SIGGRAPH: KICKSTAND OFFERS SPECIAL PRICING IN CONJUNCTION WITH SHOW
The tool introduces new techniques into the character pipeline and gives polygonal geometry a "stretchy" quality for improved control over the movement and skin elasticity of 3D characters.
Implemented as a standard deformer in Maya, StretchMesh 1.5 features advanced relational vertex and shape preservation technology, offering users the ability to create smooth character deformations. The plug-in takes advantage of multi-threading in Maya 2009 software, and incorporates several new features for advanced character animation, including greater flexibility and performance when animating collisions with primitive sphere and primitive curve colliders; the ability to paint an influence on a collision object for per-vertex control over collision behaviors; and curve attractors that provide the ability to pull vertices toward the closest point on a curve. A "Scale Safe" mode allows users to scale a mesh while safely preserving its initial shape.
Kickstand is offering this introductory $199 per-seat price through September 30th. After that, the price will increase to $249.