SOFTIMAGE|Avid's Sumatra, which is set to redefine computer animation, has
recently been used in a UK production for the BBC called "Everyman." The
animation system, which is currently in beta, was used by Aldis Animation
to create the 20 second title sequence of the show. Kim Aldis, the founder
of Aldis Animation said that Sumatra increased the company's productivity,
while at the same time giving them "more flexibility to experiment
creatively." Sumatra is due to be released at the end of the first quarter,
2000. It is the first truly non-linear 3D animation system and includes
some very advanced features. As well as a whole set of powerful animation
features (which allow users to animate by hand, hiding away all of the
technical information, or vice-versa), Sumatra also boasts multi-threaded
interactive rendering - all rendering properties (textures, materials, even
motion blur and caustics), update instantly at any size or resolution. The
new animation system also features an integrated post-production solution,
providing a path for end-to-end 3D/2D integration. Concepts like Render
Passes allow animators to render elements of their animation seperately,
and those layers can be used in compositing. To top it all off, Sumatra
lets animators and programmers customize the software using the ActiveX
programming language. Sumatra is set to have a huge impact on the 3D
animation and visual effects industry, and with the recent sucess of its
use in production, the tool has, before its release, proved itself. For
more information visit www.softimage.com.