Autodesk Launches Toxik 2009 Visual Effects Software

Feature-Packed New Version Provides Powerful Tools for Stereoscopic
Productions and Set Extensions

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ADSK) today announced Autodesk Toxik 2009 procedural compositing
software. Toxik 2009 offers high-performance compositing and visual effects
capabilities, particularly for large-format digital film and television
projects. When combined with the new Autodesk Maya 2009 modeling software, the
two products provide an accelerated and iterative 3D-to-2D workflow. Both
products are being showcased at SIGGRAPH 2008 in Los Angeles, California,
August 12-14 at Autodesk booth #501.
"A growing number of post-production facilities are embracing Autodesk
Toxik as a companion to Autodesk Maya," said Stig Gruman, Digital
Entertainment Group vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. "As the
entertainment industry grapples with the challenges of stereoscopic
production, Toxik 2009 bridges 3D and 2D workflows, facilitating the
production of stereoscopic films and virtual set extensions."
Fernando Zorilla, visual effects executive producer at Bling Imaging,
said, "We're already working with Autodesk Maya and Autodesk Flame, so Toxik
was a natural choice for our pipeline. It gives us the power of a node-based
compositor -- necessary for professional, high-end post-production work, along
with a look and feel that's completely comfortable." Hollywood-based Bling
Imaging creates photo-realistic visual effects, motion graphics and animation
for broadcast and motion pictures.
Joerg Bruemmer, head of compositing at PICTORION das werk, noted, "The
Toxik software's tight integration with Maya and intuitive color correction
tools have improved the way I composite. Toxik lets me focus on finishing
shots faster, as I no longer have to worry about data management." PICTORION
das werk in Germany offers digital post-production services for film, TV,
advertising and music video projects.
New Feature Highlights in Toxik 2009
Accelerated 3D-to-2D Integrated Workflow
Toxik 2009 can generate compositions based on Render Pass and Render Layer
setups imported from Maya. Artists can pre-visualize their scene as it will
appear when composited, allowing them to only iterate and refine required
elements. This accelerates the 3D-to-2D workflow, eliminating unnecessary
re-renders and reducing the need for round-tripping.
Stereoscopy and Set Extensions
Toxik 2009 offers new tools that bring a pseudo third dimension to 2D
imagery. These tools facilitate the creation of virtual set extensions, and
the production of stereoscopic films.
-- Artists can import geometry via the Autodesk FBX file format from Maya
or other 3D applications, and project a matte painting or rendered
image onto it through the camera.
-- The illusion of depth or perspective can be further enhanced through a
new mesh displacement feature.
-- Render pass setups can be imported directly from Maya.
-- Stereo output can be viewed while playing back a scene and while
interacting with it.

Enhanced Tools for Visual Effects
Toxik 2009 offers a range of customer-requested enhancements, including:

-- A new Warp 2D tool to deliver advanced, non-linear, spline-based image
warping.
-- A new Lens Blur tool to change the shape of the lens in the virtual
camera, to simulate real-world camera effects such as rack de-focus.
-- The ability to view images created in Toxik on Windows on
broadcast-quality display devices.

Collaboration without Complexity
Toxik 2009 features a new file-based data model, facilitating
collaborative workflows without adding complexity for those who prefer to work
standalone.
For a complete list of Toxik 2009 features, visit
http://www.autodesk.com/toxik.
Product Availability and Pricing
Autodesk anticipates that Toxik 2009 will be available in October 2008.
Suggested retail pricing for a single seat of Toxik 2009 (Standalone or
Network) is $3,495 USD*. The suggested retail price upgrade from Toxik 2008
to Toxik 2009 is $875 USD*.
*International pricing may vary.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the
manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets.
Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the
broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help
customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies
rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world
performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance
quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk,
visit http://www.autodesk.com.
Autodesk, AutoCAD, Flame, FBX, Maya and Toxik are registered trademarks or
trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the
USA and/or other countries. SIGGRAPH is a registered trademark of the
Association for Computing Machinery, Inc. 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. (C) 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contacts: Roohi Saeed, 514.954.7296 / Karen Raz, 310.450.1482
Email: roohi.saeed@autodesk.com / karen@razpr.com

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Roohi Saeed of Autodesk, Inc., +1-514-954-7296, roohi.saeed@autodesk.com; or
Karen Raz, +1-310-450-1482, karen@razpr.com, for Autodesk, Inc.