Maxon Teams with Oscar-winner for New Paint

MAXON Computer, the award-winning developer of 3D software applications, got some high-profile help for its brand, spanking new release of BodyPaint 3D Release 2. With development aided by the Oscar-winning visual f/x team at Sony Pictures Imageworks, MAXON’s new version includes cutting edge features and enhancements that closely match the ideal way 3D designers like to work. The end result, company execs say, is the most powerful 3D texturing application in the industry available at a price that everyone can afford.

A top priority for enhancements was creating fast and easy-to-use tools for distortion free painting. The most powerful new feature is Projection Painting, which allows textures to be painted onto a 3D model without UV seams appearing. Used in conjunction with RayBrush mode, 3D artists can create perfectly mapped textures and see results in real time. Since properly organized UV coordinates are essential, BodyPaint 3D has everything the 3D artist needs to adjust UV’s for low-resolution game models and high-resolution matte paintings, such as new unwrapping algorithms and 15 new UV tools for perfect preparation.

The other main focus during development was workflow. An all-new Paint Setup Wizard reduces the time necessary to prepare a scene for painting. All of the common 2D painting tools 3D artists demand are now available plus a layering system giving artists the power to combine various effects and experiment with confidence. MAXON’s close links with Adobe strengthen yet again thanks to the Adobe Photoshop filter support. Users are now able to use many Photoshop compatible filters.

Now the process is complete and the enhanced software delivered, Imageworks will use BodyPaint 3D as a component for integration into its animation and effects production pipeline.

“The Maxon team has been very receptive and responsive to our needs and suggestions. This kind of collaboration is necessary to ensure that the quality and complexity of imagery for which Imageworks is known is always apparent on the screen,” says René Limberger, senior technical director at Imageworks.

“It’s an honor to have an Oscar-winning visual effects and animation team like Imageworks’ utilize our products, let alone work together to expand its production capabilities,” adds Paul Babb, president and CEO at Maxon Computer, Inc. “This collaboration will certainly support our commitment to provide the professional animation and effects community with the next generation of visual effects technology.”