News

Autodesk Launches Flare software and Expands RED Workflow (19/5/2009)

Autodesk, Inc., (NASDAQ: ADSK) has announced the 2010 releases of Autodesk Flame and Autodesk Inferno software for visual effects systems, and the launch of the new Flame and Inferno creative companion, Autodesk Flare software.

"This year, we're especially excited about two developments," said Stig Gruman, digital entertainment vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. "First, we are launching Flare, which will be a great creativity and productivity booster for customers of our flagship visual effects software. Second, we have expanded our RED workflow capability to provide extremely fast and flexible import options. Both are already huge hits with our beta customers. In this economic climate, our software gives entertainment customers a real creative and competitive edge."

Autodesk's visual effects systems have been used to create numerous blockbuster films, including all three of this year's Academy Award-nominated movies for Best Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight and Iron Man. Autodesk solutions have also been used to create Emmy-award-winning television programmes and mini-series such as Mad Men, John Adams, House, Entourage and many of the most popular 2009 Super Bowl commercials such as Budweiser's Fetch, Career Builders' Tips and Bridgestone Tires' Taters.

New Feature Highlights in Flame and Inferno 2010
"This is the best RED workflow I've seen." Victor Wolansky, VFX artist, E3Post
"The speed and interactivity of Flame still astound me every day as I'm using it on feature films. Add GPU Burn and you'll never have time to check your Facebook page!" Ara Khanikian, lead Flame artist, Rodeo FX

Autodesk Flame and Inferno visual effects systems for high-speed 2D and 3D compositing, advanced graphics and interactive client-driven design provide digital artists with reliable, flexible and interactive toolsets to tackle complex high-resolution projects. With a focus on expanding 3D technology in Flame and Inferno, new features and enhancements in these new versions include:
* More creative tools such as graphical processing unit (GPU) - accelerated 3D Blur, 3D Path, normal and UV Mapping tools as well as advancements to 3D Text and Displacement Mapping tools
* Expanded format support via WiretapCentral software for REDCODE RAW files, multichannel OpenEXR import and DNxHD with Apple QuickTime application programme
* File-based conform workflow with a powerful new search engine and configurable import settings to control metadata mapping
* Extended floating-point processing support and redesigned Modular Keyer with customisable presets

Flare 2010: A Fully Compatible Creative Companion to Flame and Inferno
"Flare brings the productivity of the Flame artist to a whole new level without sacrificing any of the creative tools we're accustomed to." Craig Russo, VFX supervisor, 310 Studios
"Flare will re-invent the way our jobs are done. Flare enables us to use more talent for tackling the creative challenges our clients pose to us every day." J. Schulte, head of systems, Condor Digital.

Autodesk Flare 2010 is an integral part of the Autodesk solution to bridge the gap between 2D and 3D. Featuring the core creative toolset of Flame and Inferno, Flare is designed to help boost creativity, expand capacity and develop talent for Flame and Inferno customers. Flare is intended for advanced creative tasks, such as compositing, sophisticated graphics and interactive design, as well as support tasks such as rotoscoping, retouching and dust removal, project setup and keying. Flare is available with Autodesk subscription and with floating licenses for increased flexibility. Top benefits include:
* Software application based on the Batch procedural compositing environment
* Action 3D compositing environment with advanced 3D tools
* Integral addition to Flame and Inferno workflow

Product Availability
Autodesk anticipates that the 2010 releases of Flame, Flare, Flint, Inferno and Smoke will be available today, 20 April 2009. Autodesk Lustre 2009 Extension 1 and Autodesk Incinerator 2009 Extension 1 are anticipated to be available to subscription customers on 22 April 2009.

www.autodesk.com  

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