Luxology's modo has been selected as a digital tool for use by members of the Illustrators and Matte Artists Union IATSE Local 790. modo got the nod due to its artist friendly workflow and ability to work seamlessly in downstream production pipelines consisting of multiple digital art tools. As part of the arrangement, Luxology will offer IATSE Local 790 members a specially priced customized bundle of modo software and learning materials that provides a range of 2D and 3D functionality on both the PC and Mac platforms.
"modo is well suited for use by our members, which includes many of the most notable illustrators and matte artists in the film industry," said Marjo Bernay, business representative of IATSE Local 790. "Digital production tools of all kinds have become increasingly important to our members and we are pleased to find a versatile product like modo that works well for motion picture design, and is also compatible with other production tools ranging from Adobe Photoshop to Autodesk Maya."
"We are delighted to get modo into the capable hands of this phenomenal group of artists who work at the heart of so many high profile film projects," said Brad Peebler, president of Luxology. "modo's unique workflow combines modeling, painting and rendering, and is ideally suited to the range of conceptual design projects that this venerable group of artists tackles each year."
Members of the IATSE Local 790 will have complete access to modo's entire range of capabilities, which support the production of fully tile-able synthetic images composed of 2D and 3D elements. Artists can use modo to create a wide variety of locations that never existed and which incorporate hand drawn elements and realistic natural lighting. IATSE Local 790 members who opt for the bundle will also receive more than 2 GB of modo training materials, imageSynth (a Photoshop plug-in for creating seamless textures), plus a 15-hour DVD courseware for learning modo.
modo is an innovative 3D modeling, painting and rendering software designed to accelerate the creation of world-class models, associated color and normal maps and ultra high-quality renderings. modo's modern workflow and advanced toolset easily deliver enhanced productivity for 3D artists working in game development, film visual effects, video production, graphic arts and design visualization. A free 30-day full-featured evaluation version of modo is available for immediate download from the website.
IATSE Local 790 (www.local790.org) was chartered in 1945 and represents the membership of over 200 illustrators and matte artists. These artists' skill and imagination help create some of the most stunning images, thrilling action, incredible characters, intricate props, otherworldly vistas, and dynamic sequences that grace the visual media that we enjoy. Their work spans the entire visual entertainment spectrum from film and television through to video and computer games. It can also be seen as special features on DVDs, in print as posters and in books, and as content on websites. Local 790 members use a combination of traditional and digital tools and techniques in their creative process. The organization is based in Sherman Oaks, California.
Based in San Mateo, California, Luxology LLC (www.modo3d.com) is an independent technology company developing next-generation 3D content creation software that enhances productivity via artist-friendly tools powered by a modern underlying architecture. Founded in 2002 by Allen Hastings, Stuart Ferguson and Brad Peebler, Luxology is home to some of the top 3D engineering expertise in the industry.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
