LONDON — VFX software developer The Foundry (www.thefoundry.co.uk), here, has merged with Mountain View, CA-based 3D software developer Luxology (www.luxology.com). The Foundry offers 2D and 3D VFX software, including the popular compositing application Nuke. Luxology’s flagship product is Modo, a 3D modeling and rendering technology.
“We were impressed by Modo's strong roots in a variety of markets — including VFX, design and games — and by Luxology’s focus on creating artist friendly, highly advanced technologies,” notes Bill Collis, CEO of The Foundry. “Both companies are a great match for each other. The Foundry and Luxology's products are highly complementary, and we both like our products to be open and flexible, letting the customers choose how they want to work. In the short term we will be continuing to develop the interaction between our products, which will be of immediate benefit to all of our customers. We can’t wait to see what our combined experience and knowledge will allow us to build in the long term.”
“The Foundry has an impressive pedigree in the visual effects industry, where its products and attention to customers are second to none,” adds Brad Peebler, president of Luxology. “Creative industries are converging in terms of media, quality and deliverables. Joining forces with The Foundry will allow us to accelerate the development of Modo, ushering in a new era for our customers. We simply can not wait to leverage our combined strength to change the landscape for content creators everywhere.”
The companies connected through a chance meeting organized by ILM. John Knoll challenged them with integrating their products, which sparked the idea that the two companies could be a greater force together than apart.
“I am a big fan of both Luxology and The Foundry, having been using Modo for quite a while and Katana here at ILM in the last 18 months,” explains Knoll, who is a VFX supervisor at ILM. “Their marriage is really exciting for the VFX community. Their combined technology and similar approach to working with customers is a very interesting development. I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes on them.”
The company issued a Q&A that addresses many questions customers might have. You can download the PDF
HERE.