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Autodesk Launches Toxik 2009 Visual Effects Software (26/8/2008)

Feature-Packed New Version Provides Powerful Tools for Stereoscopic Productions and Set Extensions

Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today announced Autodesk Toxik 2009 procedural compositing software. Toxik 2009 offers high-performance compositing and visual effects capabilities, particularly for large-format digital film and television projects. When combined with the new Autodesk Maya 2009 modelling software, the two products provide an accelerated and iterative 3D-to-2D workflow. Both products are being showcased at SIGGRAPH 2008 in Los Angeles, California, 12-14 August at Autodesk's stand.

"A growing number of post-production facilities are embracing Autodesk Toxik as a companion to Autodesk Maya," said Stig Gruman, digital entertainment group vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. "As the entertainment industry grapples with the challenges of stereoscopic production, Toxik 2009 bridges 3D and 2D workflows, facilitating the production of stereoscopic films and virtual set extensions."

Fernando Zorilla, visual effects executive producer at Bling Imaging, said, "We're already working with Autodesk Maya and Autodesk Flame, so Toxik was a natural choice for our pipeline. It gives us the power of a node-based compositor - necessary for professional, high-end post-production work, along with a look and feel that's completely comfortable." Hollywood-based Bling Imaging creates photo-realistic visual effects, motion graphics and animation for broadcast and motion pictures.

Joerg Bruemmer, head of compositing at PICTORION das werk, noted, "The Toxik software's tight integration with Maya and intuitive colour correction tools have improved the way I composite. Toxik lets me focus on finishing shots faster, as I no longer have to worry about data management." PICTORION das werk in Germany offers digital post-production services for film, TV, advertising and music video projects.

New Feature Highlights in Toxik 2009

Accelerated 3D-to-2D Integrated Workflow

Toxik 2009 can generate compositions based on Render Pass and Render Layer setups imported from Maya. Artists can pre-visualise their scene as it will appear when composited, allowing them to only iterate and refine required elements. This accelerates the 3D-to-2D workflow, eliminating unnecessary re-renders and reducing the need for round-tripping.

Stereoscopy and Set Extensions

Toxik 2009 offers new tools that bring a pseudo third dimension to 2D imagery. These tools facilitate the creation of virtual set extensions, and the production of stereoscopic films.
• Artists can import geometry via the Autodesk FBX file format from Maya or other 3D applications, and project a matte painting or rendered image onto it through the camera.
• The illusion of depth or perspective can be further enhanced through a new mesh displacement feature.
• Render pass setups can be imported directly from Maya.
• Stereo output can be viewed while playing back a scene and while interacting with it.

Enhanced Tools for Visual Effects

Toxik 2009 offers a range of customer-requested enhancements, including:
• A new Warp 2D tool to deliver advanced, non-linear, spline-based image warping.
• A new Lens Blur tool to change the shape of the lens in the virtual camera, to simulate real-world camera effects such as rack de-focus.
• The ability to view images created in Toxik on Windows on broadcast-quality display devices.

Collaboration without Complexity

Toxik 2009 features a new file-based data model, facilitating collaborative workflows without adding complexity for those who prefer to work standalone.

Product Availability and Pricing

Autodesk anticipates that Toxik 2009 will be available in October 2008. Suggested retail pricing for a single seat of Toxik 2009 (Standalone or Network) is £3,050 (€3,900)*.
*International pricing may vary.

www.autodesk.com/toxik  

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