Leading visual effects and computer graphics software developer, The Foundry has launched MARI 2.0, a revolutionary version of its 3D digital paint tool that introduces a brand new, artist-focused layer system. 
Staying true to MARI’s roots this major release is focused on enhancing the painting experience for 3D artists. The addition of the new layer system means MARI is easier to use than ever before and will be a familiar working environment for users of Adobe® Photoshop® and other layer based paint tools.
Jack Greasley, MARI Product Manager at The Foundry comments:
“We have spent a long time working on the nuts and bolts of this layer system for MARI and we believe 2.0 surpasses anything else on the market today. We wanted to really push the limits and give artists a working environment that feels both familiar and revolutionary at the same time.”
Inside MARI’s layer system
The layer system has all the features artists expect from the most advanced layer based workflows available today and much more.
The streamlined Layer View in MARI 2.0 introduces powerful grouping, tagging and filtering options making even highly complex stacks easy to navigate and control.
Procedural Layers let artists easily create the look they want, seamlessly blending procedural and painted detail with the same toolkit. The possibilities are endless.
Going beyond the functionality of any existing software on the market, every layer has its own Mask Group. Every mask is effectively a full layer stack in its own right, allowing artists to use blending, groups, adjustments and procedurals in all their masks.
Shared Layers mean artists can cut down on the bookkeeping that goes hand in hand with reusing layers and masks. Now they can simply share the layer within a stack and any changes they make can be automatically updated across the rest.
Justin Holt, Lead Texture Artist at Image Engine comments
“This is the version that we have all been patiently waiting for. I have to say that it has been an absolute joy to use MARI 2.0. With the introduction of the new layer system, texture painters will be welcomed with a warm feeling of nostalgia from the days of painting in Photoshop alongside a renewed sense of excitement for the potential of what they will be able to paint, entirely non-destructively, with this revolutionary version of MARI.”
Jens Kafitz, Senior Texture Artist at Weta Digital comments:
“The new layer system in MARI 2.0 enhances the way you can work with masks and adjustment layers and is consistent with what you would find with Photoshop. There is also good compatibility between the two applications making the back and forth easier. A new projection mask system and new caching features to help manage the data on complex assets are also great additions to the new version of MARI.”
MARI 2.0 is available immediately for download. Find out more here.
About MARI and its history
MARI is the most fluid and natural way to paint in 3D. It makes life simple for artists by allowing them to paint directly onto 3D models. It is capable of handling super high-resolution textures and millions of polygons without slowing artists down.
Originally developed at Weta Digital the software is production proven and was designed to meet the needs of even the most challenging VFX projects. The Foundry took over development of MARI in April 2010 and released MARI 1.0 in July that year. Today the software is widely used in the film industry and beyond. MARI was the primary 3D paint tool used on 9 of the 10 features shortlisted in the category of ‘Visual Effects’ in the 2013 Academy Awards® including The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Avengers and Prometheus.
About The Foundry / Luxology
The Foundry was established in 1996. It is now the fastest-growing company in its field today, and is internationally renowned for its product design and collaborative and open approach to development.
Led by CEO Bill Collis and a management team that still includes the original founders, The Foundry is backed by The Carlyle Group with a substantial portion still owned by the staff.
In September 2012, The Foundry merged with Luxology, an independent US-based technology company. Together they develop award-winning computer graphics and visual effects (VFX) software used globally by leading artists and designers. The portfolio lets users create inspiring and technical high-end visuals across a wide range of industries including film, TV, commercial and games, as well as the CAD, design and architecture markets.
The Foundry has a stable of award-winning 2D and 3D VFX software including its industry standard compositor NUKE. Luxology is well known for its innovative 3D modelling and rendering technology and its flagship product, MODO.
The Foundry has established itself as a critical partner to major feature film studios and post production houses worldwide including The Mill, ILM, The Moving Picture Company, Walt Disney Animation, Weta Digital, Framestore, Sony Pictures Imageworks and Digital Domain.
The company's products have been used to create breathtaking effects sequences on a wide range of features, television projects and commercials. High profile examples include the 2012 Oscar® winners, HUGO (Best Visual Effects) and Rango (Best Animated Feature Film) as well as the EMMY award winning Boardwalk Empire.
In 2012 the company made the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 for the third year, ranking in 70th position. The Foundry is a finalist for the 2012 National Business Awards’ Blackberry Growth Strategy of the Year award. In 2011 The Foundry also placed in The Sunday Times International Track at number 54, made the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 list for the first time and was awarded a laureate in the Computerworld Honours.
© The Foundry, its logo and product names are registered trademarks in the UK, USA and/or other countries. © Copyright 2002 – 2012 Luxology LLC. MODO and Nexus are registered trademarks of Luxology LLC., in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.