Many readers will know Richard Szalwinski as one of the founders of Discreet Logic. After having left Discreet a while ago, Richard and a few other ex Discreet friends such as Mike Hughes have surfaced at a new company called Xtranormal. The company produces visualization software based on natural speech and produces simple 3D video animations. In its simplest form it will allow socal networkers to make 3D animations from simple normal english scripts. In its most advanced form it holds the promise of blocking and previz for ‘the rest of us”. Keen to see what creative professionals can do with the software, and to offer a glimpse at the technology roadmap, Xtranormal will be at Siggraph in a whisper suite.
A short interview with Mike Hughes and information on how to make an appointment at Siggraph can be found after the jump.
We caught up with Mike Hughes as we travelled through Asia: We asked him about the company and the plans for this new technology:
FXG: So tell us what it is exactly that Xtranormal does.
MH: We make tools that allow anyone to make a movie. Choose or customize characters, drop them into a set and type your script which the characters will speak. Everyone has a story to tell or personalized message to send.
FXG: Interesting, but sounds more like a consumer application.
MH: It’s true that there’s an aspect of our business that has broad appeal given how easy the tools are to use. But, our technology goes much deeper than what we’re exposing to the general population, and that’s why we’ll be in LA during SIGGRAPH to start demonstrating our evolving applications for the more professional space.
FXG: So precisely what kind of pro-space tools will you be bringing?
MH: We call it our Home Studio and it’s going to offer a new way to pre-visualize shots and eventually whole shows. And you won’t need to know anything about 3D animation to get the job done. Imagine if the creatives in our business could block out shots simply and quickly and then share their vision with the rest of the crew.
FXG: Will you be on the show floor?
MH: No, but we have a suite at the Hilton right next door for private demos.
FXG: What are you looking to get out of the show?
MH: We want to put our applications in front of those who have an interest in how pre-visualization can be reshaped into something easy that everyone can use to breathe life into their ideas.
FXG: So how does someone arrange a meeting?
MH: Simply drop me a note (at [email protected]) and we can book an appointment.