process can range from 4-6 months. During this time, the game begins to take its fi nal shape.

You start to identify the areas that matter most by soliciting feedback from people outside the team, sometimes doing focus testing to get direct feedback from the consumers. The team battles to fi x all the crash bugs and, if youre a console title, meet the ever challenging technical requirements from Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo.Canvas: What advice would you give to those of us who are still fl edgling game developers as we make our exodus out of college and emerge into the real world?

Cobo: I would say two things. First, stay current on the latest games to get a sense of what

folks are doing in terms of immersion, differentiating themselves from the competition, and innovation.

Second, fi nd the part of gaming that best compliments your skills and cultivate that by learning as much as you can, honing those skills, get some real-world experience by applying for internships, and/or even working with fellow students to develop your own game on the side.

Canvas: What should one have in their portfolio that will guarantee to impress?

Cobo: There are very few guarantees in life, but hopefully these guidelines will help: Show as much variety as possible.

When a potential employer keys in on a particular element, be prepared to provide additional examples.

Understand your audience and fi nd ways to connect

Continually ask for feedback. Whether you get the job or not, always solicit feedback on what they liked about your portfolio/presentation and where you can improve.

Lastly, show passion for your craft and for making games!

ShortS8February 2010Gamer Tips From an Activision Producer

Illustration of Ray Cobo, video game producer from Activision.Illustration by Justin Fitzwater/Canvas Staff

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Music Khara Cloutier

Planning a seductive encounter this Valentines Day? Beware. Candles can easily turn creepy and a romantic dinner may have unintended consequences (garlic breath, anyone?). If you ask me, the best way to set the mood is with music. Here are a few of my favorites.

name Artist AlbumPriorities 1-6 MeShell Ndegeocello Cookie: The Anthropological MixtapeAngel Massive Attack MezzanineViolin Solo DJ Cheb i Sabbah Krishna LilaRound Midnight Miles Davis Round About Midnight Not Afraid Mister Modo Modonut Slow Like Honey Fiona Apple TidalIn the Middle of You Vikter Duplaix Bold & BeautifulOn & On Erykah Badu BaduizmMoments In Love Art of Noise And What Have You Done With My Body, God?Lazy Lover Brazilian Girls Brazilian Girls

T he recent resurrection of Crme Yvette, a violet liqueur that was discontinued almost fi fty years ago, has spun a plethora of vintage revivalist cocktails. Like our smog-enhanced sunsets, these cocktails come in a fascinating array of purple haze. Crme Yvette is named after French entertainer Yvette Guilbert, made famous for her cabaret performances at the original Moulin Rouge and also a frequent model for artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (ironically, shes most often depicted wearing chartreuse, not violet, along with opera length black satin gloves, in his posters). Included here is the recipe for a Blue Moon. Dont wait until the next one to try it.

Adapted from Esquires Handbook

for Hosts

2 oz. dry gin1/2 oz lemon juice

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Shake valiantly with cracked ice; strain into a martini glass.

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9February 2010

By Mandi Gum

Set in mid-19th century Paris, Cousin Bette is a thrill-ride of passion, jealousy and revenge as a poor relation spinster plots the ruination of her much wealthier extended family. The script for The Antaeus Companys interpretation of Cousin Bette was written by Jeffrey Hatcher, based on the 1846 novel from Honor de Balzac. His theatrical adaptation seamlessly blends timeless themes of humanity, morality and passion with a

twist of comedy and suspense. Hatchers use of Bettes

character as narrator and theatrical tour guide opens an undeniable relationship between she and the audience. This tactic also provides a clever outlet for introducing the rest of the cast providing audiences a thorough whos who of characters within the shows fi rst two minutes.

The character portrayal and development are both fantastic. Each actor is highly invested in his or her character some have been studying their roles since the plays

initial introduction to the Company at Classics Fest 2008 and this is very apparent. The dynamics between each character are genuine and convincing, particularly Bettes crazed passion for her beloved Steinbock.

For Jeanie Hackett, long-standing artistic director for the Antaeus Company, Cousin Bette is an alpha venture into the world of directing. Jeanie succeeds in creating an environment for true emotional connections to be made with characters, placing audience on the edge of

Company Brings Passion from 19th Century Paris

their seat dying to know how the plot will unfold. I found myself at the shows second intermission text messaging a friend, I am seriously so enthralled by this performance its ridiculous!

Scene designer, Tom Buderwitz, truly nailed it with his optical interpretation of 19th century France. Over the past weeks, the elaborate bi-level set has undergone a steady evolution producing an extraordinary result. With a revolving wall at its center and skylight in its rafters, the versatility and style of this small stage space is nothing short of impressive.

The Deaf West Theatre is the, for lack of a better word perfect location to host this performance. Its 65-seat capacity and vintage aesthetic create an intimate and melodramatic atmosphere deepening audiences overall experience.

The Antaeus Company is a collective of over 100 theater artists who assemble on an ongoing basis to study, explore

and perform classical plays. In 1991, the Company adopted the method of double casting all performances. This allows actors to pursue multiple avenues, including fi lm and television, while remaining active in classic theater. In addition, this approach offers actors the opportunity to collaborate with and inspire one another resulting in performances that are more alive and immediate.

Cousin Bette premieres Saturday February 6th at the Deaf West Theatre and runs through March 21st. This is the fi rst of Antaeus Companys performances this year, kicking off their fi rst full season of work. Look forward to these performances from the Antaeus Company in the months to come: King Lear, June 12 August 8; Classics Fest 2010, July 6 August 15; and The Autumn Garden, October 23 December 19, 2010. For tickets visit www.antaeus.org or call (818) 506 - 1983.Bette Fischer played by Alicia Wollerton and Adeline Hulot played by Laura Wernette.

Photo by Michelle K. Short

Photo by Baokhanh Hoang/Canvas Staff

the route of being a solo artist compared to being in a band?Tim: i used to play with a band called Kennedy now called The Co but a band is like a committed relationship thats been hard to keep. i would love to play with a band but its been hard since ive move around a lot.

Canvas: Electric or Acoustic, which do you prefer?Tim: i will always have a place for acoustic guitar. its simple and organic and without a band, i usually play it all the time for shows. However, i will play an electric guitar every chance i get. i love to rock out to the fullest when i perform.

CAnvAs: What is your music peeve?Tim: i hate it when artists dont know how to read the audience and give them what they want. i have been at performances where songs seem to drag on and on but the band continues to play and get all into it and stay in their own little world despite the fact the crowd is not into the music and you can tell by their faces they are thinking When is this gonna end?

CAnvAs: What motivates you to play?

Tim: its something thats inside me that i cant explain. its an outlet for emotion that no other outlet can satisfy. i get a natural high from performing music, even if its someone elses. its all about pouring all of your heart and soul into that one moment.

CAnvAs: How are your songs inspired?Tim: i call them lightning strike moments, you have to capitalize them when they happen. You cant force inspiration, it just happens, it depends on your mood, your head space and your mentality. But even like in graphic design, you need to be prepared to capitalize on these moments to make things happen.

ShortS10FridayFebruary 2010

By Andrea Emmes

If you were ever wondering what hell was like then Visceral Games and Electronic Arts new title, Dantes Inferno, promises to give you a detailed and monstrous glimpse. Make sure you say your prayers because this is a place you only want to visit through your game console! Be warned, this game is not for the faint of heart. Chock-full of enough violence, gore, and nudity to last eternity, Dantes Inferno is sure to be one of the breakout releases of the quarter.

Based on the famous poem, Dante takes you through the nine levels of hell. Each level is more intense, vicious and gruesome than the last. The punishments that the poem speaks of are brutally revealed

in grotesque yet beautiful environments. The images are as breathtaking as they are disturbing.

Within this hack-and-slash game, you must battle each level of hell in order to save your beloved. Will you have mercy and redeem lost souls along the way or will you condemn them and unleash absolute punishment? Either way, you will gain experience that will grant you killer combo skills and upgrades.

Is Dante a God of War clone? Sure, but Im not mad at them. God of War is one of my favorite games and after playing this demo, its a bit of a tug of war. I am still drooling for God of War III, dont get me wrong, but while Im waiting for it, this is the PERFECT distraction!

Youre Going to HELL!

Cover of EAs new game Dantes Inferno which takes you through the nine levels of hell to save your beloved.

Image Courtesy of Iconocritic.com

CAnvAs: What are your musical influences?Tim: my influences have evolved over time. my early guitar influences include Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmy Hendrix. in terms of songwriting, i have always looked up to John Forman from Switchfoot, a Nashville local, Andy Davis and most recently, Ray Lamontagne. Then theres the trifecta, John mayer, who has it all, guitar, songwriting, and the voice.

CAnvAs: Why did you take

By Leslie Mendez

Tims passion for started at a young during nights where he would watch music on the T.V. in his Indianapolis. Today Tim plays the piano, bass, drums, sax, and guitar. Guitar was not his first but definitely his native instrument. Since then, Tim has released two EPs as a singer songwriter and guitarist. As he grew up, moved around, learned and lived his sound, his songwriting evolved from blues/rock to a more mainstream/pop/rock direction. Now a Graphic Design major, Tim feels at home and where he belongs. L.A., like Nashville, where Tim also resided, is a huge music town and he hopes to apply what hes learned to his new project, his best project yet.

Check out Tims album Alleys and Freeways at www.myspace.com/timbergstrom.

LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHTTim Bergstrom and his Amber Years

Image Courtesy of Tim Bergstrom

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By Kelsey Sweet

Valentines Day is just around the corner and you know what that means: going out for dinner! But where does one go to dine in North Hollywood for such an occasion? NoHo Gardens on Magnolia Boulevard welcomes students and other locals to dine in their one of a kind backyard paradise.

Owner Albert Nazan and his family bring 35 years of succulent cuisine experience to these unique patio-style tables, so prepare to be charmed off your feet.

The business was fi rst started back in their home country and freshly prepared meals are evidence of these traditional Persian roots. The best time to visit is in spring and summer, but they offer to bring you a blanket if you get chilly in the winter months.

This secret garden in the city is the perfect place to

woo your sweetheart or entertain your one hundred favorite people in an open air environment. A waterfall and creek welcome guests at the door, leading the hungry travelers down a series of paths where they are sure to fi nd one unique detail after another.

Reminisce amongst aged trees adorned with bamboo shades and dangling lights. Albert handmade the gazebo and selected each rare garage

sale knickknack which are thoughtfully placed amongst the Persian upholstery and garden decor.

The dining room is separated into areas suitable for various functions, each with their own personality. A large in-door room offers a cozy at home experience where you can listen to Persian Radio or watch the big screen TV.

Have a large group that wants to smoke hookah outside? Feel at ease next to a waterfall cascading off the wall in the back while lounge on comfy bench seats. If it is privacy you seek, an organic inset is secluded from others by a romantic beaded curtain. You can also warm up by the fi re under the moon or swing by the counter and place an order to-go.

I love to make food. Food is important for everybody,

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One of the signature dishes offered at NoHo gardens .Photo by Scott Bryson/Canvas Staff

I love Chico~ Christine McAleer

;)~ Violet Koncz

Dante,

you will ha

ve my

heart fore

ver!

Love, Your

Freeway G

irl

AI Be My Val

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~ Jeay Townsen

d

Dessa, Ill never forgetMoon Pies! :)~ Anonymous

KH - I Love You!

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I agree with Christine,

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Kevin and Dante Call me IMMEDIATELY!~ Khara Cloutier

There are 4 steps to happiness:

1. You 2. Me 3. Our Hearts 4. Together

~ Kelsey Campbell

I LOVE YOUMOM

~ Alphonse

To that gril I sawat the pizza rally~

~

Anonymous

Mandi

I Will Always rememeber that night ;)

VALENTINE-SHOUTOUTS!

ProceedswenttoHeartsforHaiti

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WE TUNE IN. TUNE Want Us To Help

Promote Your Music?Want Us To Help

Promote Your Music?

By Kelsey Sweet

As another quarter kicks off, you fi nd your selection of ramen noodles and cereal boxes just wont ease the tight homework deadlines and heavy teacher demands of your everyday busy life. Sometimes you need some good ol home cooking to remind you that someone still loves to make you relax but luckily for you, Payam and Arshia Dehesh love to make delicious foods and wont settle until you are happy.

The real happiness lies in making others happy. If they are happy, I am happy, said Payam.

We Love Pizza Cafe, or W (Heart) Pizza Cafe, welcomes students to a comfy home-away-from-home type atmosphere with warm smiles and a variety of delicious

delights. Dont have time to sit and

dine? Swing in for a 99 cent slice of pizza. Payam and Arshia always welcome you as if you were family.

(Students) can enjoy stuff that is homemade, said Arshia. She explains that her goal is for customers to leave happily with laughter.

Vibrant colored walls and hard wood accents awaken your appetite as homemade marinades and sauces simmer behind the counter. Chef, and brother, Benham Ben Dahesh studied under the Persian chef Roknian for over seven years and the dishes refl ect his talent.

Ben is an artist of food, said Arshia.

The attention to detail in every fl avor is only half of this tasty experience. They love pizza and make it very well. They also offer a variety of Kabobs including Chicken and Beef, Golden Fried Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Lasagna, Seafarers Delight and Buffalo Wings are on the menu, too.

Salads, side orders, buckets of A La Carte meat. Carrot cake, Cheesecake, and Chocolate Mousse. There is always something new to eat.

Have a seat in their unique

and modern table-corner chairs or pop a squat at the bar style counter. Sit on the leather high-backed couches and you just may run into local artist and regular customer Jeff Wack, who runs his freelance studio next door.

When asked what his favorite dish was, Wack claims his is the Chicken Kabob served with a side of chopped Persian Salad.

The Persian Salad is addictive. It is convenient and looks healthy. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, said Wack.

Beautiful artworks are displayed on the walls for all you fi ne art lovers. Have art pieces of your own that are in need of public hanging? We Love Pizza will display your works for sale at no cost to you. Contact them or the LA Canvas for more details.

You are probably asking, Yeah, but Kelsey, what if I dont have time between classes to walk over there to eat?

Simple. Cousin Babak Mehrshahi will deliver orders with a minimum of $10.00. You can also order ahead for pick up. Have a group study session? Put some dollars together and order some brain-food. They are open until 11:00pm Sunday thru Thursday and 12:00am Friday and Saturday. We Love Pizza is also available for catering services (hint, hint to those who put together student events). They also offer their venue for music nights if your group just needs to get out of the campus building.

This family restaurant brings 35+ years of experience to the table. They believe in the energy and prosperity of the whole community and look to support the arts.

We try to make the price reasonable so people will want to come, said Payam.

Their kindness and hours of dedication to cuisine has defi nitely kept us coming back for more.

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MARLENE KEABLES

By Tiffany Kantor

From military jackets and trench coats to suit pants and fedoras, masculine clothes have been loaned to women since the beginning of Chanel. Now it has been brought back and it is hotter than ever. Celebrities have been updating their wardrobe by simply going to their boyfriends side of the closet and throwing on a pair of worn jeans also called "the boyfriend jean.

More recently spotted are celebs in tailored trousers incorporating

more formal masculine pants and dressing them down for a more casual look with a feminine twist. These pants can be worn with a mismatched blazer

or a dressy top, depending on the occasion and always look chic.

The most popular trend is the classic gentlemans dress shoe. It has vast versatility and is easily transformed into a casual shoe for women when paired with a

simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

Borrowing from the boys is a simple way of looking instantly classic but its also the trick to ultimate comfort.

Womens Fashion Looks: Borrowing From the Boys

Fashion

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