Bauhaus Software announced the availability of Mirage v1.2 for Mac OS X and Windows. Designed for artists, Mirage integrates realtime video paint, animation and effects functionalities into a single product, freeing visual artists to explore entirely new creative ideas and techniques. Designed for resolutions ranging from HDTV and film to Web video, Mirage is a complement to existing packages such as Final Cut Pro and Shake, and is a key part of a seamless pipeline for 2D animation film and broadcast production.
"Mirage for OS X provides a completely new way for Mac artists to create" said Dan Kraus, CEO of Bauhaus. "Mirage allows 2D animators, independent filmmakers and broadcast artists to paint directly on motion graphic layers and create amazing effects in real-time at film resolution on Apple hardware."
Cartoon and 2D animators use Mirage as a unified paint and effects solution, allowing them to sidestep traditional scan/ink/paint workflows, and work from digital pencil tests to final product within a single unified environment. Broadcasters benefit from the speed and ease with which motion graphics can be created and animated in Mirage. Video producers use the software to easily manipulate, enhance, and create effects for HDTV and film. Mirage's ability to combine multiple file types, different media and different resolutions in the same project will easily make it a core workflow component of any motion graphic artists working on a Mac.
"The unparalleled Quartz graphics system, breakthrough performance and ease of use of Mac OS X enable a rich and seamless user experience," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vp of worldwide developer relations. "Mirage offers film studios, broadcasters, and 2D animators innovative ways to express their creativity while taking advantage of the power and reliability of Mac OS X."
In addition to paint, animation, and effects tools, Mirage v1.2 includes new RotoTracking tools, allowing users to effortlessly track and effect elements from animation and video layers - as well as new graphical adjustment tools for ease-in-ease-out. Mirage's suite of dedicated video tools includes comprehensive color correction, histogram controls, keying with spill suppression and matte controls, and multi-point pixel tracking/stabilization.
Bauhaus Mirage for OS X and Windows is available immediately to customers for $895 directly from Bauhaus Software or through the company's authorized reseller and distributor channels worldwide. A demonstration version of Mirage is currently available through the Bauhaus Software Web site at www.bauhaussoftware.com.
Bauhaus Software Inc. was founded to become a leading provider of products and technologies to the digital visual effects and animation markets. Bauhaus is focused on providing professional digital artists with the ultimate tools for producing next-generation animated graphics and special effects.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
