Autodesk an Integral Part of Making Iron Man 2

With help from technology created by Autodesk, Inc., previsualization has become an integral part of modern moviemaking. For Paramount Pictures' and Marvel Entertainment's summer blockbuster "Iron Man 2," Los Angeles--based previsualization studio The Third Floor used Autodesk Maya and Autodesk MotionBuilder software to help create a highly detailed previsualization that allowed the filmmakers realize their creative vision. With a worldwide gross exceeding $600 million, "Iron Man 2" kicked off the summer movie season on a record-breaking number of screens.

Creating Engraved Text in 3ds Max

Here is a cool and simple tutorial on creating engraved text in 3ds max. Check it out.

http://area.autodesk.com/tutorials/how_to_create_engraved_text_in_max_2011

Free Demo Version of thinkingParticles R4 from Cebas

Cebas is proud to release its new thinkingParticles R4 Demo Version. We have tried to make the thinkingParticles Demo experience as close to the full version as possible. However, as you know, there have to be some restrictions in a Demo Version which are usually time restrictions. As thinkingParticles is a vast and very powerful application, 30 days may not be adequate to evaluate and learn.

6 New Hotfixes for 3ds Max 2009, 2010 & 2011

There is bound to be something here that you can use or that will help you, but please make sure to read each readme carefully before installing as some require special uninstall instructions, and also make sure you have the correct package for the flavor of the product you are using.

Click here for download links and hotfixes

Siggraph 2010 Animation Trailer - Pretty Awesome

Pretty cool video posted by Siggraph of their animation competition this year.  Looks like it will be a good one this year.

AJA Software for Mac and Mac Plug-ins for Adobe Now Available

AJA Software v8.0 for Mac and AJA Mac Plug-ins for Adobe Now Available!

3D and 2K Support Available for KONA with this Release.

AJA is pleased to announce that KONA 3 Stereoscopic 3D output from CineForm Neo3D as shown at NAB is now available. In addition, both KONA LHi and KONA 3 now support additional 2K formats along with other features. All KONAs and Io HD receive improvements and fixes in the version 8.0 software.

Also available with Software v8.0 is Adobe CS5 support for Mac!

Read the release notes and download free from the AJA website.

Photo Realistic Vehicle Rendering with 3ds Max & Vray

Check out our live webcast "Photo-Realistic Vehicle Rendering with 3ds Max & Vray"

This tutorial is based on a currently airing Smart Car commercial presented by the Animation Director and Supervisor Dean Fowler.

The commercial can be seen here - http://www.tytanadgroup.com/

See the animation process on a working production, from the inside. See how Dean worked with the Director of Photography and the Production Designer to craft the perfect environment as well as realistic camera moves.

In this tutorial you will see:

• Working with a Cinematographer in Animation


• Setting up Vray for Photo realistic animations


• Realistic Lighting


• Shaders & Materials


• Environment Modeling


• Animation - (Post Production)

When: June 24th at 2pm

Where: the comfort of your own home.

This event is past. Thank you for coming.

Vray for Maya 2011 Now Available - Free Download

If you are a current Vray for Maya owner, you can now download the SP1 available as of  today, June 18th, 2010 in the Chaos Group download section ( you must be logged in to download) on their website.

Autodesk Maya 2011 Hotfix 2

Autodesk has released a second Hotfix for Maya 2011.

The download is a complete installer.

You'll have to uninstall old version, for the new hot-fixed version

Read me and Download here.

Aja Ki Pro Firmware Update

AJA Reseller Bulletin: Ki Pro 1.1.1 Firmware Now Available!
The following features and improvements are implemented with version 1.1.1 firmware:

• Addresses a loss of audio issue experienced by a small portion of users after they updated to firmware version 1.1.0.28


• CONFIG parameter 1.3, 1080p Playback has been added to the web browser user interface for parity with the Ki Pro front panel control


• The Ki Pro front panel control would not maintain the user entry for the 802.11 password; it now operates as expected and allows manual entry of the password


• The Apple Final Cut Pro Media Manager (v7.0.2 or later) works as expected with Ki Pro generated files


• Timestamping of clips has been changed so that there is no mis-ordering of clips on the storage module for later sequential playback

Download Ki Pro v1.1.1 here