Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
  US: Diana Lee  
  UK: Liam Stacy  
  JAPAN: Toshihide Miyata  
  Germany and all other countries:  Joachim Heller  

NEW PLUGIN CONNECTS BODYPAINT 3D WITH SOFTIMAGE|XSI

MAXON brings the world's leading 3D painting package to the 3-Democracy

MAXON Computer, March 9, 2005 - MAXON is pleased to announce the immediate availability of a new plug-in that connects its renowned 3D painting program, BodyPaint 3D to SOFTIMAGE|XSI. Now the unique 3D painting features of MAXON's Hollywood-proven tool are available to all users of the latest generation of SOFTIMAGE|XSI. Character animators, game developers and motion picture artists in particular appreciate the versatility of BodyPaint 3D when it comes to texturing the most complex models without distortions.

BodyPaint 3D has already won over a wealth of famous studios thanks to its complete set of texture tools. The software boasts a fully integrated UV editor, artistic paint tools (including full support for layered PSD files) and the revolutionary RayBrush™ mode, which allows the user to paint in a raytraced view in three dimensions.

Last but not least, a fast and flexible projection painting mode has been available in the package since Release 2, much to the delight of BodyPaint 3D's users such as Sony Pictures Imageworks, the Oscar-winning visual effects giant, Framestore CFC and others.

"MAXON's BodyPaint 3D is one of the most powerful tools available to artists today. Now, by using BodyPaint and SOFTIMAGE|XSI together, 3D modelers have even more flexibility to create complex, articulated texture maps", said Gareth Morgan, senior product manager for Softimage. "XSI Artists can be confident that they can continue using the industry-leading BodyPaint 3D with our powerful animation software."

The SOFTIMAGE|XSI plug-in is available for Windows only and requires BodyPaint 3D Release 2 or higher and SOFTIMAGE|XSI Release 4 Foundation, Essential or Advanced . The plug-in can be downloaded for free from MAXON's website at www.maxon.net.

More info -> bodypaint3d.com/xsi


About Softimage Co.
Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc., is an industry leader in 3-D animation, 2-D cel animation, compositing and special effects software, designed to address the demands of the film and commercial/broadcast and games/interactive industries. SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, an integral player in Avid's Make, Manage and Move Media™ strategy, is the flagship product offering from Softimage. It is the industry's first 3-D nonlinear production environment providing animators and digital artists the freedom to make professional animation, visual effects and games - from major motion pictures, to cartoons and commercials, to animated content for video games and Web sites. Softimage is proud to count amongst its customers: Ubisoft, Capcom, Konami, SONY, Valve, Pandemic, Taito, Sega and Atari. The Softimage product family is designed to help users innovate, create and collaborate throughout the production process. For more information about Softimage visit www.softimage.com.