Fusion 9’s New Features for VFX and VR

Fusion 9, the latest version of Blackmagic Design’s visual effects (VFX) and motion graphics software, includes new VR tools, planar tracking, state-of-the-art keying, camera tracking, multi-user collaboration tools, and more.

With a track record of more than 30 years, Fusion is one of Hollywood’s leading VFX tools – and now with a new price of US$299 for Fusion Studio, in addition to the free version, it’s more accessible than ever before.

For VFX, Fusion features a node-based interface for compositing, a true 3D workspace, keying and matte tools, rotoscoping, tracking and stabilization, vector paint, time remapping, and more. Additionally, users can import 3D models and scenes from other applications, so elements can be composited, lit and rendered all in the same application. Fusion also includes 3D objects, realistic lighting/shading, stereoscopic 3D tools, deep pixel compositing, volumetric effects, and support for multi-channel render pass workflows.

For broadcast design and motion graphics, Fusion users can create 2D and 3D titles, import 3D logos and Photoshop files, and automate broadcast graphics such as weather, sport scores, news headlines, etc. Fusion has a complete spline-based animation system, replicated object animation tools, 3D particles with physics, vector paint, expressions and macros, and more.

Fusion 9 and Fusion 9 Studio

Fusion has made its mark on recent blockbuster films, such as “The Dark Tower,” “Colossal,” “London Has Fallen” and “The Founder;” as well as leading shows, including “NCIS,” ”Fuller House,” “Teen Wolf” and “Orphan Black.” Available in two versions, it has a massive range of tools, incredible VR and 3D support, GPU accelerated performance, unlimited network rendering and more:

Fusion 9 (free) gives users integrated 2D and 3D compositing and motion graphics; featuring paint, rotoscope, titling, animation, multiple keyers including Primatte, an amazing 3D particle system, advanced keyframing, GPU acceleration, and support for importing and rendering 3D models and scenes from other applications.

Fusion 9 Studio (US$299) adds advanced optical flow image analysis tools for stereoscopic 3D work, VR tools, retiming and stabilization, support for third-party OpenFX plugins, unlimited distributed network rendering, and Studio Player, along with a bin server for studio-wide multi-user collaboration that lets users track, manage, review and approve shots on complex projects.

VR Tools

Fusion allows users to be completely interactive when working on VR projects. Its GPU acceleration makes it extremely fast, so users can wear a headset and interact with elements in a VR scene in real-time. Users get a full 360º true 3D workspace, along with a panoramic viewer and support for popular VR headsets. Additionally, Fusion supports stereoscopic VR, and it has a new 360º spherical camera that renders out complete VR scenes, all in a single pass and without the need for complex camera rigs.

Planar Tracker

Fusion’s planar tracker calculates motion planes for accurately compositing elements onto moving objects – for example, replacing signs as they move through a scene. Planar tracking data can also be used on rotoscoped shapes, so users don’t have to manually animate motion, perspective, position, scale or rotation as the image changes.

Camera Tracker

Fusion’s camera tracker analyzes the motion of a live action camera in a scene and reconstructs the identical motion path in 3D space for use with cameras inside of Fusion, allowing users to composite elements with precisely matched movement and perspective of the original. Fusion will auto-analyze the shot and calculate lens focal length and lens distortion.

Delta Keyer

In addition to new image science and processing, Fusion’s new delta keyer features a set of matte finesse controls for creating the cleanest possible keys while preserving fine image detail. There’s also a clean plate tool that can smooth out subtle color variations on blue and green screens in live action footage, making them easier to key.

Multi-user Collaboration

Fusion’s Studio Player is a new application featuring a playlist, storyboard and timeline for playing back shots. It tracks version history, displays annotation notes, supports LUTs, and more. It can output via DeckLink and UltraStudio devices, making it ideal for users needing to see shots in a suite/theater for review and approval. Additionally, remote synchronization lets users around the world synchronize Studio Players in multiple locations.

Unlimited Network Rendering

Fusion gives users unlimited network rendering, which means they no longer have to pay a license fee for each render node. Users can simply purchase and install Fusion on all of their workstations and then install it on as many render nodes as they need, without any additional charges or ongoing maintenance costs.

For more information on Fusion and Blackmagic Design, visit their website.