Short Fuze has announced the release of the first commercial version of their 3D movie-making software Moviestorm.

Moviestorm has been in pre-release since February, available as Early Access software to early adopters. The result of their feedback and extensive focus testing has resulted in a highly-polished consumer product that will be appreciated by casual and advanced users alike.

No longer in pre-release, Moviestorm 1.1 contains several major new features, as well as many improvements to its current feature set, including a new user-friendly interface, and a Quick Start Movie that serves as a fast but flexible introduction to Moviestorm. New users can produce their first movie in their lunch break!

Moviestorm version 1.1 is a completely free download (WinOS - XP and Vista, MacOS - Intel only for now). Go get it now and don't forget to tell your friends (and earn 300 points for every friend that downloads and installs the software)!

(Disclosure: I am currently working part-time as the company's Chief Blogger and Community Manager.)

The International Machinima Expo (MachinExpo) is now accepting submissions for its 1st annual showcase which will feature the best work by emerging and established machinima directors. Part of Festival Arcadia in Montreal, Quebec, the event takes place from November 7-9, 2008 at Place Bonaventure in downtown Montreal before an audience expected to exceed 20,000.

MachinExpo will feature workshops, panel discussions, live film premieres, and several hours of screening of machinima films from all around the world. A jury of professionals from the entertainment and video game industries will select five (5) films for a Jury Prize, with a special 6th film awarded a Special Jury Prize honoring one exceptional Canadian machinima film. There are no category / genre restrictions on submissions, and there is no entry fee. Deadline for submissions is October 6, 2008.

For more information, including submission guidelines and instructions, please visit www.machinima-expo.com, or contact expo2008@machiniplex.net.