Autodesk Launches Autodesk Toxik 2008 Software for Feature Film Visual Effects

Autodesk Launches Autodesk Toxik 2008 Software for Feature Film Visual Effects

Addresses Growing Need to Bridge 2D and 3D Workflows in Visual Effects Pipelines

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) , today launched Autodesk Toxik 2008, the latest version of its desktop software for feature film procedural compositing. Toxik has shaped numerous blockbuster films, including Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Apocalypto and The Fountain. Designed for visual effects artists, Toxik 2008 combines an extensive creative toolset with real-time, interactive compositing of high-dynamic-range imagery (HDRI).

Toxik 2008 is available as a stand-alone product on both the Windows and Linux operating systems. It offers greater interoperability with Autodesk Maya 3D modeling, animation and rendering software, thereby helping artists combine 2D and 3D techniques to solve complex production problems,

"The growing scale and complexity of computer-generated imagery in visual effects work is driving convergence between 2D and 3D pipelines," said Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. "Transferring camera and rendering information from Maya to Toxik allows artists to make creative decisions in an interactive environment; in the context of live-action footage or computer-generated elements. This gives artists more freedom to experiment and allows them to quickly achieve the shot they want for their client."

With the latest technology in HDRI, Toxik 2008 gives users a greater dynamic range of exposures than traditional digital imaging techniques, accurately representing a wide range of intensity levels, ranging from direct sunlight to the deepest shadows. With the combination of real-time, interactive compositing of 2K, 4K and higher-resolution imagery, and a deep creative toolset, Toxik 2008 allows users to combine computer-generated and live-action footage to create compelling content for today's high-end films and television shows.

"During Pirates of the Caribbean: at World's End, we used Toxik extensively alongside Flame for both prep work and full compositing of shots," said Phil Brennan, Head of Production at Post Asylum. "Toxik's Python scripting and Wiretap interface enabled the two products to work seamlessly together, greatly increasing the efficiency of our compositing pipeline."

   Key New Features in Toxik 2008   *  Bicubic Warping: Allows users to manipulate image distortion and      perspective to create photo-realistic composites   *  Interoperability with Maya: the Maya render layers, cameras, locators,      axis and world space information load directly into Toxik, allowing      users to add live-action elements or 3D post techniques like      depth-of-field and motion blur.   *  Versioning Tool: Allows users to manage multiple iterations and outputs      with support for multi-channel open EXR import.   

For a complete feature listing and to learn more about Toxik 2008 visit www.autodesk.com/toxik.

Pricing and Availability

Autodesk anticipates that Toxik 2008 (Windows and Linux) will be available worldwide fall 2007. North American suggested retail pricing for one Toxik creative seat is US $3,485*. Toxik 2008 will be demonstrated on August 6, 2007 at Autodesk's San Diego User Group Event and will also be showcased at the SIGGRAPH 2007 conference in San Diego, California from August 7-9, 2007 at Autodesk Booth #703.

*International pricing may vary.

The previous product version, Toxik 2007, is available on both Windows and Linux operating systems, featuring a fully integrated, high-performance Oracle database that offers transparent metadata management, multi-user collaboration and advanced version tracking for film pipelines.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Maya, Toxik and Wiretap are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. /Autodesk Canada Co. in the USA and/or other countries. Python is a registered trademark of Python Software Foundation. SIGGRAPH is a registered trademark of the Association of Computing Machinery, Inc. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

    (C) 2007 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.    Contact:  Nicolina Servello, 514-954-2838   Email:    nicolina.servello@autodesk.com    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO)  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: nicolina.servello@autodesk.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Autodesk, Inc.

CONTACT: Nicolina Servello of Autodesk, Inc., +1-514-954-2838,
nicolina.servello@autodesk.com

Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/toxik

Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/

---

Profile: International Entertainment