Pasadena, Calif. - Big Stage, a developer of technology that lets users create and share life-like, 3D avatar images of themselves, then integrate them into famous movie scenes, TV shows, video games and music videos, on Tuesday announced a private beta launch of its service, which is expected to launch publicly in the second quarter of 2008.

The company also announced that it has named Chuck Huebner, former head of worldwide studios at game publisher Activision, as its president and CEO.

Pasadena, Calif.-based Big Stage's technology was developed through funding from grants from multiple government agencies, including the CIA, as part of a nine-year research project at the University of Southern California.

The company says the system allows any consumer with a digital camera to create a 3D animated version of themselves in about 30 seconds, which can then be outfitted with various virtual accessories and shared on social networks and other sites.

"Big Stage is collaborating with studios, television networks, brands, and a host of Hollywood writers, directors and producers to secure a continuing selection of immersive content," said Big Stage co-founder and EVP of business development Jon Kraft.

"We are also launching a powerful open platform through which both professionals and users can take any image or video and easily Big Stage-enable it."

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