As it works to complete its first feature film for theatrical distribution, Vancouver-based Rainmaker Animation has integrated PipelineFX’s Qube! render farm management software into its production pipeline. The application will be put to use on a number of overlapping, high-volume productions including the CG-animated movie Escape From Planet Earth and three direct to DVD productions.
‘Our render farm is an essential part of our production, and is integrated into two production pipelines running XSI, Maya, Mental Ray, Shake and many custom jobs,’ says Martin Kumor, head of production technology at Rainmaker Animation. ‘When we decided to upgrade our render manager, we needed a robust and reliable product to handle our production needs. The advanced architecture combined with Python support and an easy-to-use customizable interface make it a fantastic product.’
Kumor notes he and his team were concerned with the time it would take to convert their many custom XSI render farm tools to Qube!, but notes that the support staff at PipelineFX helped them switch the entire facility in the middle of an ongoing production.
From Tony Leech and Cory Edwards, the writing team behind The Weinstein Co.’s indie animation hit Hoodwinked, Escape From Planet Earth tells the story of an alien prison break from Area 51. Leech is also directing. Happy Feet exec producer Ed Jones is producing and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End lead animator Steve Nichols is directing animation. Financing and worldwide distribution are being handled by The Weinstein Co.
