Pioneer Animator Creates Cartoons that Talk Back
 Computer-generated cartoons like Toy Story show
how high-tech animators can bring characters to life,
but one computer animator has taken it a step further,
creating a character that talks with people like a
real person does.
CHOPS, a "cyber-dude
with an attitude," was created by Gary
Jesch, a multimedia producer, based out of Incline
Village, Nevada. CHOPS can see people, hear them and
discuss the latest news, interactively in real time
from his screen, whether its's a TV set or a projection
system that makes him 20 feet tall.
The "man behind
the curtain" is his creator, Gary Jesch,
who operates the system with a digital pen and tablet,
and when Jesch speaks, so does CHOPS, at the same time.
 CHOPS
can be booked at trade shows and corporate conferences,
and someday in virtual reality entertainment centers,
on television and the Internet, says Jesch. He has
proven that his presence in a trade show booth can
double the number of leads gathered and improve a company's
image.
It's not unusual
for CHOPS and Gary to perform for six to eight hours
straight, without a break, on the tradeshow
floor. If he does take a break, it's only for a few
short minutes, and then he is back to work, attracting
attention, breaking the ice and qualifying leads for
his clients. But one thing you won't see is down-time
because the system isn't working.
The Digital Puppeteer (tm)
is a show-proven setup that includes a Dell notebook
computer, audio subsystem with microphone, a wireless
spy camera, mic and monitor, and small portable
tables (shown above). Audiences can see, talk, and interact
with CHOPS or other characters on a video wall, TV monitor
or 3D display located in any type of tradeshow booth
or other space.
Today, the mission
at CHOPS & Associates is to offer whatever custom application
and equipment suits the clients' needs best. Gary Jesch
is a trusted expert with many, many shows in his past,
and he really knows what he is doing. He will be more
than happy to help you design your dream tradeshow
booth or cook up something special for an interesting
General Session.
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