New Resources Make Sapphire Even Easier to Learn, with Minimal Time Investment

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—August 25, 2009—GenArts Inc., the premier provider of specialized visual effects software for the film, television and video industries, announced today the availability of new training videos and tutorials for GenArts Sapphire™ and Monsters™ users. Available immediately, these new resources include:
Complete Training for GenArts Sapphire from Class on Demand

First announced at NAB in April 2009, this title features more than four hours of in-depth, hands-on training for GenArts Sapphire on Adobe After Effects and Apple Final Cut Pro. The title, designed for both novice and experienced users, guides artists through the many effects and transitions found in Sapphire so they can harness the full power of the suite with a minimal time investment. Users learn how to use effects in every Sapphire category, and conclude by building a complete broadcast-ready promo spot. All footage and project files are included. The product retails for $129 USD and is available as a digital download from Class on Demand at http://www.classondemand.net/ClassOnDemand/GenArts-training/sapphire.aspx, or as a DVD from Toolfarm at http://toolfarm.stores.yahoo.net/clondecotrfo15.html.

Fifteen tutorials for GenArts Sapphire for Adobe After Effects and Apple Final Cut Pro

These new free tutorials offer helpful tips and tricks for many of Sapphire’s most popular effects such as LensFlare, RackDefocus and FilmDamage. These tutorials are available as free digital downloads. After Effects users should visit http://genarts.com/product/tutorials/sapphire/ae, and Final Cut Pro users should visit http://genarts.com/product/tutorials/sapphire/fcp. Check in frequently as we are always adding more.

The Monsters Companion Pack for Autodesk systems Reviewer’s Guide

This tutorial offers a comprehensive 10-minute overview of many of the sparks in the Monsters Companion Pack for Autodesk Flame and Smoke users. The tutorial includes demos of Flare, PixFly, TV, Brush and Smoke. Ideal for use alongside the free Monsters trial version, Autodesk artists can leverage this tutorial to quickly see professional results in a limited amount of time. The reviewer’s guide is available as a free digital download at http://www.genarts.com/product/tutorials/monsters/companion.

“Since my work is always tied to a tight deadline, I seldom have extra time to explore in depth the tools I use to create visual effects,” said Jim Geduldick, Sr. DI Artist at Offhollywood NY. “As a result, I know I’m missing out on some incredible features GenArts Sapphire has to offer. The Complete Training for GenArts Sapphire from Class on Demand gives me an easy way to learn how to tap into the depth of Sapphire’s features and dramatically enhance my productivity.”

“GenArts provides the powerful tools that the world’s best artists use every day to bring the world’s greatest stories to life,” said Steve Bannerman, CMO of GenArts. “The availability of these new training resources will help ensure that both long-time GenArts customers, as well as new users exploring a trial, have the opportunity to experience the full potential of Sapphire and Monsters and feel the inspiration that brings magic to every frame.”

Since the company’s founding in 1996, GenArts’ software has been utilized in hundreds of films, television broadcasts and commercials, including more than 20 Oscar-nominated pieces such as Titanic; I, Robot; Armageddon; Star Wars Episode I, II and III; The Matrix trilogy; The Lord of the Rings trilogy; Pearl Harbor; Spider Man; Pirates of the Caribbean; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; Transformers; The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; and many more.

About GenArts
GenArts, Inc. is the premier provider of specialized digital visual effects for the film, broadcast and video industries. The GenArts Sapphire, Monsters and Raptors portfolio equips digital artists with a collection of state-of-the-art image processing and synthesis effects such as: glows, light rays, lens flares, lightning, film damage, fire and fluid effects. The effects seamlessly integrate as software plug-ins into leading editing and compositing systems from Adobe, Apple, Avid, Autodesk, Assimilate, Eyeon, FilmLight, The Foundry, Quantel and SGO. The company was founded in 1996 in Cambridge, Mass. www.genarts.com.