Autodesk has announced the launch of Autodesk Flow, a new industry cloud platform aimed at connecting workflows in the Media & Entertainment industry. Revealed at AU 2023, this initiative is designed to streamline production processes by connecting all stages of production and fostering a unified approach to managing data, workflows, and teams.
Autodesk Flow emphasizes data-centric collaboration, placing data, rather than files, at the core of its functionality. Its cloud data model is structured with open APIs, facilitating the capture, reuse, and tracking of data throughout the production pipeline. This model promises to serve as a central hub for all assets, versions, and feedback, thereby enhancing efficiency and collaboration.
The platform integrates various tools, including Flow Capture (formerly Moxion) and Flow Production Tracking (formerly ShotGrid), to manage assets seamlessly from onset to post-production. It also supports existing content creation tools such as Maya and third-party tools from SideFX, Avid, and The Foundry, allowing them to plug into an open ecosystem.
Autodesk is also focusing on enhancing game production workflows, collaborating with companies like Electronic Arts. The integration of AI technology is a key aspect of Autodesk Flow, with AI-powered Generative Scheduling being one such feature. This tool aims to automate and streamline production scheduling, traditionally a manual and time-consuming task.
Another example is a collaboration with Wonder Dynamics, Autodesk is exploring AI-driven automation in creative workflows. A new Maya plug-in will enable users to export CG characters from Autodesk Maya into Wonder Studio and vice versa, simplifying complex processes previously limited to high-budget studios.
Autodesk’s is promising a commitment to transform the M&E industry by fostering connected workflows and streamlined collaboration, enabling artists to focus more on their creative output. The company shared information about Flow at AU 2023, including a showcase by Walt Disney Animation Studios on their latest project, “Wish,” illustrating the practical application of these technological advancements in high-end production environments.
Find out more on the Autodesk website.
Call me skeptical, but I’ve seen this corporate gibberish from Autodesk before. Every time you see something to effect of: “we’re doing this for the customer,” what they really mean is we’re doing it purely for profit at the customers expense. They used similar nonsensical phrasing when they converted Max from optional version upgrades to mandatory maintenance and then subscriptions after that. That whole process was a long planned manipulation. All of this press release screams proprietary, cloud based subscription lock in. It may seem compelling initially, as do many recent Autodesk products, but no doubt once it gains any industry traction whatsoever, they will begin turning the screws on customers. Fusion was free or inexpensive at first, and then they changed the model radically once folks became dependent on it after investing considerable time learning the product. Autodesk’s only motivation is profit and everything they do reeks of it.