Join us at the top of the content-creation pyramid for the latest version of Autodesk Flame, version 2009, Extension 1. This Linux-based effects and 3D compositing software running on an HP xw8600 workstation with two Intel Quad-core processors is so powerful, it’s known as the “Hero Box” of high-end production facilities. I expect the hero worship to intensify, now that Flame has been enhanced even more with this new release.

High-End Tracking

The centerpiece of Autodesk Flame has been its remarkable image tracking capabilities; they’re even better in this new version. The software can follow any object in the frame in three dimensions, based on up to 1,000 points per pass, and does it with uncanny speed and accuracy. Flame draws upon this unique tracking ability to energize its high-end toolbox, tightly integrating such gems as its best-of-breed image stabilization, and its ability to attach a mask to perfectly-tracked image elements.

Bringing it all together is Flame’s speedy interactivity, letting artists and their clients see (and immediately modify) the results of any of a myriad of effects they can add to those tracked objects. Now, with ever-faster processors, GPU-powered effects and more features brought up from its sister editing application, Smoke, we noticed that Flame is more powerful and versatile than ever.

3D Object Tracking

The heaviest new juju injected into Flame is its enhanced 3D object tracking. If there’s both a moving object in a shot and a camera move, the software can accurately track both movements at once. Click the Track icon, and Flame quickly busies itself with the mind-boggling work of figuring both the motion of the camera and a moving object. This can be used to either add or remove objects from the scene, matching up the camera’s movement and giving you complete control of the scene and everything in it. Team up this capability with Flame’s speed, masking and effects capabilities, and you have a powerful synergy that’s unmatched. It’s simply remarkable.

Auto Stabilization

That 3D object tracking algorithm enables another impressive new tool, Auto Stabilization. Now the process of selecting a point of reference for stabilization is simplified, where Flame automatically selects the best group of points instantly, resulting in even more sophisticated image stabilization. It’s as simple as selecting Analyze, and immediately the best points for stabilization are selected, marked with tiny green plus signs. It’s a whole lot easier than the manual method from previous versions, and it’s even more accurate.

Particle Presets

One of the most welcome new features inside Flame 2009’s Extension 1 is a group of 3D particle presets. Instead of creating a 3D particle effect from scratch, there’s now a whole palette of effects pre-made. It’s quick and easy to pick out, say, a rain or snow effect and apply it instantly to a composite. The completely 3D particle effects have been in the Flame software for years, but now there are 89 presets that you can instantly add (hey look, there’s even a VU meter effect!), and they interact with the 2D layers in a composite just like the manually created ones have always done. This is a boon for those of us who aren’t rocket scientists, letting us use and easily modify these canned presets and giving us a starting point for interactively trying fancy effects in front of clients. “Can I have a tornado coming in here?” asks the client. “Yes, you can,” I tell him, and dial it up immediately, to his astonishment. Thanks, Flame.

We Like

We’re just scratching the surface here – there are dozens more refinements added in this new release. A recurring theme is to simplify Flame’s workflow, and add more powerful features to its already-formidable feature set. With Flame’s enhanced 3D tracking, new effects presets, better timeline tools and newfound GPU-based interactivity, Flame is more accessible, while retaining its awesome power. Looking ahead, Autodesk is moving in a direction of even more real-time interactivity attached to Flame’s powerful feature set. This 2009 Extension 1 release hints at more GPU-based and 16-bit floating point processing to come, and we can’t wait to see it. Meanwhile, we agree that Flame has earned its street cred as a Hero Box.