October 15th, 1998

SAN JOSE, CA -- Visual communications company Tam Communications recently completed "The Importance of Photomask Technology," a 10-minute video for San Jose-based KLA-Tencor. The piece debuted at a KLA-Tencor-sponsored reception at the 18th annual BACUS Symposium on Photomask Technology and Management, a three-day conference held in September in Redwood City, California.

"As a manufacturer of equipment used by photomask producers and users, we wanted a video that would unite all the members of the photomask industry in facing current challenges and pursuing more advanced technology," explained Jim Wiley, Director of Photomask Technology for KLA-Tencor. "Tam Communications provided the perfect tool to help all the members of this industry visualize the future of photomask." Utilizing upbeat music and a number of layered effects, the program explores the technology of photomasks and the developments necessary to ensure a successful future for the industry.

Because partnership is a crucial requirement for the advancement of the technology, the piece features interviews with many of the top names in the photomask industry, including the CEOs of DuPont Photomask and Photronics as well as that of KLA-Tencor. Additionally, the Tam production team interviewed the President and CEO of Sematech, a consortium responsible for developing advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes, materials, and equipment for its member companies.

One of the highlights of the video is an interview with Intel co-founder Gordon Moore who, in 1968, predicted with amazing accuracy that the power of microchips would double every 18 months. This theory-turned-fact has become known as Moore's Law.

Director Tam Fraser and Producer Susan O'Connor Fraser headed up the four-day production effort for the video. Art direction was provided by Sandra Silva and online editing by Ed Cook.

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.