Category: Technology
Previs Pro Introduces ‘Light Grading’ Tool
New feature includes a library of classic lighting scenarios with over a dozen presets that can be customized or replaced entirely via in-built generative AI prompt; now available via the Previs Pro app.
The Untapped Potential of ML in VFX
Oscar-winning ‘Dune: Part Two’ VFX Supervisor Paul Lambert turned to Foundry’s CopyCat machine learning toolset within Nuke to complete 40% of the 1,000 Fremen eye shots with no additional touch-ups, saving thousands of hours of roto work.
Maxon Announces Major Maxon One Suite Update
Now available to subscribers, the update includes hundreds of new features and capabilities across its tools, including ZBrush for desktop and iPad, Red Giant, Maxon Studio, Cinema 4D, Redshift, and Cineware.
Autodesk Adds Golaem Crowd Tools to Media & Entertainment Collection
Plug-in integrates AI and features Flow-connected workflows; updates to Maya and 3ds Max include modeling improvements, liquids in Bifrost, OpenUSD improvements, and OpenPBR integration.
Adobe Announces Premiere Pro, After Effects Releases
New Generative Extend editing tool instantly generates and expands the length of video and audio clips; Media Intelligence quickly locates specific clip content via keyword search; all updates and releases now available.
Digital Domain Gets Symbiotic for ‘Venom: The Last Dance’
The leading VFX studio tackles imprisoned symbiote creator Knull, his home world Klyntar, and scores of monstrous creatures known as Xenophages on the final film of the Marvel and Sony ‘Venom’ trilogy starring Tom Hardy.
RADiCAL Announces RADiCAL 4.0 Update
Now available, the update comes with improvements to motion realism, a new virtual cinematography tool, mobile optimization, and flexible subscription plan.
Adobe Announces Premiere Pro, Media Encoder Updates
4:2:2 video color editing is now supported on PCs, which reduces file size and improves color grading and chroma keying; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 laptops are now available, accelerating AI-powered video editing features.
From Hobbyist to Filmmaker: The Indie Dream Behind ‘The Sky’s the Limit’
For digital event and video producer Elvis Deane, discovering Reallusion’s software tools like Character Creator, iClone, and AccuPOSE allowed him to animate his feature film idea 20 years in the making.
Scott Ross Shares Lessons Learned, Reclaims his Place in VFX History with New Book
The former ILM GM and Digital Domain co-founder’s memoir, ‘Upstart: The Digital Film Revolution - Managing the Unmanageable’ provides insights and strategies for navigating treacherous, highly competitive creative entertainment industries, while reflecting on the films, people and studios responsible for the birth of modern VFX-driven filmmaking and how his efforts were largely pushed aside and ignored by former colleagues and industry leaders.
How Lighting FX Influenced Visual Storytelling in ‘The Manhattan Alien Abduction’
VFX studio Lux Aeterna delivered hyper-realistic shots for the Netflix docuseries on the famous 1989 Linda Napolitano story of her abduction, keeping in line with an 80s cinematic feel.
Chaos Launches ‘Chaos Arena’ Virtual Production Tool
Artists can bypass game engines and use their normal pipeline to put ray-traced 3D content on LED walls; NVIDIA DLSS 4 support enhances photorealism.
FMX 2025 Program Now Online
Lists of participating speakers and companies have also been published; presentation categories include VFX for Features, Feature Animation, Sound Design, Managing Change, and News.
Envato, KitBash3D Form 3D Assets Partnership
Four new 3D model kits, including City Streets, Manhattan, City Cars, and Storefronts, can be accessed exclusively by Envato users on the creative assets platform site.
JALI Research, Partners to Unveil ’Anim Revolution’ at GDC 2025
The digital animation tools and workflow collaborative initiative includes Immersive Enterprise Labs (IEL) and House of Moves; software technologies from JALI, Ozone Story Tech, and mGear; tablet displays from Xencelabs, with support from Vicon and Lenovo.
Vicon to Launch Markerless Motion Capture Technology at GDC
After years of R&D and an expansive beta program, Vicon's Markerless solution hits the market; it allows users to instantly visualize ideas with the Vanguard markerless motion-tracking camera and new software incorporating advanced computer vision, machine learning, and algorithms.
Cinesite Group Secures US$215 Million Funding Package
In a sign of support from the company’s financial backers, the leading independent VFX and animation studio group has announced a substantial investment to support ongoing operations and strategic expansion.
Animayo Festival 2025
Established in 2006, the Oscar qualifying event returns to Canaria, Spain May 7-10, 2025; the event promotes creative development in animation, visual effects and new technologies.
Cartoons on the Bay 2025
International Festival of Animation, Transmedia and Meta-Arts returns to Pescara, Italy May 29 – June 1, 2025.
HandCraft Pro Mocap Tool Now Available
Developed and released by animator Tal Minks, the system allows users to capture real-time hand motion with a webcam and bake directly onto characters in Maya.
CTNX 2025
The 4-day event transforms the city’s ‘Animation Week’ into a hub for seasoned and emerging creators to recharge, inspire, celebrate, and ignite their passion for storytelling, running November 20-23 in Burbank, California.
Amazon Web Services Announces Amazon GameLift Streams
The fully managed AWS capability enables game developers to deliver high-fidelity, low-latency game experiences to players using virtually any device with a WebRTC-enabled browser.
Intangible Raises $4M to Launch 3D Creative Tool
Now in closed beta with a planned mid-2025 release, the AI-native system, Intangible Studio, employs a Canva-like user experience to bring simplicity to 3D for teams in film, games, agencies and events.
Pocket Entertainment Launches Pocket Toons AI-Based Comics Platform
New platform utilizes company’s proprietary Blaze! AI studio to automate background rendering, scene composition, coloring, and quality control to allow artists to focus on storytelling and character development rather than production.