Mesmer kicks off Softimage XSI training Softimage's latest 3D animation and special effects product XSI (old code name : Sumatra) ships this month and Mesmer Animation Labs is ready! Mesmer has been working with Softimage, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. for over a year since the first beta availability of this fantastic new software. XSI promises to revolutionize the character animation business, bringing new non-linear paradigms and more sophisticated scripting and rendering into general use. However, as a complete and total rewrite from the ground up, XSI shares little in common with its predecessor, Softimage|3D Extreme. "Becoming proficient in XSI is going to take some work" opines Anthony Rossano, Mesmer CEO and XSI Expert. "Mesmer wants to help make it fast work!" Mesmer will offer certified courses using the professionally developed Softimage courseware , as well as custom courseware developed at Mesmer. Classes already scheduled include XSI Delta 540, XSI 101, XSI 201 and XSI 301. Mesmer is already booking private corporate training for major clients in the U.S. and Canada. Prices will be comparable with other Mesmer classes, ranging from $1295 to $1795 per class. As usual, membership in certain schools and organizations confers discounted rates on Mesmer Classes - please check the Mesmer web site for details. Mesmer Animation lab is a professional training center for digital artists. Founded in 1994, and now operating training labs in Washington and California, Mesmer serves the film, games, aerospace and defense industries all over the West Coast. Mesmer is an authorized training center for Alias|Wavefront, Discreet, and Softimage animation and special effects software. For additional press information, please call Anthony Rossano at 206.782.8004 or visit Mesmer on the web at www.mesmer.com.