Substance Painter 1.7 Released!

Allegorithmic has released Substance Painter 1.7, to close what has been a very
fruitful year for the tool. Indeed Substance Painter has come quite a long way,
and needless to say they plan on keeping the same pace in 2016! This update
contains new features which are mostly about improving the artist's workflow
and adding quality content.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/substance-painter-1-7-released/

Autodesk Subscription Changes Coming Soon.

Starting Feb 1, 2016, Autodesk will no longer allow for the late renewal of
Maintenance Subscription contracts after expiration and all subscription
agreements must be renewed on time. It is crucial that you do not miss your
renewal date! Read on to get more information.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/autodesk-subscription-changes/

Coming Soon: The Foundry Modo 901 Sale - Save 40%

Modo 901 Sale! For only 48 hours, save 40% on new licenses of Modo 901 and 20%
on upgrades. Plus, save huge on kits and training as well. Get Modo 901 today!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/coming-soon-the-foundry-modo-901-sale-save-40/

Da Vinci Resolve 12 First Impressions

This morning Blackmagic Design released the new version of Da Vinci Resolve.
Resolve 12 has a bucketload of new features, from simple adjustments and
updates, to game changing overhauls, but the name of the game with this release
is it's editing tools.  For years now the non-linear editor market has been
dominated by Avid, Premier, and (less so lately) Final Cut, with a few smaller
names out in the wings, and now Blackmagic is throwing its hat into the ring in
earnest with this new release of Resolve.

 

At this year's NAB conference, I was able to elbow my way through the crowd
and get a brief hands on demo of the new Resolve 12, but now that it is fully
released, anyone with an internet connection can now download the basic package
of Resolve, with the pro version still available for $995 from your favorite
Blackmagic reseller.

So what's new exactly?

For starters, the naming convention has changed. In the past, the free version
of Resolve has been designated "Lite", while the paid version just carried
the release number. With Resolve 12, Blackmagic has somewhat reversed that
convention, and dropped the "Lite" from the free version, and added
"Studio" to the paid version. This may be a little confusing for those
upgrading from a previous version, but I don't feel like it will cause much
headache, and is really secondary to the other changes made to this platform.

As mentioned above, the real meat of this update is in the editing tools, and as
an editor and Premiere fan, these are the changes that I am most interested in.
Resolve 12 comes with a decent selection of editing tools that will be very
familiar to anyone with NLE experience.  The most often used editorial
functions are bundled into one tool called the "Trim Edit Mode". The Trim
Edit Mode contextually switches between different functions depending on where
your mouse cursor is, and what you have selected. If you select the middle of a
clip you can slip it, or select multiple clips, and slip them all together. To
slide a clip up and down the timeline, select the cursor, or the "Normal Edit
Mode". To ripple and roll, switch back to the Trim Edit Mode and select the
ends of the clip you want to edit. By selecting just the edge of one clip, you
can ripple it back and forth, and by selecting the edit itself, or the space in
between both clips, you can roll it back and forth. Personally, I find myself
doing one when I intended to do the other, but that may just be a matter of
getting used to this system. There is also a "Razor Edit Mode", which
functions just how you would expect. There is also an "Insert Clip",
"Replace Clip", and "Overwrite Clip", that function as expected for the
most part, although the Replace Clip tool seems to be a little finicky, causing
me to sometimes drop the wrong clip into the timeline, or do nothing.
Resolve 12's basic editing tools.


There is also a fourth editing mode, known as the "Dynamic Trim Mode",
which essentially gives you the ripple and roll tools at all times, which you
can access with the hotkey "W", but cannot be found on the main bar of
editing tools for some reason. This editing tool more or less makes the Normal
Editing Mode and the Trim Edit Mode all but obsolete, so why include all three,
and why hide the Dynamic Trim Mode? I have yet to come up with an explanation
for this.

Resolve 12 comes with a pretty good selection of transitions and effects, and
they work fairly intuitively. You're able to drag and drop effects from a bin
on the right side to where you want them, all very familiar stuff, but where
Resolve 12 shakes things up is the in timeline curve editor. It gives you a
little drop down button that opens a curve inside the timeline where you can
custom edit effects. It took me a little while to warm up to this way of doing
effects, but it's actually pretty cool.

 
Example of Resolve 12's effects curves


My biggest issue with this release of Da Vinci Resolve trying to be a fully
fledged editor is the lack of workspace customization. Sometimes I want my
timeline viewer to be larger than my media pool viewer, and this is
unfortunately impossible. Nor can you pop panels out of the background like you
can in other programs, so it's impossible to have your timeline viewer on one
monitor, while having  your timeline on another.  Of course you can output the
timeline direct to a video monitor via Blackmagic hardware such as a Decklinik
Extreme card.  However, if you want to have your media bins on a different
monitor, away from the rest of your workspace, you're completely out of luck.
This lack of customization is a bummer, but I like the direction this program is
going very much. Fingers crossed for the future.

As this is just a brief first impression review. There were a number of features
I have not yet had the chance to review, such as the new audio tools which
appear extremely promising, as well as the multi-cam editing mode. I could see
this feature being quite popular. There is also a new system of sorting footage
via metadata tags, which is not editing specific, but could be a lifesaver on
larger projects, cutting down drastically on time spent searching for specific
clips.

Overall, I was surprised at how much I liked the new editing features in this
release of Resolve, and although it may not have nailed it perfectly as an
editor, there is the benefit of having Davinci Rosolve's world famous color
correction capabilities, which is nothing to take lightly!

 

-Zachary Cain

Motion Media Product Specialist

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/davinciresolve12firstimpressions/

Get Substance Designer 5.2 Now

The Substance Designer 5.2 update targets mostly the 3D view, graph, export and
performance. Check it out.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/get-substance-designer-5-2-now/

Substance Painter 1.5 Just Released

For Substance Painter 1.5, Allegorithmic focused on tool, viewport, and shelf
enhancements, along with other surprises! Check out the major additions in the
full article!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/substance-painter-1-5-just-released/

Realflow 2015 Now Available!

Realflow 2015 has been released and boasts some really cool new features like
the all new DYVERSO engine along with new, precise collisions and more. Check
out Realflow 2015 today!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/realflow-2015-now-available/

RealFlow Case Study: Age of Ultron

From literally the first frame of the movie you can see RealFlow Hybrido being
used in addition to Maya N-Particles for the scenes involving Loki's scepter,
and then later in the movie during the creation of Vision. For the early scenes
where Tony Stark is acquiring the scepter I used RealFlow D-Splines and noise
Daemons [...]

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/realflow-case-study-age-of-ultron/

2015 Creative Storage Conference

 

Motion Media is proud to be a part of the Creative Storage Conference this year.
If you're in the area, make sure you stop by to check out our 4K Studio Storage
Bundle, as well as some Network Attached Storage (NAS) units from Seagate.

This is a great opportunity to get first hand experience with state-of-the-art
[...]

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/2015-creative-storage-conference/

Atomos Shogun Studio

Just Announced! The Atomos Shogun Studio is the word's first all-in-one 4K/HD,
2ch, dual 7" 3RU rack recorder, monitor, and playback deck!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/atomos-shogun-studio/

V-Ray 3.2 for 3ds Max 2016 is Here

V-Ray 3.2 for 3ds Max 2016 is VR-Ready and fully compatible with 3ds Max 2016.
This free update for V-Ray 3.0 customers includes support for major VR formats,
including Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/v-ray-3-2-for-3ds-max-2016-is-here/

June Art Walk with Brad Klausen

 

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/june-art-walk-with-brad-klausen/

RealFlow Case Study: Carbon 3D

When Carbon 3D announced its groundbreaking 3D printing process, CLIP, at a
Vancouver TED talk, Fusion CIS partnered with Cinco Design to create an artistic
depiction of how the printer works using RealFlow and other software.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/realflow-case-study-carbon-3d/

Autodesk 360 MegaBots Design and Engineering Challenge

Early last month, Autodesk wrapped up their MegaBots Design Challenge, and
declared 3 winning designs.

For those not in the know, MegaBots is a Bay Area based fighting robot company.
Yes. A fighting robot company. Their goal is to create an entire league of
manned mechanized machines of mayhem that will wow arenas full of spectators in
epic scale [...]

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/autodesk-360-megabots-design-and-engineering-challenge/

Autodesk 360 MegaBots Design and Engineering Challenge

Earlier this month Autodesk wrapped up their MegaBots Design Challenge, and
declared 3 winning designs.

For those not in the know, MegaBots is a Bay Area based fighting robot company.
Yes. A fighting robot company. Their goal is to create an entire league of
manned mechanized machines of mayhem that will wow arenas full of spectators in
epic [...]

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/autodesk-360-megabots-design-and-engineering-challenge/

Quadcopter Helicarrier

 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to use a quadcopter to launch
another, smaller quadcopter?

Well wonder no more, because Youtube channel owners 12InchDesign have done just
such a feat, and posted the video to prove it.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/quadcopterhelicarrier/

Marmalade at Microsoft Build 2015

The Microsoft Build Developer Conference in San Francisco is one of the biggest
tech events of the year – the time when Microsoft reveal to the world their
latest and greatest innovations and technologies including updates to Windows,
Office and Azure.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/marmalade-at-microsoft-build-2015/

Limited Time Offer On DJI Quadcopters!

For a limited time, save up to 15% when you purchase selected DJI Phantom 2
quadcopters or the DJI Ronin Professional Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/limited-time-offer-on-dji-quadcopters/

What If 3D Printing Was 100X Faster?

3D printing is really just 2D printing over and over ... slowly. Joseph DeSimone
went into detail about this during his talk at the TED2015 convention.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/what-if-3d-printing-was-100x-faster/

ZBrush: The Ebola Virus

Digital artist and storyteller, Daniel Enrique de Leon, recently created a
fantastic 3D animation of the Ebola virus' molecular anatomy.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/zbrush-the-ebola-virus/

30% Off Every Red Giant product

Only at Motion Media, take an extra 5% off on every Red Giant product. We have
the best prices on Red Giant of anyone online, period. Check out the links below
to see for yourself.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/30-off-every-red-giant-product/

Curvature to Vertex Color Modifier using Max Creation Graph

One popular request on the Autodesk 3ds Max is the curvature map. While you
can't create procedural texture maps with Max Creation Graphs (at least not now)
you can create modifiers that set the vertex color map and then use the vertex
color map to drive materials.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/curvature-to-vertex-color-modifier-using-max-creation-graph/

Smooth Operator, the GDC's Make Out Darling

Smooth Operator is the first full release from Beardo Games. Mechanically,
it's a cooperative two-player game (in which the chosen two characters make
out).

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/smooth-operator-the-gdcs-make-out-darling/

Autodesk Signs Agreement to Acquire Shotgun Software

Autodesk is acquiring Shotgun due to the way they drive their product roadmap in
close collaboration with clients, their open dialog, their responsive
engineering, their "we've got your back" street team.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/autodesk-signs-agreement-to-acquire-shotgun-software/

Introducing the Clarisse iFX 2.0

Clarisse iFX 2.0, provides an unbelievable amount of new features and
improvements! Thanks to customer feedback, every inch of the software has been
improved. This major release delivers new sets of features focused on rendering,
layout, color management and look development.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/introducing-the-clarisse-ifx-2-0/

Motion Media's 4k Bundle

To improve data consolidation and maximize performance, Splash Entertainment, an
animation studio involved in distribution, post production, online content
creation and video on demand (VOD), moved away from older, mismatched storage
solutions and switched to Motion Media's new 4K Studio Bundle.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/motion-medias-4k-bundle/

Maxon: Into Orbit with Jupiter Ascending

Duncan Evans from Maxon talked to David Sheldon-Hicks of Territory Studio about
working on the set of the Wachowskis' sci-fi epic

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/maxon-into-orbit-with-jupiter-ascending/

ZBrush: Beauty & Anatomical Details

Meet Ukrainian ZBrush artist, Alexey Kashpersky. Alexey creates digital
visuals of anatomical body parts for Thomas Direct Studios and Radius Digital
Science. If you are creeped out by doctors visits, his work may not be your cup
of tea. These renders provide a glimpse into the workings of our bones, organs,
cells, and appendages. Alexey's complete body of work depicts usage of
many different styles. His styles range from scientific style 3D illustration,
to beautiful almost baroque style fantasy artwork, to the aforementioned medical
illustrations. Born in 1986 in his native Ukraine, Alexey currently lives in
New Jersey.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/zbrush-beauty-anatomical-details/

UPDATE: Autodesk Maya 2016 Installer Missing Mental Ray Plugin

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Customers installing the latest version of Autodesk Maya 2016
will notice that the Mental Ray Plugin is missing from the render selection
menu.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/update-autodesk-maya-2016-installer-missing-mental-ray-plugin/

The Foundry Announces ACES Integration at NAB 2015

At NAB 2015, The Foundry announced its formal partnership with the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Academy Color Encoding System (ACES).

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/the-foundry-announces-aces-integration-at-nab-2015/

Autodesk 3ds Max 2016 Introduction

The 3ds Max Development team has been working overtime for almost a year to
bring you the latest version of the Autodesk 3ds Max. We can't wait to introduce
it to you!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/autodesk-3ds-max-2016-introduction/

BREAKING: Blackmagic Announces Lighter and Better URSA Mini

As all the folks lucky enough to be attending NAB 2015 already know,
 Blackmagic has some very exciting new products slated to be released this
year. Check out the rest of this article for more titillating details!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/breaking-blackmagic-announces-lighter-and-better-ursa-mini/

New at NAB: Autodesk Maya & 3ds Max 2016!

At NAB, Autodesk representatives have a busy week ahead of them. Two exciting
Autodesk updates to be released this week include Maya and 3ds Max 2016.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/new-at-nab-autodesk-maya-3ds-max-2016/

100 Free CION Cameras #TryCion

In recent news, amidst the excitement and chaos of NAB, AJA has just launched
their new #TryCION program. As mentioned in the title of this post, the program
seeds 100 CION cameras for free to qualified shooters for use on their projects.
That could be you!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/100-free-cion-cameras-trycion/

MODO Rigging Master Course

The Rigging Master Course update is finally available, and we hear that is has
"doubled in size and awesomeness".

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/modo-rigging-master-course/

BZP Pro Price Drop Like It's Hot

Big news! BZP Pro has permanently slashed the prices of their products from $995
to $500, additionally, until June 1st, BZP Pro is offering its products
discounted at 50% off. This means you can buy their products for just $250!
Click here to purchase.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/bzp-pro-and-dead-panic/

BZP Pro and Dead Panic

Big news! BZP Pro has permanently slashed the prices of their products from $995
to $500, additionally, until June 1st, BZP Pro is offering its products
discounted at 50% off. This means you can buy their products for just $250!
Click here to purchase.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/bzp-pro-and-dead-panic/

MOTION MEDIA DOES ART WALK

Last Thursday the Seattle Motion Media Project space launched at the Seattle
Pioneer Square Art Walk with a soft opening. The Motion Media Project space
featured the work of visual artist, Robbie Schroeder.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/motion-media-does-art-walk/

The RealFlow Deliciously Viscous Challenge!

This just in: The RealFlow Deliciously Viscous challenge's 1st prize is worth
over $3000!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/the-realflow-deliciously-viscous-challenge/

Webinar: Network Attached Storage for Creative Workflows

We want to teach you about Seagate NAS Solutions! Join Motion Media and Seagate
to learn about how Seagate NAS solutions are ideal for all creative environments
from Game Development, VFX and Animation to Post Production.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/webinar-network-attached-storage-for-creative-workflows/

Motion Media's Top 5 Gaming Trends

Check out Motion Media's top 5 games for 2015!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/motion-medias-top-5-gaming-trends/

Interview with Jan Major, MEGASCANs Demo Artist

Motion Media wanted to do a review of the soon to be released Quixel MEGASCANs
library, so we caught up with Quixel demo artist, Jan Major.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/interview-with-jan-major-megascans-demo-artist/

Motion Media Presents Robbie Schroeder!

On April 2nd, Motion Media Project presents the work of Seattle artist, Robbie
Schroeder. Join us at our Seattle, Pioneer Square gallery space for the April
2nd Pioneer Square Art Walk.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/motion-media-presents-robbie-schroeder/

Cool and Useless Stuff Made By 3D Printer

We want to talk to you today about all the useless chotchkies you can make with
a 3D printer that will bring pure joy to your life.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/cool-and-useless-stuff-made-by-3d-printer/

Digital Art Contest for Seattle-based Creators!

Motion Media announces its first digital art contest launching March 18th,
ending June 11th. We are looking for artists to feature in our new gallery space
on Pioneer Square in Seattle. Our gallery space is a registered Art Walk stop.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/digital-art-contest-for-seattle-based-creators/

Ken Zimmerman Wins ASAI Award of Excellence

Recently, the American Society of Architectural Illustrators selected Motion
Media customer Ken Zimmerman of ZimmermanVisual for its annual "Architecture In
Pespective" publication and exhibit.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/ken-zimmerman-wins-asai-award-of-excellence/

Ken Zimmerman Wins ASAI Award of Excellence

Recently, the American Society of Architectural Illustrators selected Motion
Media customer Ken Zimmerman of ZimmermanVisual for its annual "Architecture In
Pespective" publication and exhibit.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/ken-zimmerman-wins-asai-award-of-excellence/

Made with Marmalade Video Introduction

This video includes a discussion of the Marmalade SDK: Cross-platform C++ game
and app development tool. After the jump, enjoy a "Top 10 Marmalade Features"
article written by Matthew Rudman.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/made-with-marmalade-video-introduction/

GET STREAMLINED: RealFlow Video Tutorial

Check out this useful tutorial showcasing the workflow between RealFlow, 3ds
Max, Krakatoa, Frost, After Effects and Vray!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/get-streamlined-realflow-video-tutorial/

RealFlow Batman Case Study

Case Study: Brandon Young talks to us about working with the Caped Crusader's
awesome vehicle using RealFlow.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/realflow-batman-case-study/

Join the Motion Media Madness Bracket Challenge!

Register for the Motion Media Madness Bracket Challenge and you would win a
Robox 3D Printer or other great prizes. Challenge the Motion Media team along
with your peers to see who is the best at guessing who's going to win!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/join-the-motion-media-madness-bracket-challenge/

Motion Media's Top 8 GDC Picks

Motion Media attended the GDC 2015 last week. We went, we saw, we conquered. Now
we are catching up on our sleep. Check out out top 8 picks for the most exciting
attractions featured at the convention hall. Additionally, at the end of this
article, enjoy a photo of the author rendered as an action [...]

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/motion-medias-top-8-gdc-picks/

Marmalade App of the Week - Trouble with Robots

The Trouble With Robots by Art Castle (created with Marmalade) is the product of
a turbulent marriage between fantasy and science fiction where they are battling
for the custody of a land not dissimilar to Middle Earth.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/marmalade-app-of-the-week-trouble-with-robots/

GDC 2015 – Highlights from Pocket Gamer’s Big Indie Pitch

Amidst all the meetings and events and talks and panels at this year's Game
Developers Conference, there was also Pocket Gamer's Big Indie Pitch. Here's
Bob Rich's top 7.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/gdc-2015-highlights-from-pocket-gamers-big-indie-pitch/

Aja Ki Pro Rack Firmware Update

Ki Pro Rack v5.0 firmware is now available. Along with several improvements and
fixes, this update adds the much-anticipated rollover recording functionality.
Rollover recording allows a recording to start on one media module and
seamlessly continue onto the second module once the first has reached capacity.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/aja-ki-pro-rack-firmware-update/

Realflow 2015 Sneak Peek

Check out the videos below to see the awesome new features in RealFlow 2015 with
this Sneak Peek. See the new Spline Curves, Robust Method, Crown Daemon and
watch spread sheets control over 84 Million Hybrido particles.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/realflow-2015-sneak-peek/

Made With Marmalade - No Need for Native App Development

Made with Marmalade
Motion Media is now the only reseller in the United States for native app
development software Marmalade. The Marmalade SDK enables developers to deploy
code across multiple platforms and devices from a single code base in C++, Lua,
HTML or Objective-C.  Learn More

Here's snippets from a recent article from Developer, highlighting apps made
with Marmalade benefits:

In [...]

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/made-with-marmalade-no-need-for-native-app-development/

Tweak Software and Shotgun Join Forces at Autodesk

Tweak Software & Shotgun are coming together at Autodesk to form one powerful
review/collaboration solution. See the below press release from the guys at
Tweak Software, and also what Shotgun had to say about it. This is exciting
news!

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/tweak-software-shotgun-join-forces-autodesk/

Zbrush 4R7 Released

ZBrush 4R7 is the final iteration within the ZBrush 4 series before we move to
ZBrush 5.0. As with our previous point releases, it doesn't simply make a few
minor changes but rather is packed with major additions. In fact, Zbrush 4R7 is
one of the most extensive releases since ZBrush 4 came out.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/zbrush-4r7-released/

Last Chance to Upgrade your Autodesk Software!

As of 1st February 2015 upgrade purchase options for all Autodesk non-current
versions will come to an end. Customers would have to purchase a full perpetual
license.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/last-chance-upgrade-autodesk-software/

Makerbot Kit Plugin for Modo

MakerBot Kit is a free plug-in for MODO 801 that makes 3D printing fun and easy.
With MakerBot Kit installed, you can explore MakerBot's Thingiverse community
website directly from MODO, so you can store and share your files, get
inspiration and free content, and turn your models into amazing real objects
with the click of a mouse.

Read entire post:
http://blog.motionmedia.com/makerbot-kit-plugin-modo/