Major update includes new Maya integration and upgraded API for remote collaboration, new metadata system, enhanced Adobe Premiere plugin, Photoshop plugin redesign and updated notification preferences.
Foundry has launched Flix 7.0, a major update to its pre-production software that helps studios develop stories by managing editorial round-tripping, storyboard revisions, and file versioning.
“Flix 7.0 opens the door for cross-discipline story development,” said Flix product manager at Foundry, Chris Andrewartha. “With our new Maya integration and upgraded API, it’ll be easier than ever for different teams and departments to collaborate. From 2D storyboards to 3D playblasts, all pre-production files are neatly organized in one central location so everyone is on the same page as they perfect and craft the story together — keeping projects on schedule and budget from the start.”
Check out “Flix 7.0 | Features Overview:”
Increased 2D and 3D collaboration
With the new Maya integration, Flix 7.0 lets 2D and 3D artists collaborate from anywhere, using Flix as a central story hub. Snapshots and playblasts can be imported from Maya into Flix 7.0 as panels and then round-tripped to and from editorial in a few clicks. Flix takes care of naming, storing, and organizing all files, as well as enabling teams to provide feedback or revisit older ideas as the story is refined.
Flix also connects to Adobe Photoshop and Toon Boom Storyboard Pro with Maya’s integration, enabling layout and storyboard teams to work in tandem. Teams can collaborate concurrently to identify areas for improvement in the story, such as timing issues, avoiding the expense of changing later in production. 2D artists can bring Flix’s Maya panels into their drawing tool of choice and trace over the viewport for faster storyboarding. 3D artists can reference 2D storyboard panels from Flix directly in Maya when building complex scenes or character models.
Customizing workflows
Flix 7.0 makes building new extensions easier with a new Remote Client API, which lets studios create custom tools that integrate with Flix using the very same API as the built-in extensions for Maya and Photoshop. Detailed documentation and example code for the Remote Client API is available to help studios build custom integrations with their choice of tools or create entirely custom workflows. Flix 7.0’s new extension management system allows studio supervisors to test, update, and audit all extensions, with the ability to deploy across production from a single place.
Keeping data safe
Flix 7.0 introduces single sign-on (SSO) support for ease of secure account provisioning. IT teams can authenticate Flix users through their studio’s existing SSO platform to centrally manage secure access to story development assets. Flix supports multi-factor authentication to provide an added layer of security.
Other new features in Flix 7.0 include:
- New metadata system: Scene data is stored directly on each Flix panel. For Maya users, for instance, global cameras, locators, and file path data are recorded for assets selected in the viewer.
- Enhanced Adobe Premiere plugin: A multitude of updates and a new UI for the Flix Premiere Adapter eliminates previous version limitations and gives users an efficient editorial workflow.
- Photoshop plugin redesign: The rebuilt Photoshop extension brings users new UI customization options.
- Updated notification preferences: Turn off automatic email updates each time a panel is published or changed to limit unwanted noise.
Additional information is available here.
Source: Foundry
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
