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Autodesk to Offer MotionBuilder 7.5

Autodesk Inc. has announced Autodesk MotionBuilder 7.5 character animation software. Designed to tackle the challenges of working with motion capture, the software features realtime productivity tools to realize ideas for sophisticated 3D characters in next-generation game pipelines. Autodesk MotionBuilder caters to a broad range of users, from independent digital artists to large-scale production studios.

Autodesk MotionBuilder is part of Autodesk's comprehensive 3D animation portfolio, which also includes the Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, HumanIK and FBX products. With clients such as Epic Games, Sony Computer Ent. Japan and Ubisoft, MotionBuilder is setting the standard for high-volume character animation pipelines.

"In the development of our third-person adventure game SIREN 2, MotionBuilder was used for motion capture editing, and also as a critical component of the animation creation pipeline," said Takafumi Fujisawa, exec producer of Sony Computer Ent. Japan. "MotionBuilder dramatically increased our productivity as a result of its core realtime technology. The software's integrated character performance tools, smooth connectivity between other popular 3D applications and instant scene playback drive efficiency. Now, MotionBuilder will play an even bigger role in the production of Sony Computer Ent.s next-generation games."

MotionBuilder software includes realtime architecture, animation layering, a unified Story Timeline development environment, instant retargeting of animation data, the ability to stream and record live device data and integration into 3ds Max and Maya workflows. Key additions to MotionBuilder 7.5 include:

* New keyframe-centric workflows that streamline the process of keyframe animation, including advanced editing of animation from within the timeline, a re-architected Undo system and enhanced posing and mirroring of character extensions.* Increased interoperability with content creation applications such as 3ds Max and Maya.* Quicker setup and animation of a wider range of character types (such as birds and dinosaurs) with inverse knee and elbow support for non-traditional characters.* Easy transfer of mirrored poses of one character extension to another.* Fast setup of complex multiple character interactions, allowing for advanced manipulation and animation of characters that have interdependencies between their full body rigs. This is particularly useful for fighting, wrestling, prop-handling and other instances where multiple characters and props need to be manipulated in unison.

Renowned game developer Ubisoft beta-tested MotionBuilder 7.5 software. Jean-Sebastien Campagna, senior animator at Ubisoft's Montreal Studio, recounted: "The improved Undo system introduced in Autodesk MotionBuilder 7.5 allows me to undo across the application. I love that it's no longer limited to certain operations; I'm now able to undo critical operations like selections, manipulations and deletions.

"This is a major breakthrough. Due to the unpredictability of my workflow, I want software that gives me room to be creative and take chances. And when I make an error, I want it to let me backtrack. This is exactly what MotionBuilder 7.5 delivers."

MotionBuilder 7.5 is now available to MotionBuilder Platinum Members. The software is expected to become available worldwide in late March. MotionBuilder 7.5 suggested retail pricing (SRP), including one year of Platinum Membership, remains unchanged from version 7. MotionBuilder 7.5 (node-locked) SRP is $4,195 and MotionBuilder 7.5 (floating) SRP is $4,795 in North America. MotionBuilder software is available for both the Windows and Mac OS X platforms. International pricing may vary.

Additional MotionBuilder software resources:

* The MotionBuilder Platinum Membership Program: Helps users maximize their investment in Autodesk software by offering automatically-filled MotionBuilder online upgrades when available, hotline service, license transfer flexibility, access to online learning materials, etc. For more details, please visit www.autodesk.com/platinum-motionbuilder.* Training: Autodesk product specialists will host training sessions exploring various MotionBuilder industry production pipelines and core workflows. Designed for technical directors, technical leads and artists, this training for Platinum members will commence on April 3 with a session on MotionBuilder for Pre-Production.* AUTODESK LEARNING TOOL LEARNING MOTIONBUILDER | FOUNDATION DVD: Explores techniques and workflows for animating and previs in MotionBuilder software. For additional details, please visit www.autodesk.com/learning-tools.

Autodesk Inc. (www.autodesk.com) is the world's leading software and services company for the manufacturing, building, infrastructure, wireless data services and media and entertainment fields. Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California.

Bill Desowitz's picture

Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.