Studio Ghibli select Softimage|XSI

Tokyo-based feature animation production company Studio Ghibli have selected Softimage|XSI software as the main production tool for future upcoming projects.
The company chose the Softimage|XSI software for both technical and business reasons, including its nonlinear animation core architecture, seamless integration of mental ray technology, new particles system, Toon Shaders and the highly responsive customer and technical support associated with Softimage.
Studio Ghibli, founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, are respected worldwide for their long and short feature animation production and cited many reasons for their choice of the SOFTIMAGE|XSI creative environment.
In particular the comprehensive and seamlessly integrated rendering toolset was praised for the powerful render passes, render tree, FX-tree and interactive rendering that it provides. The animation mixer and flexible particle system were additional reasons for choosing the software.
The high level of support provided by the local Softimage Japan team was also cited as a significant factor in the company's purchase decision.
Studio Ghibli's 'Spirited Away,' a story about a young girl, Chihiro, trapped in a strange new world of spirits, has won several major awards, including an Academy Award in the Best Animated Feature Film of the year category.
(GB)