New architecture delivers unprecedented flexibility, accuracy and speed for visual effects creation
The Pixel Farm Launches Radical New Approach to Tracking
Press Release from The Pixel Farm
New architecture delivers unprecedented flexibility, accuracy and speed for visual effects creation
Kent, UK, July 19th, 2010 - The Pixel Farm Ltd (www.thepixelfarm.co.uk), developer of innovative image-processing systems for VFX, DI and restoration, will unveil a groundbreaking advance in tracking software for digital visual effects at SIGGRAPH 2010 (Booth #313). Employing a brand new architecture, the technology dramatically improves the fundamental processes involved in camera tracking, one of the most important areas of successful VFX creation, ushering in unprecedented levels of flexibility, control, accuracy and speed.
The new, node-based flowgraph architecture, developed by the company's renowned R&D team, is an industry-first in camera tracking and match moving software. Easy to learn and operate, it provides a logical visual overview of tracking workflows, and gives digital artists a procedural, non-linear environment in which to experiment non-destructively with different approaches to a shot to achieve the best result possible. In many cases this enables shots to be tackled, which were previously considered untrackable.
Optimised as a 64-bit application and running natively on OSX, Windows and Linux, the new architecture is underpinned with metadata management, fully-integrated Python scripting, workflow customisation and a host of other features such as in-built rolling shutter correction and image-distortion tools.
"The Pixel Farm is going to catch a lot of people by surprise. This advance represents a genuine paradigm shift in both the science and technique of matchmoving", said Daryl Shail of Monster Matchmoves in Toronto. "The new architecture vastly improves the entire process of camera tracking. It's easy to learn, fast, and provides extraordinary levels of control, while allowing artists to experiment and refine the track with ease, and deliver the most accurate data possible."
The new flowgraph workflow, unique in the camera tracking/match-moving market, provides instant familiarity for digital artists who use node-based composting and effects software, and delivers the significant advantage of enabling full control over every aspect of each individual operation.
The use of 64-bit processing across all platforms allows digital artists to work on the highest resolution clips, providing greater accuracy with quicker turnaround times. With tightly integrated metadata management at the core of the application, any adjustments are constantly written to the project file making any data available to other parts of the application via Python scripting and macros. This capability provides for streamlined integration of The Pixel Farm technology into any post-production pipeline, along with the automation of routines and processes, and resource management for post-production supervisors and producers.
"While developing PFTrack we learnt a lot about match moving, including the opportunities that closely-related technologies could feed into the VFX pipeline. We created this new architecture to be able to extend the creative possibilities further," said Michael Lancaster, Managing Director at The Pixel Farm. "We are confident we have developed a technology that reflects the constant industry need to improve productivity and ease of use with the same market leading results, yet expands on the groundbreaking innovations of PFTrack"
