3D character animation productivity suite for game, film and broadcast production allows artists to rapidly produce high volumes of quality animated content

Toronto, Canada - August 29, 2005 - Alias® MotionBuilder® 7 software is now shipping worldwide to artists needing to quickly generate professional-level character performance animation. New and upgrading customers can purchase the latest version of MotionBuilder from an authorized reseller or online at www.alias.com.

"The response from our beta customers to MotionBuilder 7's newly extended character animation capabilities, improved interoperability with popular 3D packages and productivity enhancements has been very positive," says Curtis Garton, product manager for Alias MotionBuilder. "Providing animators with the tools they need to tackle the most demanding, high-volume animation is our number one priority with MotionBuilder."

This latest release gives increased control over characters through new rigging enhancements, such as character extensions and control rig visual feedback. Numerous new workflow features - including the save and load character animation functionality that lets animators rapidly transfer, repurpose and reuse animation clips with any character - enable increased productivity. Alias MotionBuilder 7 has an improved ability to interact with other 3D applications. New constraints, for example, allow users to easily transfer animated character setups between MotionBuilder and Maya®. More information on MotionBuilder 7 can be found at www.alias.com/eng/products-services/motionbuilder/new/index.shtml.

The new features of Alias MotionBuilder 7 complement the software's core technologies, including a unique, real-time architecture; non-linear, non-destructive animation layering; and Story Timeline performance environment. In addition, MotionBuilder's native file format, Alias FBX®, allows for unparalleled interoperability between 3D content creation applications, making it a complementary solution that can enhance any existing 3D production pipeline.

"MotionBuilder is a good off-the-shelf solution to my motion capture and animation pipelines," says Daven Coburn, motion capture lead at Relic Entertainment. "The interface is fast and easy to learn so I have no problems getting new hires past the learning curve and into production quickly. When time and money are large factors for my projects, I know I can hit the ground running with MotionBuilder."

Pricing and Availability

Alias MotionBuilder 7 pricing remains unchanged from MotionBuilder 6 - Alias MotionBuilder Pro 7 (node-locked) is US $4195* and Alias MotionBuilder Pro 7 (floating) is US $4795*. For new Alias MotionBuilder Pro customers, the cost includes a one-year Platinum Membership subscription. Alias MotionBuilder Pro is available in node-lock and floating configurations for the Windows® and Mac OS® X platforms. * International pricing may vary.

About Alias

As the world's leading innovator of 3D graphics technology, Alias develops software for the film and video, games, web, interactive media, industrial design, automotive, architecture and visualization markets. Alias has headquarters in Toronto and a custom development center in Santa Barbara with offices worldwide. Please visit the Alias web site at www.alias.com or call 1-800-447-2542 in North America. International contact numbers include: Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa, +44 (0) 1494 441273; Germany, East & Southeast Europe, 0049 89 31 70 20; France, Spain and Portugal, +33 1 44 92 81 60; Italy, 39 039 6340011; Japan and other parts of Asia Pacific, 81 3 5797 3500 and Latin America, 770 393 1881.

© Copyright 2005 Alias Systems Corp. All rights reserved. Alias, the swirl logo, MotionBuilder, FBX and Maya are registered trademarks of Alias Systems Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. registered in the United States and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. Alias, 210 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 1J7, Tel: 416-362-9181, Fax: 416-369-6140.

Alias MotionBuilder 7