This week saw the U.S. launch of new March client, Antics Technologies. Based in the UK, and an office in Los Angeles, Antics software makes high quality 3D animations accessible to the masses.

Based on thoroughly modern video game engines, Antics enables home users to create 3D animated scenes and sequences in a real-time, point-and-click style rendering environment. The latest release of the software, V3, is available with two product options.

In lay-man's terms, Antics means that you no longer have to have a degree from MIT, be employed as a full-time graphic designer or have a spare wad of hundred dollar bills lying around to make professional-quality 3D animation. In fact, Antics recently ran an open competition to make the best medical-themed 3D animated short film using Antics. The competition was judged by Hollywood producer Jim Rygiel - check out his winning entry in the Antics Cinema.

The Antics launch has been getting some early attention from places like the Animation World Network, The Hollywood Reporter and DesignerToday, and review interest has been coming from the likes of MicroFilmMaker, DV Magazine, American Cinematographer, Smart Computing and Maximum PC.

Very cool.