Cinema 4D version 9.5_3ds Max 8_Animators can look forward to improved modeling, rendering

Animators can look forward to improved modeling, rendering, character animation and workflow tools that were displayed by 3D application developers at the SIGGRAPH 2005 convention. New versions of every major professional 3D software application were being shown, including Maya 7 , SOFTIMAGE |XSI 5, MotionBuilder 7, Cinema 4D 9.5, 3ds Max 8, LightWave 9 and Houdini 8. Plus, Luxology, developer of the modo modeler, revealed that it has a 3D animation application in the works.

Several packages are now 64-bit compatible, including SOFTIMAGE XSI v. 5.0, Cinema 4D 9.5 and LightWave 8.5, while Houdini already supports 64-bit Windows and Linux . Technology previews were also shown of 64-bit versions of Maya and 3ds Max .

But whether users are ready for 64-bit or not, there are a host of new features they can take advantage of in the meantime. Here’s a roundup of the highlights of the various 3D applications being shown in Los Angeles

Maxon Computer
Cinema 4D version 9.5

Maxon Computer has beefed up the lighting, rendering and workflow features of Cinema 3D 9.5, which will be available (along with BodyPaint 3D R2.5) in September 2005. Version 9.5 offers a streamlined process for setting up lights, and the lights can now be tailored to any desired shape. For realistic-looking scenes, area lights and area shadows now render up to four times faster.

Version 9.5 lets users output images in 32-bit /channel color depth as HDRI or OpenEXR, and includes the ability to directly output multipass renderings as compositing files for Shake . Plus, the Baker has been reworked for faster creation of textures, normal maps and UVs.

The Advanced Render module has several new features, including Ambient Occlusion, for the quick creation and rendering of realistic shadows. Ambient Occlusion can be either rendered or baked as a texture. Another new feature is SKY, a versatile tool for the creation of atmospherics.

Workflow enhancements include a new Content Browser for convenient access to projects and presets, which can reside either locally or on a server . Also, a new full screen mode lets the workspace be quickly adjusted to its maximum size.


Autodesk
3ds Max 8

Key upgrades in Autodesk’s 3ds Max 8 include character animation upgrades, advanced modeling and texturing, a more comprehensive development framework and complex data and asset management tools. Version 8 is slated for fourth quarter 2005 release.

The character development tools in 3ds Max 8 have been significantly overhauled. With the former Character Studio plugin now completely integrated into 3ds Max , BiPed and other character tools are now simply features in the application. The character animation toolset of version 8 has new advanced rigging tools, a redesigned Motion Mixer and non-linear animation features called Motion Retargeting. The new Motion Mixer allows animations or motions of any type to be mixed together. The mixing functionality includes time stretch, editing, trimming and transitions, and it supports all types of animation – not just character and biped.

Also, Cloth and Hair and Fur tools will be included as part of 3ds Max 8. These were previously available to 3ds Max users via Autodesk Subscription. Cloth allows animators to convert modeled geometry to simulated cloth and design clothing patterns. Hair and Fur, based on Joe Alter’s Shave and a Haircut, includes a Brush tool for shaping various contours, and support for clumping and frizz textures. It also permits instanced geometry to be used as individual hairs for the creation of forests, fields and landscapes.

A new UV pelt mapping procedure promises much faster creation of texture maps. Users can define seams on a model and unfold the geometry to those seams. It is not necessary to rebuild the seams. Also, new Relax methods are designed to help reduce mapping distortion by matching an object’s UV to its geometry. Version 8 also includes DirectX and . fx support, making it possible to create real-time shaders in the Max Viewport.

This release will also introduce a new XML-based motion data file format called .XAF. An open standard developed by Autodesk, it enables Max to load and save animation data and to load map or retarget it onto other characters. It can also be used to transfer motion not derived from characters.

Version 8 will address a variety of scalability, workflow and collaboration issues with a new Complex Data management toolset. In addition to new abilities for manipulating large datasets, 3ds Max 8 will connect directly to various asset management systems, including Autodesk Vault.

ResPower Super/Farm Render Farm Supports Maya 7

ResPower announced the immediate support for Maya 7, the latest release of Alias. flagship 3D modeling solution.

"With this release of Maya 7, Alias has delivered a huge increase in 2D and 3D animation , effects , modeling and rendering power," according to Early Ehlinger, ResPower's President.

"ResPower is totally committed to supporting the latest and best computer graphics tools on the market. Upgrading the Super/Farm™ to meet the needs of our customers who use the Maya 7 expanded toolset is a natural and exciting move for us."

About ResPower
Founded in 2000, ResPower today houses the largest and fastest third-party computer graphics rendering solution in the world. The ResPower Super/Farm™ supports over 14 versions of nine render engines. With more than 3,000 GHz of on-demand rendering power, the Super/Farm turns any computer graphics crew into a major studio.


The Super/Farm is available for projects of every size, from one-frame graphics to feature-length movies. ResPower's client list includes Nickelodeon, Technicolor, and Country Music Television . For more information on how to render over the Internet, please log onto http://www.respower.com/

Free CINEMA 4D R9.52 Update - Also Available for 64-bit

MAXON, November 23, 2005 - Software developer MAXON is pleased to announce a free upgrade for CINEMA 4D Release 9.5. In addition to a number of bug fixes, this update boasts over a dozen optimized features and additional improvements. Since MAXON was the first developer worldwide to release a 64-bit version of its software, CINEMA 4D R9.52 is also available in 64-bit! The R9.52 update includes such improvements as changes to the Content Browser that make it even easier to use, expanded drag & drop functionality and an improved menu structure, making this easy to learn application even more efficient.

In addition, a new shader has been added to CINEMA 4D - the ChamLum shader. This shader illuminates the surface of objects with a soft, slightly fuzzy look - great for rendering realistic skin. Furthermore, a Content Browser library containing shaders, light setups and a bunch of useful goodies is also available for free download.

For more information about the CINEMA 4D R9.52 update click here.

About MAXON Computer

MAXON Computer is the developer of professional 3D modeling, painting, animation and rendering solutions. Its award-winning products have been used extensively in the film, television, science, architecture, engineering and other industries. MAXON products have been used for and in Polar Express, The Flight of the Phoenix, Hero, Van Helsing, King Arthur, Spiderman, Spiderman 2, Haunted Mansion, Cat in the Hat, Charlie's Angel's-Full Throttle, Star Wars 2-The Attack of the Clones, The Mummy Returns, Gladiator, Tomb Raider, the new Columbia-TriStar Film Logo, the On-Air Packages for Comedy Central, Monday Night Football, Discovery Channel Canada, Lucky, Touching Evil, King of Queens, Def on Demand, Power Puff Girls Music Video, Cher's "Song for the Lonely" Music Video, Inspector Gadget, The Emmys on CBS, TiVO, NBC, DirecTV, CBS NFL, Mad TV, Smart House, J.A.G., The WB, Fox Kids, The Fremont Street Experience and many more. MAXON has offices in Friedrichsdorf (Germany), Newbury Park (CA, USA), Bedford (UK) and Tokyo (JP).

Web Site: http://www.maxon.net

NewTek Releases Eighth Free Texture Collection

Fifty new images bring free resources for digital artists to 400 high resolution textures

(November 17, 2005) NewTek, Inc., manufacturer of industry-leading 3D animation and video products, today announced the release of the eighth edition of NewTek's free Texture Collection. As with previous editions, this new set includes fifty high-resolution images useful for textures and reference available for free download at NewTek.com. The total number of free texture and reference images available from NewTek is now at 400. The eighth edition of the texture collection contains images in the categories Concrete, Nature, Landscape, Soil and Wood. The images are suitable for use as is, and most can be easily processed for seamless tiling as well.

"The high-resolution images in NewTek's Texture Collections are an incredible resource for texture mapping as well as for reference in 3D modeling and digital painting," said Henk Dawson of Dawson 3D . "Also, while I use 3D for all of my commercial projects, there are many times where a 2D element can save a lot of time. Texture maps can often replace geometry and a background created in Photoshop from one or more source photos can efficiently fill out an image. All-in-all, the resolution and detail in these collections are just what digital artists need, and a terrific gift from NewTek to the community."

All textures are unretouched photographic images. The first 250 in the collection offer a resolution of 1600 pixels x 1200 pixels. For the sixth through eighth sets, most are at a resolution of 2304 x 1728, with a few images at lower resolutions. The textures are provided in JPEG format, for efficient download. The first seven editions of the texture collection have been overwhelmingly popular, with tens of thousands of downloads since they were originally posted. NewTek plans to release additional sets of high-resolution textures from time to time and participants can sign up for notification of the release of new sets.

Pricing and Availability
NewTek's Texture Collection, Eighth Edition, is available for free download at: http://www.newtek.com/freestuff.

Spike TV Video Game Awards 2005 Winners Announced

Winners were announced on Nov, 19, 2005, during the 3rd annual Spike TV "Video Game Awards 2005" ceremony held at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. Hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, the two-hour "game vs. game" extravaganza will premiere on Spike TV Saturday, Dec. 10 (9:00-11:00 pm, ET/PT).

RESIDENT EVIL 4 (Capcom) took away the Vector Monkey trophy for Game of the Year as well as Best Graphics. PETER JACKSON'S KING KONG: THE OFFICIAL MOVIE OF THE GAME (Ubisoft) won three awards including, Best Performance by a Human — Male for Jack Black; Best Game Based on a Movie and Best Cast. WORLD OF WARCRAFT (Blizzard Ent.) won four awards including Best Multiplayer Game and Best PC Game.

Below is a complete list of winners.

Game Of The Year
RESIDENT EVIL 4 (Capcom)

Best Action Game
GOD OF WAR (Sony Computer Ent. America)

Best Individual Sports Game
TONY HAWK'S AMERICAN WASTELAND (Activision Inc.)

Best Team Sports Game
MADDEN NFL 06 (Electronic Arts)

Cyber Vixen Of The Year
Maria Menounos as Eva in JAMES BOND 007: FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (Electronic Arts)

Best Game Based On A Movie
PETER JACKSON'S KING KONG: THE OFFICIAL GAME OF THE MOVIE (Ubisoft)

Best Performance By A Human — Male
Jack Black in PETER JACKSON'S KING KONG: THE OFFICIAL GAME OF THE MOVIE (Ubisoft)

Best Supporting Male Performance
Christopher Walken in TRUE CRIME: NEW YORK CITY (Activision Inc.)

Best Performance By A Human — Female
Charlize Theron in AEON FLUX (Majesco Ent.)

Best Supporting Female Performance
Traci Lords in TRUE CRIME: NEW YORK CITY (Activision Inc.)

Best Cast
PETER JACKSON'S KING KONG: THE OFFICIAL GAME OF THE MOVIE (Ubisoft)

Best Original Song
"Maybe We Crazy" by 50 Cent in 50 CENT: BULLETPROOF (Vivendi Universal Games)

Best Soundtrack
GUITAR HERO (RedOctane)

Best Original Score
WE LOVE KATAMARI (Namco Hometek Inc.)

Designer Of The Year
David Jaffe for GOD OF WAR (Sony Computer Ent. America)

Pontiac Best Driving Game Award (Viewer's Choice)
BURNOUT REVENGE (Electronic Arts)

Most Addictive Game Fueled By Dew (Viewer's Choice)
WORLD OF WARCRAFT (Blizzard Ent.)

Best Wireless Game (Viewer's Choice)
MARC ECKO'S GETTING UP (Atari Inc. & Glu)

Best Fighting Game
EA SPORTS FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 2 (Electronic Arts)

Best First Person Action
F.E.A.R. (Vivendi Universal Games)

Best Military Game
CALL OF DUTY 2 (Activision Inc.)

Best Graphics
RESIDENT EVIL 4 (Capcom)

Best Handheld Game
LUMINES (Ubisoft)

Best Multi-Player Game
WORLD OF WARCRAFT (Blizzard Ent.)

Best Breakthrough Technology
Sony PSP (Sony Computer Ent. America)

Best PC Game
WORLD OF WARCRAFT (Blizzard Ent.)

Best RPG
WORLD OF WARCRAFT (Blizzard Ent.)

Albie Hecht and Casey Patterson serve as exec producers of the Spike TV "Video Game Awards 2005." Greg Sills is supervising producer, Magda Liolis is producer and Scott Fishman is the executive in charge of production. Julia Knowles serves as director.

Spike TV, the first network for men, is available in 88 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc.

SOURCE: SPIKE TV

Makehuman v 0.8 (demo) Online: stand-alone, multi-platform, GPL software ex-Blender script

(pressrel)- After much work and many months of preparation, we are pleased to announce the next-generation MakeHumanC that, after five years of life as a Blender(c) python script, has finally become mature enough to be a standalone, multi-platform software program; and, of course, still free, open source and GPL.

Ideas and algorithms developed during the python coding have been translated into C and visualized, thanks to an elegant GUI completely written in OpenGL.

With this pre-alpha, we want to reward and satisfy the curiosity of those fans, who, for a long time now, have been following the development of this software and are impatient to see the first results. However, we must first explain some important points: - We have called this release a DEMO, not because of the existence of a commercial version, nor because a particular license is necessary; but, simply, because within the fixed date for this pre-alpha, the program's ability to save your creation is not implemented.

The beta release version, scheduled for 20 November, will include this ability for both the MakeHuman specific and .obj formats, the latter for import by several widely used 3D modeling programs. - Being a pre-alpha, many elements are still incomplete.

Morphings must be improved and calibrated, many icons will be created or modified, and the current GUI buttons must be considered temporary.

Facial expressions are not yet active, although there are some MakeHuman Emotion Expression System (MEES) morphings now available for experimentation. However, this version gives, already, a good idea of what we have accomplished:
- Over 750 basic parametric morphing targets.
- Uses less than 10 MB RAM.
- Very low CPU usage (on some computers, this value does not even register)
- Professional renders with RenderMan compliant engines.

MakeHuman v0.8 Pre-Alpa Website Link

Autodesk introduces its flagship Discreet Flame visual effects system on Linux-based workstations.

Autodesk has launched its Discreet Flame visual effects system on dual-core workstations running the Linux operating system. The Discreet Flame system is already available on workstations running the IRIX operating system. As a result, film studios, broadcasters and post-production facilities will have more flexibility and choice in shaping their digital content creation pipelines.

For more than a decade, the Discreet Flame system’s hallmark speed and creative toolset have set the standard for high-quality digital content creation. The system has helped digital artists realise ideas for hundreds of blockbuster films, television shows, television spots and channel brands. The system gives artists continuous innovation in a fully interactive 3D compositing environment that is packed with advanced creative tools for video, standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) TV and 2K digital cinema post production.

Kevin Tengan, head of 2D systems at Los Angeles-based Rhythm & Hues Studios, said, “With the exception of our IRIX-based Autodesk Discreet systems, Rhythm & Hues Studios is predominantly a Linux shop. We’ve now integrated the new Linux-based version of Discreet Flame into our facility to create a more manageable, homogenous computing environment. The speed of this system is amazing, as is the stability. We’ve already completed three spots with it, one of which involved several client-assisted sessions. Our client was also blown away by the Flame capabilities on the dual-core workstation." Television spots were delivered for both the discount retailer Target Corp. and SeaWorld adventure parks.

Dave Smith, managing director at UK-based post-production facility Absolute, said, “The Discreet Flame system has been a big part of our business. The Flame system running Linux is a turning point for the industry. Autodesk’s use of high-performance, dual-core Linux workstations provides us with more flexible and cost-effective platform choices going forward. The system’s new tools, such as layer-based paint in batch, are great too because they increase our design flexibility.”

Autodesk’s Discreet Flint visual effects system and Discreet Smoke editing system are also available on Linux-based workstations, making Autodesk one of the world’s leading providers of digital content creation tools for the Linux operating system.

“Autodesk is dedicated to providing our media and entertainment customers with highly optimised Discreet systems that operate on the latest-generation workstations,” said Bill Roberts, director of product management for Autodesk’s Media & Entertainment Division. “Dual-core workstations offer fast, interactive performance that empowers digital artists to realise their creative visions faster than ever before; ultimately allowing the facility to be more productive.” Dual-core processor technology allows users to execute multiple tasks simultaneously at a faster rate than traditional single-core processor technology.

Autodesk’s Discreet Flame and Discreet Smoke 2K systems are currently available on SGI IRIX-based workstations. Autodesk anticipates that the following Discreet systems will be available on Linux-based workstations this coming January:

Discreet Flame and Discreet Smoke 2K systems.
Discreet Flint high definition (HD) and Smoke HD systems.
Autodesk will showcase a number of the aforementioned Discreet systems this week at the following events:

NAB Post +: Visit the Autodesk booth (# 302) at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, USA from Nov 15-17, 2005.
International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (Inter BEE): Visit the Autodesk booth (# 7105) at the Nippon Convention Center in Makuhari Messe, Japan from Nov 16-18, 2005.

source: cgsociety

Cast Enters Kung Fu Panda

DreamWorks Animation announced that two-time Academy Award-winner Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan and Ian McShane (TV’s DEADWOOD) are joining Jack Black in the cast of KUNG FU PANDA. In addition, award-winning actress Lucy Liu is in talks with the studio to voice another main role.

Black (SHARK TALE) heads the voice cast as Po the Panda, the laziest of all the animals in the Valley of Peace. With powerful enemies at the gates, all hope has been pinned on an ancient prophecy that a hero will rise to save the day. But among all the martial arts masters who come forward, none has shown the mark of The Chosen One… until now. When Po unwittingly shows up in the midst of the competition, the masters are shocked to see that this unmotivated panda bears the mark. Now it is up to them to turn this gentle giant into a kung fu fighter before it’s too late.

Dustin Hoffman will voice the role of Shifu, the by-the-book and tough-as-nails Kung Fu master, who has been given the unenviable task of turning the undisciplined Po into a kung fu fighter. Jackie Chan will lend his voice to Master Monkey, a strong, agile and dedicated kung fu warrior, who serves as a daily reminder to Po of everything he is not… yet. Ian McShane will be the voice of the villainous Tai Lung, a ferociously powerful snow leopard, who breaks out of prison, intent on using his kung fu skills to destroy the Valley of Peace. Lucy Liu is in discussions to be the voice of Master Viper, another of Po’s teachers, who can be coy and feminine when she needs to be, but can then uncoil the lethal kung fu warrior within.

Slated for release in May 2008, KUNG FU PANDA is being directed by John Stevenson and Mark Osborne and produced by Melissa Cobb.

source: awn

Pixar’s Jim Morris to Receive VES Board of Directors Award

Pixar producer and former ILM senior exec Jim Morris, currently overseeing an Andrew Stanton (FINDING NEMO) feature to be released in summer ‘08, will receive the Board of Directors Award from the Visual Effects Society. This award will be presented at the 4th Annual VES Awards on Feb.15, 2005, at the Hollywood Palladium, and follows last week’s VES announcement that Pixar founder John Lasseter will receive the 2005 Georges Melies Award for artistic excellence and lifetime achievement.

“As you might imagine, I am extremely honored to receive this award from the VES,” said Morris. “I feel very, very privileged to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented filmmakers and artists both in the VES and on so many wonderful films, and I am deeply moved to be recognized by my colleagues in this way.”

Morris will be honored for his indispensable role as the founding chair of the VES, an organization started in 1997 by Tom Atkin in response to the explosive growth in the visual effects art form. According to Carl Rosendahl, VES chair, “Jim’s management experience was vital in creating a strong organizational foundation for the VES, while his exceptional reputation in the field served as the key recruiting force for membership. The VES’ continued success can truly be attributed to his vision and steering, and for that the board of directors unanimously named Jim as the recipient of our most personal award.”

Morris joined Pixar in early 2005. His previous post was president of Lucas Digital Ltd., topping his 17 years at Lucasfilm. Morris served as gm at ILM on more than 150 movies, including STAR WARS’ EPISODES I and II, the first two HARRY POTTER movies, JURASSIC PARK, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, FORREST GUMP, SCHINDLER’S LIST, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, THE MUMMY, MEN IN BLACK and many more.

Morris had previously served as ILM’s exec in charge of production, where he supervised all of the company’s productions, including the Oscar-winning TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY and BACK TO THE FUTURE, PART III, among others. Morris first joined ILM in 1987, producing visual effects sequences for films and commercials. THE ABYSS, which also earned an Academy Award for best achievement in visual effects, and ALWAYS are among Morris’ producing credits.

Before joining ILM, Morris was exec producer at Arnold & Associates, where he produced commercials for clients such as Atari and Chevron, and oversaw the company’s three offices. Prior to that, he was exec producer at One Pass, where he headed the commercial production department. He also worked in the production departments at J. Walter Thompson and Foote, Cone & Belding in San Francisco. Morris has also worked as a producer-director for PBS, working on documentaries and educational programs for the network. He launched his career as a cameraman and editor at the NBC affiliate in Syracuse, New York.

Morris has served as a board member for a number of academic institutions and motion picture organizations. In 1997, Morris was named founding chairman of the VES and went on to serve three terms in the organization’s top post. He is currently a commissioner for the San Francisco Film Commission.

Morris earned a B.S. degree in film, from the Newhouse School, Syracuse University. He also holds a M.S. in television and radio from the same institution.

Founded in 1997, the Visual Effects Society (www.visualeffectssociety.com) is a professional, honorary society, dedicated to advancing the arts, sciences and applications of visual effects and to improving the welfare of its members by providing professional enrichment and education, fostering community and promoting industry recognition. The VES is the entertainment industry’s only organization representing the full breadth of visual effects practitioners, including artists, technologists, model makers, educators, studio leaders, supervisors, PR/marketing specialists and producers in all areas of entertainment from film, television and commercials to music videos and games. Comprised of a diverse group of about 1,250 global members, the VES strives to enrich and educate its own members and members of the entertainment community at large through a multitude of domestic and international events, screenings and programs.

Pixar Animation Studios (www.pixar.com) combines creative and technical artistry to create original stories in the medium of computer animation. Pixar has created six of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time: TOY STORY, A BUG’S LIFE, TOY STORY 2, MONSTERS, INC., FINDING NEMO and THE INCREDIBLES. Pixar has won 18 Academy Awards and its six films have grossed more than $3.2 billion at the worldwide box office to date. The Northern California studio will release its next film, CARS, on June 9, 2006.

China Gets Game

China Gets Game
A ceremony was held earlier this week in Shanghai to launch a state-level base for the development of the fledging online game animation industry in China, reports ASIA PULSE.

Located in the Zhangjiang High-tech Zone in east China’s Shanghai municipality, this is the third such kind of 3D industrial base for online game animation in the country following those set up in Sichuan and Guangdong provinces.

More than 200 domestic and overseas software corporations specializing in web games and animation will operate in the zone. As well, some 300 high-tech companies and 60 research centers in the zone will also contribute to the growth of the industry in China.

The base was established under the approval of the Press and Publication Administration of China, which is promoting the development of the online games and animation industry.

The income of Shanghai-based web animation firms accounts for about 70%of the country’s gross volume in this field.

Shanghai will also see the opening of the country’s first cartoon-theme shopping mall by the end of 2005. The Toonmax Cartoon Shopping Center, covering 10,000 square meters of floor space in Shanghai’s downtown business district, is a joint project of Toonmax TV, China’s first, fulltime cartoon company and channel for all ages, and Songyu Group.

Toonmax TV has already established cooperative relationships with more than 30 Chinese and international cartoon brands, such as Disney and Toys & Wonders Ltd. for the shopping center.

source: awn