ZOIC Selects modo for "Drive" Effects Work
3D Tool Quickly Takes Root in Pipeline After Artists put it to the Test
San Mateo, Calif. – April 16, 2007 – Luxology® LLC, an independent technology company developing next-generation 3D content creation software, today announced that modo™ was used by the Los Angeles-based visual effects company, Zoic Studios, for the FOX action series, "Drive." An action-packed drama that follows an intense cross country road race, "Drive" relies heavily on movie-quality photorealistic CG shots to amp up the suspense as the actors race for their lives en route to a $32 million prize. Zoic Studios was awarded approximately 120 shots for the series opener and relied upon modo to model and texture several hero elements including a 1970's Ford pickup truck, a Dodge Grand Caravan and the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse (located in Florida).
Zoic's use of modo on "Drive" dates back to production on the pilot that was done almost a year ago. Initially, a single modeler began using modo. "This was the perfect trial-by-fire test for modo," said Loni Peristere, Zoic Creative Director. "Many of our shots were extreme close-ups and the demands on the models were exacting. The use of modo across the group quickly grew as the artists had success with the software." The Zoic pipeline for "Drive" is based on PCs and also includes both Maya and Lightwave for 3D tasks and Shake, Combustion and After Effects for 2D work.
"The learning curve for switching to modo was pretty much non-existent," said 3D artist Jonathan Feldman. "I just love how the workflow is intuitive for modelers. The way modo works makes ergonomic sense." Zoic modelers noted that it took less keystrokes in modo to accomplish repetitive operations like selecting geometry, and that the UV tools were both powerful and resilient to changes in the models.
Many of the specifications for the models did change throughout the production, placing particular demands on the modelers to be able to respond quickly with revisions, and in some cases, re-building entire models. Tools like Bridge in modo turned out to be versatile and were used extensively for modifying geometry as change requests came in. The Zoic team also relied on modo's paint tools for building up initial textures.
"Drive" debuted in a special two-hour premiere on Sunday, April 15 on FOX. Images from the production will be posted on Luxology's website.
About modo
modo is an innovative 3D modeling, painting and rendering software designed to accelerate the creation of world-class models, associated color and normal maps, and ultra high-quality renderings. modo's modern workflow and advanced toolset easily deliver enhanced productivity for 3D artists working in game development, film visual effects, video production, graphic arts and design visualization. A free 30-day full-featured evaluation version of modo is available for immediate download from www.modo3d.com.
About ZOIC Studios
With offices in Los Angeles and Vancouver, ZOIC is a full service visual effects company that spans the world of television commercials, animation, features and design. Recent television work includes CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, 24, Criminal Minds, Eureka, Blade, Prison Break, and Cold Case, as well as broadcast commercials for Toyota, Chevrolet, Playstation, McDonalds and Sun Microsystems. Additionally, recent film work includes Talladega Nights, Pathfinder and Vacancy. The company maintains a 14,000 square foot production facility in LA which features 100+ terabytes of clustered storage and a 1000+ processor render farm. For more information visit the company's website at www.ZOICstudios.com.
About Luxology
Based in San Mateo, Calif., Luxology® LLC is an independent technology company developing next-generation 3D content creation software that enhances productivity via artist-friendly tools powered by a modern underlying architecture. Founded in 2002 by Allen Hastings, Stuart Ferguson and Brad Peebler, Luxology is home to some of the top 3D engineering expertise in the industry. More information on Luxology, its flagship product modo™, a gallery of artists' images and the active modo community is available online at www.modo3d.com.
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