Tuesday, 31 October 2006

Autodesk Toxik 2007 Shows Off Creative Tools Extension

Autodesk has unveiled its creative tools extension for its Autodesk Toxik 2007 software, containing features for image transforms, filtering and warping. Toxik is used to create feature film visual effects, offering 2D and 3D compositing tools, integrated collaboration and the ability to manipulate high-resolution, High-Dynamic Range (HDR) imagery with ease. The software has been used to shape several feature films, including Silent Hill and The Fountain, the company said.

Hollywood-based post-production facility Red Engine Productions recently adopted Toxik for its support and extension model. John Chalfant, partner and creative director, commented, "Red Engine is a new facility. We've built our workflow from the ground up, keeping in mind that we've got to be equipped for today's projects and the demands of the future. Toxik's capabilities grow regularly through extensions; it's like having a multi-million dollar R&D department in-house".

According to the company, key features in the extension include Lens Distort and Comparison tools. Lens Distort allows artists to correct or simulate lens distortion in a clip. Digital artists can quickly remove or adjust existing camera lens distortion, and apply lens distortion to computer-generated and other undistorted layers. In addition, the Autodesk Flame visual effects system's Comparison feature is now included in Toxik. This feature allows artists to juxtapose images and easily examine results in context with reference frames or other nodes within a composition.