HDRI Hub has released HDR Pack 014, a bundle of 11 HDR skies that provides 40% savings over buying the skies individually. The sun is fully unclipped in the images for correct lighting. More on HDRI Hub's website.

Seven companies in the 3D printing sector launched the 3MF Consortium. The new group is dedicated to developing a 3D Manufacturing Format (3MF) standard specification that will allow applications to send 3D models to a mix of other applications, platforms, services and printers. The 3MF specification eliminates problems associated with currently available file formats, such as STL, which was designed in 1989. The first version of the specification is available now for download. More on the the 3MF Consortium's website.

A scattering and instancing plugin for Trimble's SketchUp is under development. According to Thomas Hauchecorne, developer of the plugin, it will support various renderers, including Thea and V-Ray. Watch a preview video on YouTube.

ABSoft has released a significant upgrade to its noise reduction tool for editing and compositing applications, bringing improved filtering quality and ability to handle scenes with changing luminance or chrominance. Changes include: (more...)

"For all the particle-fetishists." A video by Redhoot featuring plenty of particle simulations, created with Houdini and Nuke. Watch it on Vimeo.

A short film by Sungah Im on the subject of fishing, created as her thesis project at NY-based School of Visual Arts. Watch it on Vimeo.

Australian director and VFX artist Allan McKay has begun releasing a free course that will offer 15 hours of advanced VFX training covering ThinkingParticles, FumeFX as well as VFX production pipeline content. It's composed of 4 primary lessons and 4 additional bonus lessons that cover everything from starting a shot to taking it through to completion. The first lesson has been released today, with the next ones coming soon. Scripts, 3D files and additional resources will be sent to those who register via email. The course will be available for download for a limited time. More on Allan McKay's website.

A trailer is out for the SciFi comedy directed by Monty Python's Terry Jones, which also features the voices of Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Eric Idle and Robin Williams. The VFX for the film were produced by UK studio Nvizible. Watch the trailer on YouTube.