The dual AMD Opteron processor-based workstations and servers from Verari Systems were used throughout the production pipeline for maverick director Robert Rodriguez' latest all-digital feature, SIN CITY, which opened today (April 1, 2005).
Digital artists under Rodriguez' direction at his Troublemaker Studios in Austin, Texas, used AMD64 technology-based workstations and servers running Avid's SOFTIMAGE|XSI software on top of Microsoft's Windows XP Pro operating system to previsualize scenes, create and render HD digital composites, add visual effects, edit and produce a final HD digital master.
"The process used to be a linear write-shoot-edit, fix-it-in-post sequence. That's gone," said Rodriguez. "AMD64 technology gives me the power to be in the moment, to explore ideas and create at the speed of thought as we produce. It's a non-linear, organic process that allows me to tap the creative potential of the entire production team. The way we made SIN CITY would have been impossible without the speed and reliability of AMD64 technology."
"Robert Rodriguez is the rare artist who exploits new technology in a way that simultaneously satisfies his creative visions and blazes a new path for others to follow," added Charlie Boswell, director of Digital Media & Ent. at AMD. "SIN CITY demonstrates the possibilities of AMD64 as an extremely powerful and cost-effective artistic production tool. With AMD64, access to state-of-the-art production power is no longer the domain of large studios and big budgets. Now anybody editing their home videos or photos can use what the pros use on AMD64."
AMD64 evolves the industry-standard 32-bit x86 architecture to support the demanding 64-bit environment and enables next-generation functionality and productivity today. AMD designed the AMD64 platform to allow end users to enjoy reliable, best-in-class performance on the 32-bit software they own today while preparing for a seamless transition to high-performance 64-bit applications. Designed from the ground up to support multi-core capability, future AMD64 dual-core processors will amplify the elegance and power of AMD's current single-core solutions. The AMD64 architecture is also designed to enhance the security of your computing environment by integrating Enhanced Virus Protection technology enabled by advanced anti-virus features in Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.
Since the introduction of the AMD64 architecture in 2003, the AMD Opteron processor for servers and workstations and the AMD Athlon 64 processor for desktop and notebook computers have earned more than 80 awards for innovation and performance, and the support of more than 2,000 OEMs, hardware and software developers, system builders and distributors.
AMD (www.amd.com) designs and produces innovative microprocessors, Flash memory devices and low-power processor solutions for the computer, communications and consumer electronics industries.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
