SIGGRAPH: Reallusion Debuts iClone 1.5

3D animation software developer Reallusion announced that it will debut the latest version of the iClone pre-visualization and scene production software at SIGGRAPH 2006 in Boston this week. New to version 1.5, the latest version of iClone, is the introduction of the iClone Studio 1.5 Timeline, which allows users to quickly control real-time camera and lighting animation, prop animation, and characters. Customization of characters, scenes, and props is also helped with new tools inside iClone 1.5, which offer users the ability to edit the texture of any iClone model directly from iClone using the user preferred image editor. Custom created assets may now be created for the software using Autodesk 3D Studio Max or Maya, and managed inside the iClone content library. The tool's real-time rendering environment allows directors, writers, art directors, animators, non-technical staff and students to pre-visualize and create production ready scenes with accessible character creation and animation. The iClone Studio 1.5 real-time rendering engine provides game-like real-time appearance with added support for real-time bump, glow, reflection, transparency, and normal maps. iClone Studio users will be able to see their story unfold as they build and animate in real-time. The Machinima world is one target of the iClone software, as Machinimators could benefit from the ability to transform any photo into a talking 3D character, thus opening up the possibility of moving away from the constraints of single game engine environments and publishing restrictions. iClone's character generator powered by Reallusion's photo-to-3D technology transforms photos and images into full body 3D actors prerigged for facial animation and ready to come to life inside iClone. Coupled with the iClone compatible facial animation features of CrazyTalk 4.5, Reallusion's real-time filmmaking suite generates instant facial animation for 3D characters complete with blendshapes and emotive modeling for facial response. Finally, characters, scenes, and other objects can be exported for continued production inside 3D Studio Max or Maya using the soon to be released iClone Studio PRO FBX exporter. "Next generation storytelling has arrived with iClone Studio 1.5," said John C Martin II, Reallusion Director of Product Marketing. "From indie 3D animated shorts created by first-time filmmakers to advanced pipeline compatibility for professional film or video game production; the rise of studios equipped with iClone is fueling the Reallusion real-time revolution."