Autodesk Collaborates With DreamWorks and Imageworks on Mudbox for Linux

Press Release from Autodesk

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Nov. 18, 2009 - Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) has announced that DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NASDAQ: DWA) and Sony Pictures Imageworks are integrating Autodesk Mudbox software into their Linux-based production pipelines. Autodesk Consulting's custom development team worked collaboratively with teams at Imageworks and DreamWorks to port the digital sculpting and texture painting software to the Linux platform. Mudbox for Linux is available through Autodesk Consulting services.

"Mudbox was first developed as an integral part of WETA Digital's film production pipeline, putting the digital artist at the center of the software's design process," explained Dave Rhodes, Autodesk vice president, worldwide consulting services. "This enabled Mudbox to solve key production challenges that other applications weren't addressing. It is an approach that Autodesk has remained faithful to by developing the Linux version in collaboration with some of our leading film clients."

"The Linux port is an exciting and essential element of getting the Mudbox toolset integrated into our production pipeline at DreamWorks Animation," said Ed Leonard, CTO at DreamWorks Animation. "We applaud our partners at Autodesk for their continual commitment to tool innovation and their support of Linux as a first rate platform for high end visual effects and animation."

"Mudbox is a great tool for us in that it can combine sculpting and texturing into a single workflow, which gives our artists more flexibility in how they approach creating the art for our films," said Rob Bredow, CTO at Imageworks. "The Mudbox approach really fits into our overall strategy of letting our artists create art using multiple areas within our pipeline. Mudbox is more creatively satisfying and more efficient, allowing us to put more on the screen."

Autodesk Consulting offers custom engineering, support and consulting operations serving the computer graphics industry. Drawing on extensive production knowledge, the group's developers and consultants provide large feature film, visual effects and game development facilities with custom technology, pipeline extensions, asset management solutions, support and more.

"Cross-platform support is a key part of the Mudbox product strategy," added Stig Gruman, Autodesk vice president, Digital Entertainment Group. "Earlier this year Autodesk shipped the first version of the software for the Apple Macintosh platform, and this development is a major step toward offering Linux support to artists working in feature film production."

About Autodesk Mudbox

Autodesk Mudbox software is a digital sculpting and texture painting application that provides an organic, brush-based 3D modeling experience. Designed by professional artists, the software combines a highly intuitive user interface with a powerful creative toolset for creating ultra-realistic 3D characters, engaging environments and stylized props. Mudbox software has been used on many digital entertainment projects, including "9," "The Dark Knight" and "America's Army 3." Watch a short Mudbox demonstration video on Autodesk's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/autodesk [1]. For detailed product information, visit www.autodesk.com/mudbox [2].

Availability

Autodesk Mudbox software is currently available in English on the Linux, Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Mudbox for the Linux platform licenses can be purchased only through a custom contract with Autodesk Consulting. Mudbox for Windows and Macintosh licenses can be purchased through Autodesk software resellers, at the Autodesk online store and on Amazon.com.

About DreamWorks and Imageworks

DreamWorks Animation is a world-class animation company, renowned for creating hit animated films, such as "Monsters vs. Aliens," "Kung Fu Panda" and "Shrek." Sony Pictures Imageworks is a leading, state-of-the-art visual effects and character animation company, acclaimed for its work on numerous blockbuster movies, including "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," Spider-Man" and "Watchmen."

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software to help customers experience their ideas digitally before they are built. Fortune 100 companies Ø as well as the last 14 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects Ø use Autodesk software tools to design, visualize and simulate their ideas to save time and money, enhance quality, and foster innovation for competitive advantage. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com [3].

Autodesk, AutoCAD and Mudbox are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.