Animating aliens, blowing up a cow, destroying a Costco: Digital Domain’s effects for The Watch.

Pixar is contributing to the open source community by making their interactive friendly, high speed Open SubDiv available to all.

A look at the recent MTV VMA nominations and some other killer music promos.

VFX supe David Houghton from The Mill tells us about the elemental visual effects in the new TV series Sinbad.

A look back at the success of Pixelux’s finite element analysis tool DMM – from LucasArts’ The Force Unleashed to MPC’s Prometheus ship destructions. And a peek into a new pre-made VFX online store using DMM tech.

Blue Sky Studios talks water sims, voxels, sky systems and characters for Ice Age: Continental Drift.

Behind the scenes of 3 VFX-filled ads with making of breakdowns from Method Studios, Alt.vfx and Rhythm & Hues.

Rarely do companies attempt to change the way we work, but Isotropix and its Clarisse iFX product is attempting just that. Clarisse iFX aims to change the way CGI pipelines work, via one central mantra: reduce to a minimum time to first pixel output in any situation. And that’s just the start. Exclusive high-res output samples and much more.

Behind the scenes of Seth MacFarlane’s Ted, the very naughty bear brought to life by Tippett Studio, Iloura and The Creative-Cartel. Updated with several making of videos.

How Weta Digital and Method Studios used novel approaches for two sequences in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Features breakdown images and videos.

How face replacements, shattering soldiers, CG trolls and magic metallic mirrors were made for Snow White and the Huntsman. fxinsider members can also watch an exclusive interview with Double Negative.

We break down some notable VFX shots from TV shows The River, the Titanic mini-series, Inside the Human Body and Underbelly: Razor.

fxguide’s sister site – VFX training provider fxphd.com – is extending its sale. Join for $199 and get two courses + extras for the April term. Plus see a sneak peak of NUK217 – NUKE and Digital Environments.

A step-by-step, detailed look at a Ballerina cookie spot by Swedish studio Lost Liner, including breakdown videos from concept to final.

Watch a full fxphd class featuring ICT’s Paul Debevec on the development of the Light Stage, plus find out about fxphd’s limited time special offer.

Digic Pictures breaks down its work for a Mass Effect 3 trailer with detailed behind the scenes videos, images and commentary.