영국의 영화와 방송 및 엔터테인먼트 분야에서 합성툴로 유명한 Nuke와 같은 뛰어난 후반작업 솔루션을 만드는 파운드리사(The Foundry)가 뛰어난 3D 모델링 및 렌더링 툴로 유명한 Modo를 만든 Luxology사와 합병을 통해 같은 배를 타기로 결정했다. CG 산업을 바꾸며 산업에 필요한 좋은 소프트웨어들의 역량을 만들어가기 위한 파운드리사의 뜻에 Luxology사가 함께 동참하면서, CG업계의 커다란 지각변동이 이루어졌다. 이번 합병을 통해 영화 및 애니메이션, VFX, 게임 등의 미디어&엔터테인먼트 시장에 커다란 영향력을 끼칠 것으로 전망된다.

ILM의 VFX 수퍼바이저인 존놀과 파운드리의 CEO인 Bill Collis, Luxology사의 회장인 Brad Peebler의 이야기를 영문기사와 함께 아래에서 살펴보자.  

We're very excited to announce that The Foundry and Luxology have merged!

The new group adds Luxology's innovative 3D modelling and rendering technology and its flagship product, modo, to The Foundry's existing stable of products.

modo is a cutting-edge and artist friendly 3D software package that combines modelling, painting, rendering and animation in a single integrated powerful package. The new generation in 3D software, modo is a true end-to-end solution that offers a fresh, flexible and modular approach.

The collective product range is very exciting, but equally important is the shared ethos of our two companies and the staff within them. Both The Foundry and Luxology have strong reputations for being community driven and good collaborators. We are widely recognised for building tools around customer needs, providing artist-friendly workflows and great support. For this reason we’re very excited about what the future holds and a union that will allow us to push the boundaries for our customers across a wide range of industries.

John Knoll, Visual Effects Supervisor at Industrial Light & Magic comments:
“I am a big fan of both Luxology and The Foundry having been using modo for quite a while and KATANA here at ILM in the last 18 months. Their marriage is really exciting for the VFX community. Their combined technology and similar approach to working with customers is a very interesting development. I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes on them.”

Bill Collis, CEO of The Foundry comments:
“We were impressed by modo's strong roots in a variety of markets - including VFX, design and games - and by Luxology’s focus on creating artist friendly, highly advanced technologies. Both companies are a great match for each other.

The Foundry and Luxology's products are highly complementary, and we both like our products to be open and flexible, letting the customers choose how they want to work. In the short term we will be continuing to develop the interaction between our products, which will be of immediate benefit to all of our customers. We can’t wait to see what our combined experience and knowledge will allow us to build in the long term.”

Hear more from Bill

Brad Peebler, President of Luxology comments:
“The Foundry has an impressive pedigree in the visual effects industry, where its products and attention to customers are second to none. Creative industries are converging in terms of media, quality and deliverables. Joining forces with The Foundry will allow us to accelerate the development of modo, ushering in a new era for our customers. We simply can not wait to leverage our combined strength to change the landscape for content creators everywhere.”