CGNetworks interviews renowned concept designer Syd Mead (of TRON, Blade Runner fame, among many others).

RenderNode takes a close look at the NVidia Quadro FX 3000.

Yes, the inscrutable alchemy of plugin names transmutes Stitch into ClothFX. Users of the software formerly known as Stitch may obtain the ClothFX pre-order update (compatible with Max R4.2x, R5.x and R6) by sending Stitch proof-of-purchase information to sales@turbosquid.com. For new users who need to purchase Stitch now or for those who want to take advantage of the special introductory price savings of $100 off, Turbo Squid is accepting pre-orders of ClothFX at $495. Visit the ClothFX pages and FAQ at Turbosquid.com for more information.

Computer Graphics World has compiled its traditional list of innovative hardware and software released through the year. Products that have received the award this year include Discreet 3ds max 6, Splutterfish's Brazil 1.2 and NaturalMotion's Endorphin, among others. Check out CGW.com for the complete list.

Chaos Group has recently revealed one of the key features of the upcoming VRay version - unlimited geometry rendering.   [ more... ]

Realtexture announces the release of two new HDRI CDs, the double CD 'HDRI vol.2' includes 24 exterior lighting textures; the double CD 'HDRI vol.3' 24 interior lighting textures. Images are available in four different mappings (Fisheye/Lightprobe, P-Sphere, vertical cube and horizontal cube) and every format is available in three different resolutions. Sample renderings and descriptions are also included in the CDs.

Texporter v3.4.6.6 for 3ds max 6 is released. You can get it from the Max plug-ins section at Cuneytozdas.com.   [ more... ]

RenderNode reviews BodyPaint 3D 2.0: "... this second release of BodyPaint is an impressive 3D texturing solution."

Rodney Olmos has written various scripts for 3ds max, after using Max, Maya and Animation Master. He wanted to combine many of the useful tools in one program so he used Maxscript to bring the tools to 3ds max. Scripts include Rotoscope System, SubDivision and Object Display, among others.

Read the article at Post Magazine.

Ballistic Publishing is calling for artists to submit digital images for consideration to be included in EXPOSÉ 2. Images can be created in any 3D or digital illustration application. Photoshop and digitally manipulated photography is also welcome. BP is interested in digitally created fine art, whether it be 3D or 2D, for commercial use, or personal satisfaction. Read the whole PR at CGNetworks.com.

Tom Hudson's Greeble plugin recompiled for Max R6. Download it from Maxplugins.de.

The Orphanage, a VFX house in San Francisco, is hiring! We are seeking to contract experienced artists, specifically 3dsmax Lighting, FX TDs, and Matte Painters to work on "Hellboy" and "Day After Tomorrow".   [ more... ]

Particle Flow video tutorials (includes Particle Burst, Velocity Test, Particle Dispersion, etc.)
Procedural Animation tutorial (walking spiders crowd simulation)
"Go With The Flow" Maxscript tutorials
Particle Flow Overview at ParticleFX.com

ScreenSaverMax is released for Max 4 and 5. ScreenSaverMax is a plug-in that allows you to create realtime 3D screensavers using Max. Read more about it in the extended news entry.   [ more... ]

A free 30-day trial of Max 6 is now available for download at the Discreet website. Experience the new schematic view, particles, Mental Ray, a free trial of Character Studio 4 and more. Tutorials included.

Tomek Baginski's "The Cathedral" DVD is now available from Amazon.com. The DVD features a "making of" The Cathedral, unused takes, 3 scenes in 3ds max format to open and analyze (view image), three compositions to open in Adobe After Effects (view image) and a trailer of the next animated short by Tomek Baginski, "Fallen Art", among others (around 60 minutes of additional material in total). DVD price is set to $16,99. More information about the DVD edition of "The Cathedral" at Platige.com.

The official hellboy site has gone up which includes some concept art for the upcoming film.

Discreet has put up a large pdf that goes through many of the new features in max 6 in detail.

The New Zealand based company Character Animation Technologies has uploaded a new version (0.52) of CAT, their character animation plug-in for Max 4, 5 and 6. A registration is necessary to have access to the downloads section.

Cuneyt Ozdas has posted a fresh update of his new Color Correct version. Download 3.0.1.x (where x stands for the Max version number) at the Cuneyt Ozdas forum.