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Rare Adopts Escape Studios' Online Learning Maya Courseware

LONDON - Oct. 3, 2008 - Escape Studios announced today that Rare, one of the world's foremost games companies, has adopted Escape's new online computer graphics (CG) animation course to form part of the company's continued professional development program for employees. The courseware is based on Autodesk®'s award-winning Maya® software.

In an ever demanding industry it's almost impossible for teams to follow the latest updates and revisions of software and have knowledge across such a broad depth of tools. By adopting the online Escape course, Rare will now be able to keep its staff up to date and implement different learning initiatives without the need for DVD resources.

"It's vital that an artist can get information quickly, when they really need it," says Mark Cass, Escape Studios' commercial director. "The search functionality enables users to easily find what they are looking for, learn what they need and get back to the job in hand. In a working environment the ability to give up hours in training just isn't possible all the time."

"It took a proper evaluation of the system to appreciate the depth of the content," echoes Lee Musgrave, Rare's head of art. "Escape has covered lots of ground in-depth and the built-in Q&A system takes the learning experience beyond any other delivery mechanism. The online course will enable many of our artists to get a much more rounded view of Maya. Having people 'knowing' other aspects of the software can be very powerful for us. The course solves many training issues for us here at Rare and we are excited about all the new courses currently in development at Escape."

The computer graphics school, which is responsible for training some of the world's best animators and Oscar® winning CG artists, is now hoping this partnership with Rare will help bridge the gap between the competitive games industry and students.

New courses that will soon be available from Escape Studios include programs in VFX, ZBrush, Animation, Characters and Games.

About Escape Studios

Founded in 2002 and based in London, Escape Studios is the number one choice for developing a successful career in the CG industry. Escape's teaching staff includes some of the industry's most talented film, games and animation professionals; instructors hail from world-renowned facilities such as Pixar, Sony, MPC and Cinesite. Graduates, or "Escapees," have been placed in facilities ranging from Rockstar Games to the BBC and The Mill, and worked on some of the industry's most high-profile projects including The Golden Compass, 10,000BC, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and Harry Potter: The Order of the Phoenix. For more information on Escape please visit www.escapestudios.com.

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© 2008 Escape Studios. All products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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