MagicPictures Software has released updates for its recently released plugins for 3DS Max. (more...)

Capturing Reality has introduced a new licensing model for its photogrammetry application. (more...)

FXHome has announced the release of Hitfilm Pro 13 express, the free version of its editing, compositing and visual effects application. (more...)

Boris FX has announced the acquisition of SilhouetteFX and Digital Film Tools. Silhouette offers advanced rotoscoping and non-destructive paint tools in a standalone GPU-accelerated node-based compositing application, while Digital Film Tools provides a suite of over 100 filters and 1000s of presets in a standalone application as well as plugins for After Effects, Photoshop and Lightroom. Find out more on the Boris FX website. 

Ziva Dynamics has released a new tutorial in which they explain how to make a physics-embedded, deforming feature animation character using Ziva VFX tools. A free download of the Jellyphant asset is also available to follow along. Watch the tutorial on Vimeo.

Autodesk's latest Vision Series presentation looks at workflows between Autodesk and Unity. It features Unity Technical Product Manager Mathieu Muller, who discusses how studios are integrating Unity in a real-time production pipeline for film, TV and animation;  M&E Solutions Engineer Aaron Conover who talks about format interoperability with 3ds Max and Maya; and Cinematic Creator Mark Droste who presents a case study for their film Sherman. Watch it on Vimeo.

We're a bit late in spotting this one, but Shutterstock - one of the largest providers of photographic stock - recently expanded to provide VFX stock video. Called Shutterstock Elements, the new content includes thousands of special effects including light leaks, lens flares, explosions, fire, smoke and mist, debris, blood, water, video transitions, sand and dust, snow, ice, HUDs and more. See what's available on the Shutterstock website, you can also read an interview with the creators of this stock footage on Befores and Afters. 

AnimSchool, an online training centre, has released a video showcasing their student's animation for games. Watch it on YouTube.