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3D software developer MAXON has launched the first completely integrated professional CINEMA 4D module for the creation of hair, fur and feathers. Known simply as HAIR," this new module lets users quickly and easily add realistic-looking hair to objects. The hair can be styled using HAIR's extensive tool palette, and a custom 3D shader gives artists complete control over the appearance of the hair. HAIR is not only easy to use, it's very fast, offers excellent rendering quality, and requires very little memory. An average configuration can easily render millions of hairs.

Jason Lust has joined the Jim Henson Co. as svp, Feature Films. In his new role, Lust will oversee and expand the companys strong film development slate by continuing to pursue strategic creative partners as well as tap into the companys dedicated development fund for optioning existing properties, such as childrens books, comics and video games.

MTV Films has acquired the feature film rights to MARC ECKO'S GETTING UP: CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE, the highly anticipated videogame from Atari and Marc Ecko Enterprises. The videogame is scheduled for a February 2006 release for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, for the Xbox videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft and for Windows.

Production on James Camerons live-action adaptation of the 12-part, futuristic manga series, BATTLE ANGEL, is scheduled to commence in February for Twentieth Century Fox, with casting underway for the young lead to play the teenage cyborg, Alita, reports HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.

Mali Finn Casting has placed an online ad seeking women aged 16 to mid-20s who are athletic and agile with graceful movement and have an ear for languages and dialects. Submissions are reportedly due Dec. 19.

Bryan Hoff reviews NVIDIAs Gelato 2.0, finding its powerful new relighting system, Sorbetto, sweet indeed, along with Mango, a plug-in for translating many Maya Hypershade shaders, and other new and improved goodies. Meanwhile, Bill Westenhofer delves more deeply into Rhythm & Hues immense vfx work on THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA in his exclusive diary. And Tara DiLullo gets sucked into THE TRIANGLE SCI-FIs highly rated miniseries with Uncharted Territory.

Bill DesowitzEditor