EMERYVILLE, CA — Pixar has released RenderMan version 24, the biggest release in its long history, introducing a next-generation rendering architecture for animation and visual effects, RenderMan XPU. This major release brings major advancements to look development and interactivity for feature film VFX and animation.
With the launch of XPU, Pixar introduces a completely new renderer capable of utilizing both CPU and GPU to the VFX industry.
RenderMan XPU now adds next level live rendering capabilities to the pipeline, providing immediate feedback on assets of feature film complexity, allowing faster iterations for artists. The release also features a shading system for layered materials called MaterialX Lama. Originally developed at Industrial Light & Magic, MaterialX Lama has been proven in production for years, and this state-of-the-art shading system provides RenderMan’s first step towards a deep MaterialX integration. Another highlight of this release is a completely new toolset for crafting non-photorealistic renders with endless possibilities, called RenderMan Stylized Looks.
Version 24 offers many other significant advancements, including streamlined support for the industry standard ACES color management system, live statistics, cutting-edge advancements in surface realism, and a complete rewrite of RenderMan for Blender.
Finally, RenderMan artist tools for Autodesk’s Maya, Foundry’s Katana, and SideFX Houdini as well as Solaris have been updated for version 24, along with upgrades to RenderMan’s Preset Browser and library of materials. To get artists started Pixar will update the RenderMan Fundamentals with new training materials on
http://renderman.pixar.com.
RenderMan version 24 is available for download now for customers on maintenance. Individual licenses of RenderMan are available for $595, and $250 for yearly maintenance. Quantity discounts are available. Researchers, individual artists, and students creating non-commercial projects will have access to Free Non-Commercial RenderMan the same day as the commercial release.
Image © Disney/Pixar