I live in North Carolina which is the third most filmed in state in the US 50. 'Hollywood East'
In North Carolina I live close to Research Triangle Park; a hot-bed of technology. 'Silicon Valley East'
In Raleigh NC there is the School of Communication Arts that teaches 3D animation where I will be attending 2004 for certification in Maya. (3 animators on the 'Final Fanasy' movie graduated there.)

Okay, here is my idea.
There doesn't seem to be a studio in the area that handles CGI for motion pictures. It is my dream to open a studio here in RTP that will be able to produce 3D effects. Question is who would move to work and live here if such a thing got off the ground?
Could such a thing get off the ground?
Is such a studio here in NC?

Any advice helpful.

Pol

First, you need about 40 crapped-out computers. Hook 'em together for a network renderer (or just take the CPUs out and try to stick them in your existing computer). Ideally, you'd get a more advanced program than Carrara (which is really more entry-level... Lightwave, MAX, and Maya are the big three after proprietary software, but their price tags range respectively from too much to more than your car to more than your car, your house, your neighbor's house, and Switzerland combined). Location is a bit of an issue, but not too big of one. Basically, get the equipment and whatever friends you have who are into CG and the like- and some kinda basic job- and more will come as you work.

I'd LOVE to work there, but my skills need to improve vastly :) I live in Youngsville, about a 25 or so minute drive from RTP

Pistola, thanks. That was exactly my idea. Kinda like WETA and their 'Massive' render-wall. Dampeoples, thanks as well. You'd work for me??? I'm flattered. If it comes to pass, you're hired. Do either of you know anything about venture-capital? Pol

I know nothing about venture capital, although I looked it up once on Google out of randomness, there are a few websites out there themed as such, but I don't have a big plan (well, I suppose we all do), so I didn't sign up :)