Autodesk has introduced the new Flame 2020: The VFX, colour correction, look development and finishing tool gets new machine learning-based features. These innovations will be shown for the first time in a demo suite at the NAB Show 2019 in Las Vegas from 8 to 11 April between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Autodesk on fire: The Flame 2020 features
Advances in computer vision, photogrammetry and machine learning have enabled Autodesk to extract motion vectors, Z-Depth and 3D normals for the new Flame update. For example, the 2020 version now includes algorithms to isolate frequently occurring objects from videos.
New creative tools in 2020
Z-Depth Map Generator
The new tool uses machine learning to analyse and create Z-Depth Maps for your live action shots. This allows users to make colour corrections, looks and other effects depending on camera distances.
Human face Normal Map Generator
Since all human faces have generally recognisable features (including relative distance between eyes, nose & mouth position), machine learning algorithms can be trained to generate suitable normal maps. (If you are interested in this and other machine learning topics, we recommend taking a look at “Two Minute Papers” )
With this new tool, you can make precise colour adjustments or exposures of faces to simplify digital retouching.
Refraction Tool
Based on the properties of the respective material, a 3D object can realistically refract and distort other background objects and image information with the new tool. To achieve a convincing effect with glass, ice, windscreens or similar, the Index of Refraction (IOR) can also be set accordingly.
Further innovations & tools
- Cryptomatte support: In Flame and Flare, the open source rendering technology is available to quickly work with alpha channels for each individual object in “deep compositing”.
- Open FX support – Flame, Flare and Flame Assist version 2020 now offer full support for Open FX plug-ins.
- Background Reactor (Linux only): This new mode activates GPU rendering in the background immediately after changing a shot. However, the accelerated, automated rendering is only available under Linux and only requires one GPU.
- Simpler interface – A new UX layout is now available for MasterGrade, the image interface and various map user interfaces, which should make it easier to use important tools.
- New manager for Image, Gmask and Action offers a simplified schematic view. This should now make it easier to add, arrange and customise video layers and objects in the 3D environment.
Licence & Availability
Linux users can select their user licence for one month, one and three years. Customers with a Mac licence can also transfer their Flame licence to Linux with the new release. Flame, Flare, Flame Assist and Luster 2020 will be available from 16 April 2019.
