Archive notice: This historical article was originally published in April 2020. Dates, statements and links are preserved from the original.
Autodesk releases Flame 2021: the compositing & finishing software now contains additional machine-learning functions, useful GPU defocus, expanded Dolby Vision HDR support and more.
Physical Defocus
With the new Physical Defocus effect, you can add depth of field to your respective shots and comps. The effect can be used in Batch as a standalone Matchbox node or in Image Selective in combination with a generated AOV depth map. You can choose Physical, Action Camera Presets or Custom Mode. You can find more information about Physical Defocus here in the online training.
Machine Learning: Face Segmentation
More and more machine-learning tools have been integrated into Flame in the last releases. With the Semantic Keyer, facial parts such as the mouth, eyes or nose can now also be automatically isolated and tracked. The quality of the masks ultimately depends very much on the respective shot. Possible fields of application include compositing, colour grading, beauty work and more. You can find an overview of the functions and selectable facial parts here in the manual.
Dolby Vision for HDR
Flame now contains expanded support for the Dolby Vision HDR format, which was already supported as an output. The update now adds new workflows for import, authoring, display, metadata and export functions.
Effects Improvements
To maintain an overview, Autodesk has introduced a new explorer in Flame 2021, which replaces the Media Panel in the Effects Environment. This is intended to make managing effects or grading setups easier. More about it here.
Further information: To the official release notes
