The Gnomon School of Visual Effects announced the addition of Shane Acker, who is joining the staff as the newest Resident Artist. Mr. Acker is widely known for his Academy Award nomination in 2006 (in the Best Animated Short Film category) for writing, directing and animating the 11-minute short film 9. 9 garnered Acker critical acclaim around the globe, screening at over a dozen film festivals and picking up several awards along the way. With Acker in the director's chair again, 9 has now been made into a feature film and will premiere on September 9, 2009. With some time to do a special project in his schedule, he will now write and direct Gnomon's next in-house short film as a collaboration between students and professionals.

Trailer about Short 9 (2005)

"I love the short film format," says Acker. "Its such a liberating medium that allows filmmakers to take risks with story and techniques not possible in the Hollywood arena. I'm thrilled Alex has asked me to come on board to develop a short film here at the school. Gnomon is this amazing nexus, an artistic crossroads where industry professionals and students come together to study and cross-pollinate ideas. It's the perfect environment to create innovative short films using the latest in technology and techniques. I always learn an incredible amount from the artists and students I work with, whether in a classroom or in a studio, so I look forward to this great opportunity at Gnomon."