Autodesk Toxik 2008 Launch

Autodesk has launched Autodesk Toxik 2008, the latest version of its desktop software for feature film procedural compositing.
Toxik has shaped numerous blockbuster films, including ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’, ‘Apocalypto’ and ‘The Fountain’. Designed for visual effects artists, Toxik 2008 combines an extensive creative toolset with real-time, interactive compositing of high-dynamic-range imagery (HDRI).
Toxik 2008 is available as a stand-alone product on both the Windows and Linux operating systems. It offers greater interoperability with Autodesk Maya 3D modelling, animation and rendering software, thereby helping artists combine 2D and 3D techniques to solve complex production problems,
“The growing scale and complexity of computer-generated imagery in visual effects work is driving convergence between 2D and 3D pipelines,” said Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. “Transferring camera and rendering information from Maya to Toxik allows artists to make creative decisions in an interactive environment; in the context of live-action footage or computer-generated elements. This gives artists more freedom to experiment and allows them to quickly achieve the shot they want for their client.”
With the latest technology in HDRI, Toxik 2008 gives users a greater dynamic range of exposures than traditional digital imaging techniques, accurately representing a wide range of intensity levels, ranging from direct sunlight to the deepest shadows. With the combination of real-time, interactive compositing of 2K, 4K and higher-resolution imagery, and a deep creative toolset, Toxik 2008 allows users to combine computer-generated and live-action footage to create compelling content for today’s high-end films and television shows .
"During Pirates of the Caribbean: at World's End, we used Toxik extensively alongside Flame for both prep work and full compositing of shots,” said Phil Brennan, head of production at Post Asylum. “Toxik's Python scripting and Wiretap interface enabled the two products to work seamlessly together, greatly increasing the efficiency of our compositing pipeline."
Key New Features in Toxik 2008 include:

• Bicubic Warping: Allows users to manipulate image distortion and perspective to create photo-realistic composites
• Interoperability with Maya: the Maya render layers, cameras, locators, axis and world space information load directly into Toxik, allowing users to add live-action elements or 3D post techniques like depth-of-field and motion blur.
• Versioning Tool: Allows users to manage multiple iterations and outputs with support for multi-channel open EXR import

For more information visit: www.autodesk.com/toxik
(DS/SP)