Press Releases

SWAY Studio Selects modo for GM Super Bowl Spot, “Robot”

Proficient and Powerful Toolset Allows Team to Model Precise, Lifelike CG Robot

San Mateo, Calif. — Feb. 5, 2007 — Luxology® LLC, an independent technology company developing next-generation 3D content creation software, today announced that modo™ was used by Los Angeles-based SWAY Studio to model an endearing little robot that comes to life in a :60 General Motors (GM) spot. Chosen for its precision, efficiency and artist-friendly toolset, modo was used to model an exact CG replication of a real-life robot from GM’s assembly line.

“Robot” debuted during Super Bowl XLI 2007 and chronicles what happens to the robot after it accidentally drops a bolt while on the assembly line and is banished from GM company premises.

“The model for ‘Robot’ needed to be very precise, and because modeling is one of the first tasks in the production pipeline the pressure is on to be fast and efficient,” said Robert Glazer, lead modeler at SWAY Studio. “modo definitely delivered! It has an amazing user interface design that expedites workflow, and its robust toolset allows you to attack a project with speed.”

To accurately create motion not easily achieved by the real-life robot used during the filming process, SWAY shot basic photography of the robot in various positions and used modo to create a precise model of the CG robot that was used for the 3D replication. SWAY’s team needed to seamlessly integrate the CG robot into footage of the actual robot that had been filmed on set; therefore it was crucial that the model, animation, textures and lighting for the robot be extremely accurate and believable.

“Modeling something like the GM robot was challenging because all its parts and pieces have a specific fit and placement that does not always align to a XYZ work plane,” continued Glaser. “modo is very proficient because it allowed us to customize our work plane to the orientation needed on this project.”

The :60 “Robot” spot debuted during the Super Bowl and can be viewed online at www.gm.com. Still images from the project are posted on Luxology’s website at http://www.luxology.com/press/media/.

About modo
modo is an innovative 3D modeling, painting and rendering software designed to accelerate the creation of world-class models, associated color and normal maps and ultra high-quality renderings. modo’s modern workflow and advanced toolset easily deliver enhanced productivity for 3D artists working in game development, film visual effects, video production, graphic arts and design visualization. A free 30-day full-featured evaluation version of modo is available for immediate download from modo3d.com.

About SWAY Studio
SWAY Studio is one of the top visual effects shops in North America. SWAY’s aim is to help advertising agencies eliminate traditional views of how their products are seen and enable creative teams to dream big — if it can be imagined, SWAY can make it happen. There is no limit to what SWAY can accomplish in a photo-real world. The goal is to sway the viewer into believing that everything is real with no thought about effects.

SWAY’s proprietary software, the SWAY Driving Simulator, has been used to create stunning visual effects and commercial spots for Chevy, Mazda, Pontiac, Hyundai, Hummer and Toyota. This software replicates the performance of any vehicle with complete precision.

Currently located in Westwood, Calf., SWAY is moving its headquarters to Culver City. For additional information on SWAY Studio, visit its website at www.swaystudio.com.

About Luxology
Based in San Mateo, Calif., Luxology® LLC is an independent technology company developing next-generation 3D content creation software that enhances productivity via artist-friendly tools powered by a modern underlying architecture. Founded in 2002 by Allen Hastings, Stuart Ferguson and Brad Peebler, Luxology is home to some of the top 3D engineering expertise in the industry. More information on Luxology, its flagship product modo™, a gallery of artists’ images and the active modo community is available online at www.modo3d.com.

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© Copyright 2007 Luxology LLC. modo is a trademark of Luxology LLC., in the USA and/or other countries.  All products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

For more information, press only:

Liaison Inc.
Scotti McGowan, (604) 929-8498, Press Contact

Reader contact:

Luxology, LLC
1670 South Amphlett Blvd Suite 214
San Mateo, CA 94402

(650) 378-8506
info@luxology.com
http://www.modo3d.com

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modo is a registered trademark of Luxology LLC., in the USA and/or other countries.
All products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.