As Lucasfilm Animation Singapore opens its doors today, Alias announced that its Maya software has been chosen as the primary 3D animation technology for the facility. The popular, Academy Award-winning 3D modeling, animation and visual effects package will be utilized in a number of animated feature films and TV productions, including the CG version of Clone Wars, a series scheduled to hit the airwaves in 2007.
Lucasfilm chief technology officer Cliff Plumer comments, “We needed a 3D solution with a proven track record and solid user base. We were also looking for the software that would give our animators the greatest possible amount of creative flexibility. Maya was the obvious choice.”
“One of the benefits of choosing Maya is the enormous talent base using the software," adds Rob Coleman, animation and development director at Lucasfilm Animation. "It is wonderful to know that we can find Maya animators and technical directors in the United States, Canada, Singapore and the rest of the world."
Alias software has been used by Lucasfilm since 1989, when Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) used it in creating the groundbreaking visual effects for The Abyss. The releationship has continued through such blockbusters as Terminator II: Judgment Day, Jurassic Park, The Mask, The Perfect Storm, Pearl Harbor and the Star Wars prequels. Maya is also used by the company’s video game division, LucasArts.
Lucasfilm Animation Singapore has hired 35 professionals and will continue to recruit experienced Maya artists in the coming months. Today’s announcement comes just weeks after news that Alias is being acquired by competitor Autodesk, maker of the widely used 3ds Max modeling and animation software.
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