CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
October 27, 2004
Implementation Investments
Autodesk Technology Goes Prime Time in House, Lost, Nip/Tuck and Other 2005-2006 Television Shows
Autodesk, Inc. announced that its media and entertainment systems and software are shaping more than 40 television shows for the 2005-2006 television programming season. From returning favorites such as Lost and Nip/Tuck to provocative new shows like Prison Break and Rome, Autodesk's technology is relied upon by broadcasters and post-production facilities to realize edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
Mark Driscoll, founder and president of Hollywood-based Look Effects, said, "Everyone knows that Autodesk's visual effects tools provide creative freedom. What's interesting is that this freedom is two-fold. We use the tools to deliver visual effects-driven shows like CSI New York. At the other end of the spectrum are the 'hidden visual effects' shows like The O.C. These types of shows require subtle effects like seamless transitions, color adjustments and green screen replacements. Autodesk's Discreet Flame and Discreet Flint systems enable us to flawlessly deliver both audible wows and undetectable story advancements." Look Effects also uses its Autodesk systems on Criminal Minds, Arrested Development and Malcolm in the Middle.
A52, an Emmy award-winning visual effects and design company, employed Autodesk's Discreet Inferno and Flame visual effects systems on the main title sequence for Rome, a new historical drama. This HBO and BBC co-production envelops viewers in the mystique of the Roman Empire of 52 BC. Created entirely in-house at A52, the title sequence combines live-action and computer-generated elements, including digital graffiti, grain and colors. Autodesk's systems were instrumental in crafting a chariot race from varied-rate footage that required extensive 3D tracking, and for creating a camera fly-through of a dye wall. In addition, the Inferno system has a big role in crime and medical dramas, which use extensive visual effects to play out murders and surgeries.
Post-production facility Digital Dimension recently won an Emmy award for its work on Lost. Digital Dimension used Autodesk 3ds Max animation software to create the chilling crash sequence that set the scene for the entire series.
Autodesk technology-including 3ds Max animation software, Autodesk Combustion visual effects software, Discreet Fire and Smoke editing systems, and Discreet Inferno, Flame and Flint visual effects systems-is being used by customers on numerous returning hits and new shows:
• Charlie Jade and Tripping the Rift (Cinegroupe)
• !Huff, Barbershop, Big Love, Charmed, CSI New York, Deadwood, House, Monk, NCIS, Nip/Tuck, Rome, The Unit and Veronica Mars (Encore Hollywood)
• The Flight That Fought Back (Imaginary Forces)
• ER, Gilmore Girls, Grey's Anatomy and The West Wing (Level 3 Post)
• 10.5 (Meteor Studios)
• Everwood, Hot Properties, Joey, My Name is Earl, Out of Practice, Related and Two and a Half Men (MFX)
• Book of Daniel, Desperate Housewives, How I Met Your Mother, Malcolm in the Middle, Misconceptions, Smallville, The O.C. and What I Like About You (Modern Video Film)
• Cerburus (Pixel Blues)
• Deadwood, Close to Home, Cold Case, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Prison Break and The Sopranos (R!OT)
• Stargate: Atlantis and Stargate: SG1 (Rainmaker)
• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, House and Medium (The Post Group)
• Battlestar Galactica, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Prison Break and Threshold (Zoic Studios)
Become a member of the CIMdata PLM Community to receive your daily PLM news and much more.
Tell us what you think of the CIMdata Newsletter. Send your feedback.
CIMdata is committed to your privacy. Your personal information will never be sold or shared outside of CIMdata without your express permission.