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SIGGRAPH 2024 Gathers the International Community to Explore Production, Virtual Reality Immersive Storytelling, and a Prestigious Animation Showcase

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The 51st annual conference demonstrates advancements in the computer graphics industry across all avenues while sparking inspiration, starting conversations, and looking toward the trends of tomorrow

DENVER, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — While celebrating more than 50 years of being the world’s leading education experience in the computer graphics industry, SIGGRAPH 2024 understands the value of sparking conversations about the content of the future. With this, the conference, held from Sunday, 28 July to Thursday, 1 August, 2024, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, will feature several opportunities for attendees to get a closer glimpse at the future of the industry’s trends. There will be Production Sessions dedicated to the future of production, exploration of the new age of immersive experiences in the VR Theater, and spotlights of the ingenuity of diverse creators in the Electronic Theater.

The SIGGRAPH 2024 Production Sessions allow attendees to go behind-the-scenes with an international community of production leaders in films, games, VR/MR/XR, and more to explore the challenges faced and opportunities in modern production pipelines. Within these sessions, SIGGRAPH 2024 sought stories highlighting a macro view of behind-the-scenes innovation, creativity, inclusion, and collaboration demonstrated during recent productions. Through 60-minute presentations, leaders from across the industry will showcase their learnings and developments.

“We’re seeing a wide variety of new tools being developed for all sorts of different aspects of production, whether it’s grooming fur and hair or virtual production tools. It’s across the board different workflow improvements that we’re seeing,” Jonathan Nitiparsong, SIGGRAPH 2024 Production Sessions Chair, noted. “SIGGRAPH showcases some of the most cutting-edge tools and interactive techniques that make things better, and Production Sessions are often the first place where people are able to see some of these new technologies and production skills in use,” he added.

Of the 30 submissions received, 10 were selected for this year’s Production Sessions including “Monkeys, Chimps & Gorillas: Wētā FX’s (r)Evolutionary Work with Primates”; “Oozing Hand Crafted 2D Illustration Into a 3D Ninja Turtle World“; “Visual Data Stories for Climate Action: The Making of NASA’s Earth Information Center Public Exhibits”; “Yin and Yang: The Balance of Animation in Kung Fu Panda 4″; and “Pushing the Limits: Crafting an Immersive Mega-Canvas for Phish’s Music Shows at Sphere”.

In addition to this year’s Production Sessions, SIGGRAPH 2024 will offer immersive VR Theater experiences. The VR Theater is a world-class showcase of exemplary virtual reality storytelling and a staple SIGGRAPH program since 2017. The main program will be experienced in a high-end, seated, panoramic, multi-viewer immersive space, running approximately one hour from start to finish. New this year, participants will enter a mixed reality SIGGRAPH-branded lobby before each experience. SIGGRAPH 2024 aims to give attendees a fresh perspective on innovative, important, and inspiring virtual reality stories through a curated selection of short-form narratives. The experience will feature a diverse array of stories, from a musical journey aboard a space-train to an immersive empathy documentary about losing and regaining sight. It will highlight various intriguing uses of the VR medium for storytelling, including showcasing technical innovations.

“More than any other year, the pieces we’re involving carry more serious topics. I would say it’s a reflection of the world, as well. Art reflects the pulse of the world. For example, one of the pieces we are showcasing is about femicide in Mexico, a problem they are using VR as a medium to really put you in the seat of a woman in Mexico. When creators make a VR experience, it’s very important to ask yourself, ‘Why am I making this into a VR experience and not, let’s say, in a flat medium?’ So, I think these pieces answer that question very clearly,” SIGGRAPH 2024 VR Theater Director Yangos Hadjiyannis said. “I’m glad to see the medium’s evolution in that way. In the early days, I thought, creators would sometimes make experiences to test out the VR space. Now, it’s more like I’m doing this more purposefully considering the best ways to tell a story spatially. We experience our world in 3D and that is starting to be reflected uniquely in this medium, particularly with an emphasis on presence. I think that’s what really makes it unique,” he added. The VR Theater will also be announcing its Best in Show award for immersive experiences during the conference.

This year’s VR Theater will feature pieces including:

“Spots of Light”: A piece that puts you in the situation of someone who has lost their sight, regained it, and then lost it again. It’s a personal journey of acceptance and hope.”Astra”: This mixed reality experience turns your living room into a life-size spaceship that takes you to explore and understand the composition of different materials on different planets.”Draw for Change”: A powerful experience about femicide in Mexico, walking in the shoes of a woman in Mexico who is resisting and raising awareness on the problem through beautiful mural work.”Traversing the mist”: A poetic journey of discovery of a gay man that takes you with them to the bathhouse, as you discover a deep sense of loneliness and reflection.”Emperor”: A spectacular piece about the condition of Aphasia, told in a bigger-than-life way, with intuitive interactions that move the medium forward.

The SIGGRAPH 2024 experience also features an Electronic Theater, which qualifies for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and is widely recognized for its groundbreaking contributions from artists, researchers, and innovators around the world. The Electronic Theater once began as an annual showcase of computer graphics advancements. Today, it celebrates computer graphics as a cornerstone of the mainstream mediums of animation, visual effects, gaming, scientific/data visualization, and storytelling.

“Given how much buzz is going around with generative AI, it’s more enhanced. I think when the audience sees the show, they will hopefully appreciate the aesthetic value in choices made to use those tools beyond what is traditionally known as the process of putting text-prompted imagery into a project,” John Kalaigian, SIGGRAPH 2024 Electronic Theater Director, said. “Sometimes, the results could be jarring and very obvious. So I think the most important thing is the caliber of which SIGGRAPH holds the content that it presents is increasingly getting higher.”

Participants were invited to submit their best work for a chance to be featured in this prestigious showcase. An internationally recognized jury reviewed the work and awarded prizes for Best in Show, Best Student Project, and Jury’s Choice, whereas the Audience Choice prize is awarded after the premieres. Previous Best in Show winners have been nominated for and have received the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.

SIGGRAPH 2024 Electronic Theater awards were presented to:

Best in Show: “The Art of Weightlessness
Moshe Mahler with Carnegie Mellon University
An animated short film documentary that chronicles the evolution of Artist and Performer, Bill Shannon. Born with a degenerative hip condition, Bill developed new ways to express himself through dance and skateboarding on crutches. 

Best Student Project: “After Grandpa
Juliette Michel, Swann Valenza, Florian Gomes Freitas, Axel Sence, and Victoria Leviaux with Ecole MoPA
Haunted by the terrifying ghost of his Grandpa, Loup, a little boy obsessed with insects, will have to overcome his fear to discover why it came back.

Jury’s Choice: “Patterns
Alex Glawion
Struck by a barrage of intrusive encounters on his weekly commute, a perceptive traveler struggles to uphold the positive mindset that wards against the ever-lurking grayness.

“We are on the heels of a monumental year in 2023, celebrating the 50th conference. I think there’s still a little sense of celebration in the air but definitely a homecoming of sorts returning back to Colorado not too far from the first conference site in Boulder. The Computer Animation Festival is excited to bring back additional screening opportunities, which we’re calling the Animation Theater Daytime Selects. These will be two independent show reels that will also accompany the main Electronic Theater show,” Kalaigian added.

Learn more about how SIGGRAPH 2024 is an important element in identifying the trends of tomorrow and what participants can expect here. The ACM SIGGRAPH Blog, including an interview with Paul Story, Phillip Leonhardt, Erik Winquist, Aidan Martin, and Kevin Smith to discuss their SIGGRAPH 2024 Production Session “Monkeys, Chimps & Gorillas: Wētā FX’s (r)Evolutionary Work With Primates,” highlights additional details of the Production Sessions, VR Theater, and Electronic Theater programs.

About ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, and SIGGRAPH 2024

ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field’s challenges. ACM SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The SIGGRAPH conference is the world’s leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2024, the 51st annual conference hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, will take place live 28 July–1 August at the Colorado Convention Center, along with a Virtual Access option.

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SSC Security Services Corp. Announces Approval of Share Buyback Plan

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REGINA, SK, Dec. 30, 2024 /CNW/ – SSC Security Services Corp. (“SSC” or the “Company”) (TSXV: SECU) (OTCQX: SECUF), a leading provider of physical, cyber and electronic security services, announced today its intention, and its receipt of all required regulatory approvals including approval by the TSX Venture Exchange, to make a normal course issuer bid (the “Bid”) for up to 1,150,000 of its Class A common shares (the “Shares”), representing approximately 10% of SSC’s public float.

The Bid will commence on January 6, 2025 and continue until the earlier of January 5, 2026 and the date by which SSC has acquired the maximum Shares which may be purchased under the Bid.  The Bid will be made through the facilities of the TSX Venture Exchange, or such other “designated exchange” as that term is defined by applicable Canadian securities laws, and the purchase and payment for the Shares will be made in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange requirements, or such other designated exchange, at the market price of the Shares at the time of acquisition.  All Shares purchased by SSC under the Bid will be cancelled.

SSC has appointed CIBC Capital Markets as its broker to conduct the normal course issuer bid transactions.

Management of SSC believes that the Shares have been trading in a price range which does not adequately reflect their value and that the purchase of the Shares under the Bid will enhance shareholder value in general.

ABOUT SSC

SSC Security Services Corp. is a national provider of physical, cyber and electronic security services to corporate and public sector clients across Canada. For more information, please visit www.securityservicescorp.ca.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Forward Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding SSC and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and views of future events of SSC’s management. In some cases the forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “believe” or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting SSC, including risks regarding the security industry, the agricultural industry, economic factors and the equity markets generally and many other factors beyond the control of SSC. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and SSC undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE SSC Security Services Corp.

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VPN.com CEO Michael Gargiulo Publishes New Forbes Article: Securing Your Domain Portfolio in the Event of Disability

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ATLANTA, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Michael Gargiulo, CEO of VPN.com and a recognized authority in the domain name industry, has been featured once again in Forbes Technology Council. In his latest article, What Happens to My Domains If I Become Disabled?, Gargiulo provides essential advice for business owners and domain investors on how to safeguard digital assets in the event of disability, either temporary or permanent.

As digital portfolios continue to grow, Gargiulo addresses the critical need for proper planning when managing valuable domains. The article outlines practical steps that domain owners can take to ensure their assets are protected and effectively managed if they are no longer able to do so themselves due to mental or physical incapacity.

Practical Steps for Domain Security

In the article, Gargiulo shares insights based on his years of experience as a domain broker, offering actionable guidance on the following key strategies:

Assigning a trusted agent or executor: He emphasizes the importance of pre-appointing a domain manager who understands the significance of these digital assets, ensuring the continuity of business or brand operations.Legal protections: Gargiulo explains how implementing powers of attorney and including domains in estate planning can mitigate the risk of these high-value assets being neglected or lost during incapacitation.Multi-factor authentication and password management: The article highlights security protocols to prevent unauthorized access and ensure that only the appointed managers can handle the domain portfolio.

Gargiulo also notes that domains, often seen as just online real estate, can represent substantial value in terms of brand identity and revenue generation. This makes proper planning for incapacitation not only a personal matter but also a significant business concern. Without the right processes in place, domain owners risk losing control over these valuable digital properties or even having them expire, which could lead to financial loss.

Why This Matters for Domain Investors and Entrepreneurs

As Gargiulo explains, whether you own a portfolio of ultra-premium domains or just a handful of brand names crucial to your business, proper foresight can be the difference between business continuity and potential chaos. Failure to plan can leave families or colleagues scrambling to manage complex, high-value assets without a clear understanding of how to maintain or transfer them.

“Disability is not something we often prepare for, but when it comes to digital assets like domains, having a plan is essential. If something happens to you and your domains aren’t secured, you could lose a vital piece of your business,” Gargiulo explains in the Forbes article. He suggests that domain owners should treat their online assets with the same level of care and legal protection as any other valuable part of their estate.

About Michael Gargiulo

Michael Gargiulo is the CEO and founder of VPN.com, a company renowned for its work in premium domain name brokerage and cyber privacy solutions. With extensive experience helping entrepreneurs and Fortune 1000 companies manage and protect their domain portfolios, Gargiulo has built a reputation as a leading voice in the domain industry. He has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, where he frequently shares his insights on digital asset management and cybersecurity.

To learn more about Michael Gargiulo’s work, visit his Forbes author page.

About VPN.com

VPN.com is a premier domain brokerage firm that helps businesses and individuals acquire premium domain names. The company also offers research and expertise on VPN and internet security services. With a mission to protect digital assets and privacy, VPN.com has become a trusted resource for those looking to secure high-value domains and enhance their online security.

For more information on VPN.com’s domain brokerage services, visit VPN.com Domains. To learn more about the latest buy requests and pricing strategies for premium domain names, visit their full domain pricing guide at Forbes Technology Council.

Plan for the Future of Your Domains Now
Don’t leave your digital assets vulnerable. To secure your domain portfolio with expert guidance, reach out to VPN.com today and ensure your domains are protected for the long term.

For media inquiries or interview requests with Michael Gargiulo, please contact:
Email: 388121@email4pr.com
Phone: 855-VPN-FAST
Website: VPN.com Press

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ONAR Provides Q3 2024 Results and Business Update

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LOS ANGELES, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Reliant Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:RELT) soon to be ONAR Holding Corporation (“ONAR”), a growing network of highly-specialized marketing agencies, has released its Q3 Shareholder Letter along with its SEC filing of its 10-Q for the last quarter. This letter covers the results of the company’s financial progress as it continues to grow.

The letter to shareholders covers key highlights for the nine months that ended September 30, 2024 and gives a first look at the Company’s consolidated business since the reverse merger announced in Q2 2024.

“It has been quite a journey getting to this point. ONAR is now on the trajectory we envisioned when we started the reverse merger process,” said Claude Zdanow, CEO of ONAR. “We are incredibly proud of where we are today and know we have a platform set for rapid growth through the acquisitions we are targeting and our plans for organic growth.”

In alignment with its commitment to becoming a $100 million revenue company and uplisting to NASDAQ, ONAR has developed a comprehensive business plan that includes a targeted acquisition strategy for the next 18-24 months.

Additionally, ONAR will announce a new board charter to usher in an Independent Board of Directors in Q1 of 2025. The new board and its growing investor base demonstrates the support that exists for the company’s vision and growth strategy, underscoring the shared commitment to building a premier, technology-enabled marketing powerhouse.

The shareholder letter highlights these notable achievements from Q3:

Increased Revenues: By completing the reverse merger, the Company’s consolidated revenue for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, was 57% higher than the same period last year.Decreased Cost of Revenues: The Cost of Revenues declined by almost $250,000 as compared to the same period last year.Increase in Cash on Hand: Cash Balance Increased by almost $.5 Million as compared to December 31, 2023.Global Reach: Overall headcount increased globally, with 60% of the Company’s workforce being international across five continents.Partnership for Growth and Tech Expansion: A strategic alliance was signed with iQSTEL, Inc. (OTCQX:IQST) to help iQSTEL increase its market presence and share technologies to further both companies’ businesses.

ONAR concludes the letter with enthusiasm and optimism for the future, stating its ambitious goals to expand its network of agencies in 2025.

The full shareholder letter is shared below.

Dear Shareholders,

We are excited to announce our Q3 FY-2024 results, a testament to ONAR’s extraordinary growth and strategic innovation. This quarter has solidified our position as a leader in the marketing industry, and we are eager to share the tangible progress we have made.

1. Revenue and Profitability

By completing the reverse merger, the Company’s consolidated revenue for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, was 57% higher than the same period last year.Recurring Revenues remained steady as Cost of Revenues declined by almost $250,000 as compared to the same period last year.Revenues are expected to increase organically in the near future due to new contracts being negotiated.Digital Marketing Agency PerformanceRecurring revenues remained steady, with Net Operating Income equaling ~5% of Sales. NOI is expected to increase in the near term due to new sales hires, which contributed to the reduction in NOI.Healthcare Marketing Agency PerformanceNet Operating Income for Healthcare Marketing services was nearly 44% of Sales.

2. Interest Expense

Interest paid increased nominally as compared to the previous year as a result of financing activities to complete the reverse merger. This will be offset by an increase in Revenues in the near future, as well as liabilities that will be converted into Equity.

3. Assets and Liabilities

Cash Balance increased by almost $.5 Million as compared to December 31, 2023

4. Cash Flow and Liquidities

Financing activities provided $1.8M (Net) for the 9 months ended September 30, 2024.  This provided working capital and funds for expansion and the reverse merger.

5. Global Presence, Operational Reach, and Marketing

Overall headcount increased globally, with 60% of the Company’s workforce being international across five continents.

6. Partnership for Growth and Tech Expansion

A strategic alliance was signed with iQSTEL, Inc. (OTCQX:IQST) to help iQSTEL increase its market presence and share technologies to further both companies’ businesses.ONAR CEO Claude Zdanow attended NobleCon 2024 and showcased a glimpse into the Company’s proprietary artificial intelligence usage and how machine learning capabilities are helping shape how the company leverages data.

Summary

We are pleased to report that our strategic initiatives are progressing according to plan, delivering strong results across key performance indicators. This positive momentum reinforces our confidence in the company’s ability to achieve sustained growth.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Claude Zdanow
CEO, ONAR

About ONAR

ONAR (OTCQB: RELT) is a dynamic marketing and business solutions network, currently publicly traded as Reliant Holdings, Inc. with plans to become Onar Holding Corporation in the near future. ONAR’s mission is to provide unparalleled service through an integrated, AI-driven approach, leveraging its diverse brand family’s strengths. Committed to honor, candor, and best-in-class results, ONAR aims to lead the industry by example, ensuring every client relationship is deeply rooted in trust and excellence.

ONAR has nearly 50 employees across five continents, and it is aggressively expanding its team to support the company’s growth and acquisition pipeline. Its agencies service over 45 clients across various industries:

Performance Marketing & SEO: Our high-touch performance marketing agency, Storia, specializes in brand growth, data-driven excellence, and paid advertising.Full-Service Healthcare Marketing: Partnering with healthcare professionals, Of Kos provides the best possible patient experience and strives to revolutionize the standard of care.Experiential Marketing & Events: CHALK is an experiential marketing powerhouse of event architects who turn bold ideas into unforgettable reality, designing events that dare to defy the ordinary.

ONAR’s network of agencies focuses on servicing companies ranging from $50M to $1B+ in revenue, and ONAR is actively searching for agencies to acquire and become part of the network.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on ONAR’s current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These statements are not historical facts and are inherently uncertain and outside of ONAR’s control. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding ONAR’s expectations regarding its ability to achieve its financial and strategic goals, including surpassing $100 million in revenue and securing a NASDAQ listing; its ability to expand its client base and market share; and its ability to develop and launch new products and services. Actual results may differ materially from ONAR’s expectations and projections due to various risks and uncertainties, including market conditions, competition, the ability to protect intellectual property, the ability to manage growth, changes in laws and regulations, and other factors described in ONAR’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and ONAR undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

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