Motion Media Customer Spotlight: Hinge Digital

Hinge Digital uses NukeX and Mari to create Adidias spot featuring Josh Smith.
NukeX and Mari are also being used for Brightwood the movie.

You may view the latest post at
http://www.thefoundrynuke.com/motion-media-customer-spotlight-hinge-digital/

The Foundry Releases Ocula 3.0

The Foundry released Ocula 3.0 today, which is now faster to set up, easier to
use and capable of producing higher quality results than ever before. Current
Upgrade promotion going on, save up to 25% off. Call Motion Media at
310-450-4000 to get a quote.

You may view the latest post at
http://www.thefoundrynuke.com/the-foundry-releases-ocula-3-0/

The Foundry Announces Hiero VFX Project Management Software

The Foundry announced a new software that will soon be in Beta call Hiero.

HIERO is a desktop application for collaborative VFX workflow - a scriptable timeline tool that conforms edit decision lists and parcels out VFX shots to artists, allows progress to be viewed in context, and liberates your finishing systems and artists for more creative tasks.

HIERO has been built to work ‘out of the box’ with NUKE, and can also be custom-scripted to work with other applications in your facility.

Because HIERO is open and scriptable via the Python programming language, it is an editorial tool that fits naturally into any VFX pipeline.

If you would like to sign up for the BETA Click Here.

STORM 1.0v4 has been released!

STORM, your on-set digital lab optimised for filmmakers shooting RED, is now updated to the RED 4.1 SDK and optimised for RED EPIC. Professional real-time picture tools and scopes allow you to review exposure, focus, latitude and audio, checking the creative vision as soon as raw media leaves your EPIC camera.

For those shooting on EPIC using HDRx, STORM now provides access to review and export the underlying HDRx exposures, and benefits from a range of additional fixes and improvements.

STORM is your personal RED camera digital lab for MacBook Pro or Mac Pro, on-set or back at base. Get organised, make sure your pictures look great and deliver to edit or post in a standard format - using a flexible and easy to operate one-stop tool.

Nuke & NukeX 6.3 Released

The most anticipated release of the year is now available! The vast array of improvements and additions to NUKE and NUKEX 6.3 will blow you away.

This is our BIGGEST EVER release of NUKE, expanding the parameters of traditional compositing.

Production proven on Commercials and Episodic Television as well as Film, NUKE and NUKEX put more control into the hands of artists, ensuring they can stay in the software for longer and avoid round-trips to other departments.

Find out more and secure your copy today.

So, what's new?

3D Particles (X)
NUKEX's true 3D particle system integrates seamlessly with NUKE's 3D workspace.
Artists can create a range of particle effects quickly and effectively within the composite including breaking windows, dust, fire and rain. No need to go back and forth to an external 3D rendering package.
Planar Tracker (X)
Dramatically speed up common compositing tasks such as sign replacement, element inserts and clean plate generation, with NUKEX's Planar Tracker.
Any new element to be matched to a planar surface can easily be tracked, placed and animated.
Denoise (X)
Our Sci-Tech® Award winning research team have built on their 2007 FURNACE work to produce a completely new Wavelet-based Denoise algorithm, resulting in cleaner and more visually pleasing results with less artefacts.
Grid and Spline Warping
We've completely rewritten the Spline and Grid Warping tools in NUKE to make them more intuitive and accurate to use. The point and spline UI is shared with RotoPaint allowing the exchange of curves, attachment of spline and grid points to trackers, editing of animation in the curve editor / dope sheet and Python scripting support.
Audio Scratch Track
The Audio Scratch Track works with NUKE’s curve editor, allowing artists to match their VFX to audio cues and generate animation curves from audio waveforms.
Displacement Shader
This surface shader applies dynamic tessellation and displacement of 3D geometry at render time, resulting in quicker and higher quality 2D-3D stereoscopic conversion. This also has a similar effect on other 3D VFX compositing tasks such as virtual environment creation.
Deep Compositing
Deep Compositing allows artists to work with 'deep images' containing multiple opacity or colour samples per pixel. This allows rendering of CGI elements without predetermined holdout mattes, avoiding the need for re-renders when content changes.

MARI 1.3v2 Builds a Bridge Between NUKE and MARI

MARI 1.3v2 delivers a focused workflow to provide NUKE artists with MARI’s dedicated 3D paint tools, making digital environment and projection work more efficient and final composited scenes more believable.

WHAT IS IT?

A new NUKE <> MARI bridge allows compositing artists to directly address common and time-consuming challenges faced when using 3D projection techniques to build digital environments:

• Manage reference photography and paint seamless 3D projections.


• Easily fix warping and stretching artifacts.


• In-paint holes and occluded areas, often exposed from adjusted camera views.


• Remove unwanted markers and scene objects.


• Build invisible set-extensions.

Simple to setup, quick and easy to use – models, projections and images are sent from NUKE to MARI and back in a single step, or over a network when artists need to collaborate, share skills or save time. Seamless results, intuitive painting.

Watch Frank Rueter use the NUKE<>MARI Bridge below.

Furnace 4.2v5 is Now Available!

FURNACE 4.2v5 is now available!

This release includes:

• A new 5 point widget to F_ScratchRepair for more freedom when selecting scratches


• Improved installation experience to Windows 7


• Bug fixes to both F_ScratchRepair and F_WireRemovalFor download info and more click here. This update is FREE for all users of FURNACE 4.2!

 

The Foundry Nuke 6.3v1 Beta Release Updated

Hello All,

NUKE 6.3v1b20 is now available and can be downloaded here

User Name: n63_beta
Password: intothevoid

This Foundry NUKE beta release includes improvements for the majority of the new features, details of which can be found in the release notes which are available on the beta downloads page. We are nearing the end of this beta cycle so if you have feedback please do send it through in the coming days.

If you wish to report a  beta bug please use our private mail box: beta-n63@thefoundry.co.uk.

If you have general licensing issues, or have encountered a bug that is reproducible in released versions of Nuke, please contact support@thefoundry.co.uk.

Thanks for your continuing involvement in this beta cycle, your feedback is greatly appreciated!

The Nuke Team

If you're looking for the current production release of Nuke from The Foundry, click the link for more info.

 

The Foundry Mari 1.3 Released

MARI 1.3 is loaded with great new features to help keep your painting creative whilst helping with workflow and pipeline pain.

WHAT'S NEW IN MARI 1.3?

PTEX Ptex allows you to paint and render models without having to spend time creating complicated UV maps - hooray! It gives the artist complete freedom providing access to texture resolution where and when they need it. In MARI each model face can have textures of up to 8k pixels square - a canvas that will never run out. Our Ptex support is built on MARI's world-class data and rendering engine and draws directly from Walt Disney Animation Studios' paint technology following a ground-breaking agreement with The Foundry.

DISPLACEMENT PREVIEW

Accurately previewing displacement on a model surface is essential to paint accurately and efficiently. Without an immediate view of how a sculpted surface detail will change final appearance, artists are working blind and relying on time consuming static render-outs for review and approval. By combining the power of modern GPU technology and MARI's world leading texture handling system, almost infinite amounts of displacement detail can be displayed in real-time. Simple set-up of displacement textures drive creation of geometry on the fly showing detail that would require many billions of polygons to display in traditional systems.

Snail without displacement

© Model courtesy of Jake Raymor.

Snail with displacement.

© Model courtesy of Jake Raymor.

SNAPSHOTS

Snapshots provide a focused and efficient texture versioning system providing unprecedented flexibility for artists to play with new ideas and to deal with change and variation. Change requests become instant and fluid; no more waiting for files to copy or risk of overwriting the wrong ones and loosing the best work.

Snapshots

© Model courtesy of Universal Pictures and Weta Digital.

TILED TEXTURES

MARI's live tiled texture system brings quick and easy coverage of large surfaces without compromising control. Multiple tiling textures can be combined with masks and remain editable and tweakable right up to the last minute making change quick and simple.

Tiled Textures

© Model courtesy of Universal Pictures and Weta Digital.

ENVIRONMENT MAPPING

Environment maps allow artists to preview shiny, reflective surfaces and to review the final appearance of their textures whilst painting. Environment maps also help to visualise subtle surface changes and highlight subtle details guiding the artist in creative decisions and final work approval.

Environment Mapping

© Model courtesy of Universal Pictures and Weta Digital.

NUKE <> MARI

MARI and NUKE have become great friends. MARI 1.3v2 (due for release at the end of June) brings a new combined workflow to fix common problems found when doing projections such as seaming, stretching and occlusions. Sound interesting? Watch Frank Rueter's video to see how it's going to work and look out for the v2 release.

NUKE 6.3 Wins CGW Silver Edge Award

NUKE 6.3 was previewed on The Foundry's booth at NAB 2011 and the CGW team were so impressed that they've selected it for a Silver Edge Award.  If you're interested in purchasing Nuke or would like to get a quote, click here to contact an Authorized Nuke Reseller.

What's new in Nuke 6.3?

NUKE 6.3 is due for release in June and is packed full of new tools, reducing the need for artists to leave NUKE for external applications. New Spline and Grip Warpers, 3D particles, Denoise, a Planar Tracker and an audio scratch track all improve fluidity and flexibility of workflow, saving artists time.

 

Screenshot of Particles in NUKE 6.3

NUKE 6.3 also introduces a new Deep Compositing pipeline, allowing artists to work with deep data from 3D renders, supporting new ways to approach visual effects and more control when integrating and finishing CG rendered elements.

 

Screenshot of Deep Compositing in NUKE 6.3

MARI <> NUKE Workflow

In addition to all this, we have been working hard to make MARI and NUKE better friends which has resulted in a new workflow utilising the two to conquer common issues encountered during environment creation and texture projection such as stretching, seaming and occlusion.

NUKE Knows Stereo

NUKE continues to be the compositing tool of choice for stereo VFX work with its native stereo workflow. It also has everything needed to tackle 2D to 3D conversion work and is the only platform that supports The Foundry’s award-winning OCULA plug-in toolset.

 

 

TRON:LEGACY

© Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

CGW Silver Edge Award

Read more Read more about the awards, bestowed on 'best of show' products at GDC and NAB.

 

Job Alert: RTT USA Looking for NUKE Compositor

Posted 5/19/2011

Project:  Film and Print

Job Duties(s): 2D Tracking, Animatics , Animation (FX), Camera Placement / Tracking, Coloring / Correction, Compositing / Lighting / Image Processing, Matchmoving , Rotoscoping, Special FX / Particle Systems, Tracker / Matchmover, Texturing 3D

Software Utilized:  Photoshop, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Python, MS Office, FTP, Nuke, HDRI, Boujou, Adobe Creative Suite

Genre(s): Animation (2D), Animation (3D), Visual FX

Bonus Eligibility: No

Relocation: No

Required Spoken Language(s): English

Required Work Auth.: United States

Start Date: Immediately

JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Compositor
Reports to: CG Supervisor

Summary of Position: Supporting role to fellow Artists, CG Supervisor and Creative Director.

Job Responsibilities:
• Assisting team members with CGI projects as timing requires.
• Provide technical insight to Producer as needed, such as suggesting more efficient methods of handling a certain task.
• Lighting, shading, modeling and compositing realistic objectives and environments in Maya .
• Collaborate with fellow artists to create a visual style that will resonate with the target audience.
• Voice problems or concerns to Team Leads if missing materials.
• Maintain open and clear communication with Team Lead.
• Provide project status to Team Lead.

Skills Necessary:
• Compositing with Nuke and or After FX
• Understanding of 3D concepts and workflows
• Ability to coordinate with our 3D artists
• Ability to use extensive post effects to turn shots into high quality visuals
• Ability to develop high quality grading and finishing techniques
• Develop and integrate particle / visual effects
• Good knowledge of shading and lighting techniques in 3D
• Excellent traditional art skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with clients and strong desire to excel
• Proven pro-active team player
• Self motivated with ability to prioritize and attention to detail
• Take direction from others
• Ability to react and respond quickly to the needs of management and clients

REQUIREMENTS:

Education / Experience Required:
• Bachelors of Fine Arts
• Minimum 3 year experience in C

Click Here to Apply

 

 

The Foundry Nuke v6.3 Beta Release Now Available

The Foundry have released Nuke 6.3 Beta.

Important Notes:

It is available to customers with an existing Nuke license key and valid maintenance.

Be aware that this is a beta build, some features are not yet fully implemented, and its performance cannot be relied upon in a production environment.

Follow the link for complete details, introduction videos and download information.

Don't have a seat of Nuke?

You can purchase Nuke at the Motion Media online shop.

Nuke(X) evaluations are available for 30 Days.

Contact an Account Associate at Motion Media for more details.

Ph: 310. 450-4000

The Foundry's Storm wins at NAB 2011

STORM has been awarded a 2011 Vidy Award and a 2011 DV Black Diamond Award at NAB

Storm, The Foundry's new digital workflow tool for use on or near-set was launched in March this year bringing a focussed and easy to adopt tool to digital camera workflows.

Shown at NAB for the first time since launch, STORM has been generating a lot of interest at the show.

2011 Vidy Award from the Editors of Videography

The Best of Show Vidy Awards recognise outstanding achievement in the advancement of the art and science of video technology. The Videography Vidy Awards is the longest-running NAB awards program.

A full list of Videography's winners can be found here.

 

2011 DV Black Diamond Award from www.dv.com

The DV Black Diamond Awards also recognise outstanding achievement in video technology and are judged by a select panel of engineers, editors, production and post professionals along with the magazine's staff.

A complete list of winners can be found here.

 

Whether you’re a DIT, Data Wrangler, DOP, Editor, Director or all of the above, STORM offers a consistent and reliable way to review, organise, prepare, edit, conform, grade and deliver RED Digital Cinema camera media on a laptop or workstation on or near-set.

STORM is currently available on Mac OS X and supports the RED ROCKET card. The roadmap for STORM is ambitious and the team are already well into development of STORM 1.1, due this summer, which will widen support for workflows including dSLR camera, QuickTime and ARRI media, AVID editorial integration and extended platform support to include Windows.

The Foundry Releases OCULA 2.2!

OCULA 2.2 has been released by The Foundry.

OCULA is a unique collection of plug-in tools that solve common problems with stereoscopic imagery, boost productivity in post production, and ultimately help to deliver a more rewarding stereoscopic viewing experience.

OCULA 2.2 addresses stability issues and sees many workflow improvements particularly to O_Solver and O_Vertical Aligner.  Overall, it is markedly more user friendly.

OCULA 2.2 is a free upgrade to all existing Ocula customers!

Eligible Customers will require a new OCULA 2.2 license key.

Contact an OCULA Reseller like Motion Media to get your New License Key.


To get more information on OCULA 2.2 and release notes click here.

Don’t miss out on the Nuke and Ocula production case studies!

NUKE & OCULA ON TRON

NUKE & OCULA ON AVATAR

Looking to try out Ocula for Nuke? Download the 15 day Trial!