Creative Tools Extension For Autodesk Toxik 2007 Software

Autodesk has announced the first creative tools extension for its Autodesk Toxik 2007 software, containing advanced 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'.
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.”
Atlanta-based Turner Studios and Hollywood-based Asylum also recently purchased Toxik. In response to Hollywood’s growing interest in Toxik, Autodesk has expanded its customer support and reseller network. Toxik training is currently available at fxphd, the first Autodesk Training Center to offer courses online to artists around the world.
Available only to Autodesk subscription members, the first Toxik 2007 extension offers a new 2D Transform feature in addition to the software’s existing 3D Transform tool. This feature is based on distinct filtering techniques developed by Autodesk’s Image Science Group – a team of scientists dedicated to developing state-of-the-art image processing tools. The 2D Transform tool allows artists to move, scale and rotate an image while maintaining a superior level of accuracy and quality.
Other 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.
Toxik software’s flexible, modular architecture has enabled the rapid and regular deployment of new features through both extensions and major releases. Extensions add new functionality to the major release, Autodesk Toxik 2007, without disrupting production in the core Toxik environment.
(DS)