People should really move on from the ‘Softimage on the main Autodesk webpage’ and it shouldn’t be used a barometer for how Autodesk treat Softimage as a product. Frankly it’s unlikely that Softimage will ever make the front page of the main website, not when you consider how much of Autodesk’s revenue comes from M&E and then Softimage.
There are other Autodesk products that probably make more money than Maya, Max and Soft combined and they don’t make the main front page either, so don’t read too much into it. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Szabolcs Matefy Sent: 18 April 2012 10:28 To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Softimage development Huh, bunch of stuff to read… Sad thing, that these two guys leave Softimage ship for Maya. That might give a hint on the future as well. From my point of view, Softimage is just alive because of ICE…If you see the features no serious development made on SI just on ICE (or things related to ICE). To me it’s quite obvious that ICE will land soon in Maya…Since Autodesk didn’t list Softimage in their product list on the frontpage, it’s quite obvious, that they made their decision about Softimage…Unfortunately. To me it’s the best package, I can work with it lightning fast, and in spite of the issues I have I still love it. But I see more and more that my Softimage experience (about 8-9 years now) is worth less and less…So, I have my eyes on Maya and Max as well… From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 10:10 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Softimage development Sort of the same here - As an individual I’d rather put my energy in improving my own skills, rather than adding one more software to the list, that I will know only superficially. There’s plenty left for me to learn, artistically and technically, and I can do this in Softimage, ICE has widened the perspective considerably. This approach has served me well in the past, but there is the reality of all studios in my area, coming from all software backgrounds – moving towards Maya. When I talk to the producers at those studios – it is clear that in their mindset, as well as the executive producers on the projects – there is not really a choice for film work. Despite all the others – HDN, Soft, Max and LW being each quite capable in their own right. I think its a selffullfilling prophecy – at some point it becomes stronger than reason. From: Scott Lange<mailto:[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 1:15 AM To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: RE: Softimage development I haven't had time to read all the responses to this particular subject so forgive the redundancy if there is some. Purely as a myopic, self involved, habit driven , old school 3D artist, I use what I have become familiar with. I am comfortable with the tools I use and I have not been given a truly viable reason to shift. There have been times in the past when I have had to change my tool set and found it interesting and even inspiring. The reasons for which have been driven by necessity and staying at a certain capability level. I do not see shifting to Maya as being with in any of this vein. I am not really gaining anything except the obvious ones that don't need to be mentioned nor are truly relevant as it is not a gain in capability. I understand the given arguments but those are not relevant here, within my own fore mentioned issue. I am speaking solely in using soft as an artist's tool, which by the way, should be the basis for any use of a tool although I know that is terribly idealistic. I also default back to my first sentence as to why I put myself in such peril. Adopting both is not a viable solution for a small company. Those in charge make a decision for core software, live with that choice and if they need to move to Maya, they move to Maya. I admit, personally and all those I know who work with both, prefer soft. I understand this is not an average nor an objective opinion. I resonate with Peter's take because, yes I have not taken opportunities because they were exclusively Maya run projects. It's a tough reality however, I will still push for Soft. Scott Lange Animation and VFX From: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> [mailto:[email protected]]<mailto:[mailto:[email protected]]> On Behalf Of Adam Sale Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 6:43 PM adopt both? On Tue, Apr 17, 2012 at 3:30 PM, <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Thanks Hilary, tricky question: does your brilliant Softimage team (I dont doubt it) get assigned any movie work? Autodesk (and previously Alias) marketing has made damn sure that any producer knows the ‘only soft used on movie VFX is Maya’ – and it’s hurting me badly lately. If I was more of a business person I would have dropped Softimage a long time ago. As much as I like working in it, it is making the business side increasingly difficult. ICE has certainly been a big push, and I do like where 2013 is going, but the wealth of Maya opportunities VS the scarcity of Softimage opportunities is hard to ignore. For every Softimage job I get - and I’ve been some great places and met wonderful people through them – I miss a handful of Maya opportunities.
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