RenderMan, Pixar's acclaimed rendering software, has been an industry standard for visual effects and animation. At the recent SIGGRAPH conference in Vancouver, excitement was palpable as Pixar introduced RenderMan 27, along with its revolutionary XPU rendering engine that harnesses both CPU and GPU capabilities. In an exclusive interview, Dylan Sisson, Marketing Manager at Pixar Animation Studios, shared insights on the advancements and features of this latest iteration of RenderMan. ## The Evolution of RenderMan RenderMan has a storied history in the realms of animation and visual effects. Since its launch, it has continually evolved, adapting to the needs of artists and studios around the globe. RenderMan 27 marks another significant leap forward, focusing on speed and efficiency—two critical factors in today’s fast-paced production environments. With the increasing complexity of scenes and the demand for higher quality visuals, RenderMan 27 is designed to meet these challenges head-on. ### What’s New in RenderMan 27? The most notable feature of RenderMan 27 is the introduction of the XPU rendering engine. XPU allows for seamless integration of CPU and GPU resources, effectively doubling down on performance while maintaining the high-quality output that RenderMan is known for. This hybrid rendering approach not only accelerates rendering times but also optimizes resource usage, making it an ideal solution for studios looking to streamline their workflows. #### Key Features of RenderMan 27 1. **Hybrid Rendering with XPU**: The most talked-about enhancement, XPU, allows artists to leverage both CPU and GPU power. This flexibility means that complex scenes can be rendered faster, freeing up artists to focus on creativity rather than wait times. 2. **Improved User Interface**: RenderMan 27 introduces an updated user interface that simplifies navigation and enhances usability. The new UI is designed to cater to both seasoned professionals and newcomers, making it easier to access features and tools. 3. **Enhanced Material and Light Features**: The new version comes with updated materials and lighting features, allowing for more realistic rendering. This includes advancements in light sampling and new shaders that provide artists with greater control over their scenes. 4. **Robust Support for Modern Workflows**: RenderMan 27 is compatible with modern 3D applications, ensuring that artists can integrate it into their existing pipelines without a hitch. This compatibility is crucial for studios that rely on various software tools to create their projects. 5. **Real-Time Capabilities**: The addition of real-time rendering functionalities means that artists can now see changes and adjustments instantly, which significantly enhances the iterative process during production. ### The Impact on Animation and Visual Effects The advancements in RenderMan 27 and the introduction of XPU are set to have a profound impact on the animation and visual effects industry. By enabling faster rendering times and better resource management, studios can produce higher-quality content in shorter timeframes. This shift not only enhances productivity but also allows for more ambitious projects, as artists can experiment with intricate designs and effects without the constraint of long render times. #### Case Studies: Real-World Applications Several studios have already begun to adopt RenderMan 27 in their workflows. Early adopters report increased efficiency and a noticeable reduction in rendering times, enabling them to meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality. For instance, a major animated feature that previously took weeks to render can now be completed in a fraction of that time, thanks to the hybrid capabilities of the XPU engine. This transformation allows artists to push creative boundaries and deliver stunning visuals that captivate audiences. ### What This Means for Future Developments As Pixar continues to innovate, the release of RenderMan 27 serves as a testament to the studio’s commitment to supporting the creative community. The advancements made with XPU not only enhance the current capabilities of RenderMan but also set the stage for future developments in rendering technology. The integration of AI and machine learning is on the horizon, and as these technologies become more prevalent, we can expect RenderMan to evolve even further. The potential for real-time AI-assisted rendering could revolutionize the way artists work, making the creative process more dynamic and interactive. ## Conclusion RenderMan 27 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of rendering technology. With its hybrid XPU engine, improved features, and commitment to artist efficiency, Pixar has once again set the standard for the industry. The ability to combine CPU and GPU rendering not only enhances performance but also empowers creators to focus more on their artistic vision. As studios continue to embrace these advancements, the future of animation and visual effects looks brighter than ever. By incorporating RenderMan 27 into their workflows, artists can look forward to a more streamlined, efficient, and creative production process, allowing them to bring their imaginative worlds to life with unprecedented speed and quality. Tags: RenderMan, Pixar, XPU, animation, visual effects, rendering software, SIGGRAPH, computer graphics, rendering technology Source: https://3dvf.com/interview-video-pixar-nous-devoile-renderman-27-du-rendu-plus-rapide-plus-efficace/