SOFTIMAGE|XSI 5.0 along with Face Robot was a top draw at the event.

As for Face Robot, “the technology is built on a groundbreaking new computer model of facial soft tissue that mimics the full range of emotions portrayed by the human face.” SIGGRAPH attendees experienced the Face Robot system in the Avid Computer Graphics booth and witnessed “how this new technology offers artists a very intuitive way to interact with CG characters, while providing precise control over facial details, including wrinkles, frowns, flaring nostrils and bulging neck muscles.”

The Face Robot software, which Blur Studio helped out with, “supports both keyframe animation and motion capture, the primary techniques used for digital acting today. The soft tissue model at the core of the technology removes the need to manually create dozens or even hundreds of 3D shapes for different facial expressions and allows animators to work with an optimal number of control points. Keyframe animators can gain very direct, intuitive access to facial expressions, while motion capture animators can work with fewer markers to reduce setup and cleanup time.”

NewTek previewed LightWave 3D v.9.0, due at the end of the year, with workflow improvement, Open GL tools, speed increase and layout tweak, among other things, to help enhance the needs of modelers and layout artists.

Maxon, which introduced Cinema 4D 9.5 and BodyPaint 3D 2.5, acknowledged that Sony Pictures Imageworks has been using their award-winning 3D programs frequently for digital environments and that they are currently playing a supporting role on both Monster House and Open Season (particularly BodyPaint 3D).

Cinema 4D 9.5 boasts improved workflow, lighting and rendering enhancements and Sky, which allows users to easily create more sophisticated atmospherics. BodyPaint 3D 2.5 provides optimized workflow and new tools to assist artists in creating high-quality textures by painting directly on their 3D models.

Rick Baker, of all people, was on hand touting his conversion to Pixologic’s ZBrush and how version 2 is changing the 3D modeling world. Its ability to handle millions of polygons has enabled artists to move more of their sculpting to digital maquettes. Indeed, Cliff Plumer, ILM’s cto, echoed how ZBrush has been integrated into its modeling creature pipeline.

AMD and Boxx Technologies offered a first look at the four-way dual-core Operon workstation running the Windows XP x64 operating system and a beta 64-bit version of LightWave 3D animation software. They are looking at an end of year release. “This is the bleeding edge of our business,” boasted Ed Caracappa, director of sales for Boxx. “Virtual detail lies in 64-bit horsepower. This will free up pipeline bottlenecks so you can immediately visualize your own thoughts.

AMD, for its part, is riding the 64-bit bandwagon with its dual-core Opteron processor, and was pleased to be part of Sin City, Madagascar, Revenge of the Sith and War of the Worlds. Its role in realtime onset previs provides production power to content creators by getting rid of pipeline bottlenecks and is now a staple at ILM.

Vicon, which conspicuously moved front and center with its booth location, showcased its leading MX line of realtime optical MoCap solutions, including the MX 40, the first four megapixel grayscale motion capture camera, and the MX Bridge, which enables users to continue using their earlier-generation Vicon cameras while taking advantage of the company’s latest advancements. Vicon, which is being utilized throughout the industry, including such Imagemotion performance capture movies at Sony as Monster House and Beowulf, boasts changes in camera tracking (four or five characters in realtime), and offers facial markers or a boujou alternative for inside out rather than outside in solutions. Overall, Vicon allows bigger environments and more detail. Plus it offers realtime previs for CG-driven projects.

Speaking of previs, U.K.-based Antics unveiled the upcoming 2.0 version of Pre-Viz, which will be available by the end of the year. The previs software is much easier to use and boasts a fully integrated timeline and is currently being utilized by the BBC as part of its training program for how to shoot a production.