MUMBAI: Autodesk, Inc has launched Autodesk Toxik 2008, the latest version of its desktop software for feature film procedural compositing.

Toxik has shaped numerous films, including Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Apocalypto and The Fountain. Designed for visual effects artists, Toxik 2008 combines an extensive creative toolset with real-time, interactive compositing of high-dynamic-range imagery (HDRI).

Toxik 2008 is available as a stand-alone product on both the Windows and Linux operating systems. It offers greater interoperability with Autodesk Maya 3D modeling, animation and rendering software, thereby helping artists combine 2D and 3D techniques to solve complex production problems.

“The growing scale and complexity of computer-generated imagery in visual effects work is driving convergence between 2D and 3D pipelines. Transferring camera and rendering information from Maya to Toxik allows artists to make creative decisions in an interactive environment; in the context of live-action footage or computer-generated elements. This gives artists more freedom to experiment and allows them to quickly achieve the shot they want for their client,” said Autodesk Media & Entertainment senior vice president Marc Petit.

With the latest technology in HDRI, Toxik 2008 gives users a greater dynamic range of exposures than traditional digital imaging techniques, accurately representing a wide range of intensity levels, ranging from direct sunlight to the deepest shadows. With the combination of real-time, interactive compositing of 2K, 4K and higher-resolution imagery, and a deep creative toolset, Toxik 2008 allows users to combine computer-generated and live-action footage to create compelling content for today’s high-end films and television shows.

“During Pirates of the Caribbean: at World’s End, we used Toxik extensively alongside Flame for both prep work and full compositing of shots. Toxik’s Python scripting and Wiretap interface enabled the two products to work seamlessly together, greatly increasing the efficiency of our compositing pipeline,” said Post Asylum head of production Phil Brennan.

Key New Features in Toxik 2008

Bicubic Warping: Allows users to manipulate image distortion and perspective to create photo-realistic composites

Interoperability with Maya: the Maya render layers, cameras, locators, axis and world space information load directly into Toxik, allowing users to add live-action elements or 3D post techniques like depth-of-field and motion blur.