Kickstand, innovators of the popular StretchMesh plug-in for Autodesk Maya software, announced today it has launched a campaign to evolve StretchMesh Surface Deformaton software into Open Source technology. By making the source code available to the 3D community, Kickstand opens the door for artists working in Maya to incorporate the surface deformation technology into their 3D workflow. The StretchMesh Open Source initiative also allows programmers and developers of software programs such as Autodesk 3D Studio Max and Softimage, NewTek LightWave, Luxology modo, and Maxon Cinema 4D to incorporate advanced surface deformation functionality in future product releases.

Kickstand invites the 3D community to support the StretchMesh Open Source campaign today by visiting: http://www.indiegogo.com/StretchMesh-for-Autodesk-Maya.

About StretchMesh

A powerful surface deformation plug-in designed to seamlessly integrate with Maya 3D modeling and animation software, StretchMesh introduces new techniques into the character pipeline and gives polygonal geometry a “stretchy” quality for better control over the movement and skin elasticity of 3D modeled characters.

Implemented as a standard deformer in Maya software, StretchMesh features advanced relational vertex and shape preservation technology, offering animators and technical directors working in feature film, broadcast and game development the ability to create smooth character deformations using Maya software.

StretchMesh takes advantage of multi-threading in Maya software, and incorporates several 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.
• Curve attractors provide the ability to pull vertices toward the closest point on a curve.
• A “Scale Safe” mode that allows users to scale a mesh while safely preserving its initial shape.

?

For more details about StretchMesh, please visit www.kickstand.tv.

About Kickstand

Kickstand is an innovative character research and development company producing custom animation and pipeline technology for leading visual effects and film studios worldwide. Founded by experts in feature animation, video game development, television, and commercial production, Kickstand specializes in commercial and custom software development for advanced 3D modeling and animation and offers consultation services to help solve complex production pipeline issues, create technical assets, and develop specialized tools for 3D modeling and animation.