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University of Southern California Selects SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT for Performance Capture Course Instructed by Filmmaker Robert Zemeckis
Students at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts learn how to use sophisticated facial animation software from Academy Award-winning director and producer
Tewksbury, Mass—February 26, 2007—Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID), today announced that the USC School of Cinematic Arts has installed SOFTIMAGE®|FACE ROBOT®, its facial animation software, for use in a new Performance Capture graduate course. Robert Zemeckis, famous for utilizing state-of-the-art effects technology and pioneering innovative performance capture techniques in The Polar Express and the Academy Award®-nominated Monster House, will co-instruct the highly specialized course for 12 students.
“Performance capture has changed the way I make movies,” Zemeckis said. “I want to share the techniques and strategies in this class that I have learned over the years to help filmmakers understand and master the complexity of performance capture and facial expressions to convey a full range of realistic and exaggerated emotions—while retaining the human element in their productions. SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT will expand the horizons of what the students can accomplish creatively during a very short production cycle,” Zemeckis added.
Students in the Performance Capture class will write the material and direct actors in a short scene relying on motion and performance capture techniques. Using the Vicon MX motion capture system with 16 cameras, motion capture intermediate software, and SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT facial animation software, Zemeckis and USC co-instructor Eric Furie will guide students through the process of creating the two-minute sequence. Building on characters generated by Darwin Dimensions’ Evolver program, students will cut and edit the rendered video on Avid® Media Composer® software.
“When we began creating FACE ROBOT several years ago, the goal was to provide an more efficient environment for artists focused on creating realistic facial performance for characters in both film and 3D games,” said Marc Stevens, vice president and general manager for Softimage. “Softimage continues to innovate to help artists create realistic digital character performances. We are excited that the USC School of Cinematic Arts is using FACE ROBOT software in its Performance Capture class”.
About Softimage Co.
Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc. develops intuitive, production proven tools that free 3D artists to create the world’s most compelling characters in the film, broadcast, post-production and games industries. Its flagship product, SOFTIMAGE|XSI is the most complete and intuitive character animation solution available. Easily integrated into any CG production pipeline, XSI software enables 3D artists to create the most lifelike character performances. For more information about Softimage, please visit www.softimage.com.
About Avid Technology, Inc.
Avid Technology, Inc. is the world leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management, and distribution solutions, enabling film, video, audio, animation, games, and broadcast professionals to work more efficiently, productively, and creatively. For more information about the company’s Oscarâ, Grammyâ, and Emmyâ award-winning products and services, please visit: www.avid.com.
© 2007 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice. Avid received an Oscar statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid Film Composer® system for motion picture editing. Digidesign, Avid’s audio division, received an Oscar statuette representing the 2003 Scientific and Technical Award for the design, development, and implementation of its Pro Tools® digital audio workstation. Avid, Digidesign, Film Composer, ProTools, SOFTIMAGE, GATOR, CAT, FACE ROBOT and XSI are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc.
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