August 10th, 1998

SAN JOSE, CA -- Sunnyvale-based Aplex, Inc. recently exhibited at a trade show for the first time since its inception. Aplex, derived from "Advanced PLanarization EXcellence," is a new player in the chemical and mechanical planarization industry (CMP), and needed an eye-catching video to attract visitors to its booth at SEMICON West. Tam Communications, a visual communications company based in San Jose, created an attract loop video that introduced viewers to Aplex and its new product, AVera™, and also produced an additional video which described AVera in detail, to be used in a secure area within the booth.

Not only did Tam have the perpetual difficulty of capturing visitors' attention on a bustling trade show floor, they faced the additional challenge of soliciting interest for a new company and name. To make Aplex stand out, Tam chose a high-energy format, combining layers of fast-paced video, colorful graphics and energetic music. The script, written by Executive Producer Siiri Tuckwood, provided viewers with equal parts corporate overview and product description, informing them that Aplex was founded by some of the original developers of CMP technology. The longer AVera video, written by Creative Director Susan O'Connor Fraser, provided a more detailed look at the product and explained its features in depth.

Tam Director Tim George shot the material for both videos, and edited the product video with Sandra Silva and Ed Cook. John Barrett edited the trade show video, and the 3-D logos seen in both pieces were created by 3-D Artist Aaron Dingman.

"Tam provided excellent service on a tight production schedule," remarked Rick LaFrance, Vice President of Marketing for Aplex. "The purpose of the video presentation at this stage in our company's development was to introduce the company, build initial customer interest, and establish contacts with key customers. In these objectives we were very sucessful."

Tam Communications is a leading digital media company, servicing corporate and entertainment clients by combining technical, creative, and communications expertise in the realms of video, interactive multimedia, and web. The company's expanding spectrum of original entertainment programming—developed for broadcast, cable, syndication, and other venues—airs worldwide. Tam Communications is a privately held company located in Scotts Valley, CA. Please visit our web site at www.tamcom.com.