DNEG plans to launch xSTUDIO as open-source project

VFX and animation studio DNEG has outlined plans for the upcoming launch of xSTUDIO, a modern, flexible and feature-rich playback and review application designed to meet the needs of content creators throughout the production process.

Currently in development at DNEG, xSTUDIO will replace all other image review tools across DNEG’s content creation pipeline, allowing individuals and teams to review shots, edits and grades in a single, unified application on all desktop platforms and operating systems (Linux, Mac and Windows).

DNEG is intending to publish xSTUDIO as an open-source project, allowing each industry partner and filmmaking team to integrate the application into its own pipeline, with a view to encouraging the adoption of the tool as the new industry-standard toolset for collaborative review.

“From its conception, xSTUDIO was designed to allow everyone working in the media creation industries to collaborate seamlessly,” said Chas Jarrett, Senior VFX Supervisor, DNEG. “VFX supervisors, artists, directors, DPs, studio executives, producers – we all look at images every day in many different ways. xSTUDIO will give us a common industry toolset for organising and displaying all types of media, annotating and editing them, and then securely sharing the results with each other, on our laptops, in screening rooms or over the internet.”

Expected to launch as an open source beta application later this year, xSTUDIO will be available for free download and use, offering DNEG’s industry partners the ability to contribute features and workflows to support their own specific needs.

“Our teams across the globe design, create, animate and submit thousands of visual effects shots and animation sequences across multiple projects every day,” said Paul Salvini, Global Chief Technology Officer, DNEG. “In xSTUDIO we have created a modern, flexible, feature-rich playback and review application that we hope will become the new industry standard. By freely sharing xSTUDIO as an open source project with our clients and our industry partners we are encouraging everyone to use and develop the toolset, so that we all benefit from the collective expertise in our community.”

xSTUDIO will feature a modern, feature-rich and pipeline-agnostic core application, while also providing a full Python API, C++ plugin framework and extensive use of open-source libraries to allow contributors full control of its integration into their pipelines.

“By developing xSTUDIO and releasing it as an open-source project, DNEG has created an opportunity for greater collaboration and more efficient workflows for content creation teams across our industry,” added Namit Malhotra, DNEG Chairman and CEO. “Built specifically for filmmakers by filmmakers, we are thrilled to launch this innovative, flexible platform that will support substantial efficiencies and advancements in our craft.”