San Francisco, Calif.
- Red Giant Software, publisher of the Magic Bullet and Trapcode
plug-ins, has revealed that its Trapcode Particular software, used by
visual effects and motion graphics artists on feature films and TV
commercials, was used in the making of Angels & Demons, one
of the highest-grossing movies of 2009 with more than $470 million in
worldwide box office to date. CIS Vancouver used Trapcode Particular to
create natural media effects, such as sparks and burning embers.
"We used Trapcode Particular on Angels & Demons to help create realistic 3D embers and falling ash. We were amazed at how quickly Particular could set up and render a shot, and then allow us to make changes almost in real time. The embers have to have a specific look, and also animate as they fall. The combination of custom sprites and 3D turbulence fields allowed us to create realistic acting particles that cut seamlessly with practically shot elements. Particular was able to handle the large number of embers easily and quickly, even showing live depth of field as we worked," said Mark Breakspear, visual effects supervisor at CIS Vancouver.
The team behind the global phenomenon The Da Vinci Code returned for the making of Angels & Demons, based upon the bestselling novel by Dan Brown. Tom Hanks reprises his role as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, who once again finds that forces with ancient roots are willing to stop at nothing, even murder, to advance their goals. Ron Howard directs the film, which is produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and John Calley. The screenplay is by David Koepp and Akiva Goldsman.
Trapcode Particular supports After Effects 7.0-CS4 on Mac OS X, including Intel Mac and Windows (XP and Vista).
Trapcode Particular is available for $399 (new) at http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/.
If you purchased Trapcode Particular 1.5 AFTER April 7, 2009, you qualify for a free upgrade.
If you purchased Trapcode Particular BEFORE April 7, 2009, you will need to purchase an upgrade to Version 2. The upgrade from Particular 1.0 or 1.5 costs $99.