Find out how RenderAtelier employed Vantage to create an animation for the TESVOLT gigafactory project, meeting deadlines thanks to swift rendering speeds.Summary:RenderAtelier, a Berlin, Germany-based visualization company, was established in 2011.The company was commissioned to create an animation for TESVOLTs gigafactory, which will produce stationary battery storage systems.Alongside its regular workflow using 3ds Max and Corona, RenderAtelier took the opportunity to use Vantageits first in-depth experience with the tool.With a tight deadline, Vantage enabled the team to create quick previews, secure fast storyboard approval, and meet the one-month deadline.In 2011, Dimitri Klein founded RenderAtelier.net to bridge the gap between architectural design and visual storytelling. Since then, the company has grown into a team of 10 professionals working on projects that have won numerous competitions and awards for a client base across Germany and Europe.When it comes to project selection, Dimitri proudly states, There are no impossible tasks for us. He explains that their close collaboration with architects from the early stages of a project allows them to create compelling images and animations for marketing campaigns.After being tasked with visualizing TESVOLTs gigafactory, RenderAtelier saw an opportunity to integrate Vantage into its regular 3ds Max and Corona workflow. Using Vantage allowed the team to generate quick previews and secure quick approval on the storyboard, ensuring they could meet their tight one-month deadline.

Get started with V-Ray https://bit.ly/TryVRay In this tutorial, well walk you through three different methods for modeling realistic roof tiles in SketchUp: Hand Modeling Full control over design and shading Displacement Maps Quick and flexible for different patterns V-Ray Enmesh High-quality results with minimal memory usageWell also cover texturing, shading, and rendering techniques using V-Ray, so you can make your roof tiles look ultra-realistic.00:00 Introduction00:19 Hand Modeling03:45 Displacement Maps05:35 V-Ray Enmesh------------------------------------------------------------------------------Imagine. Design. Believe.Chaos provides world-class visualization solutions helping you share ideas, optimize workflows and create immersive experiences. Everything you need to visualize your ideas from start to finish. From architecture and VFX to product design and e-commerce, Chaos empowers creators to bring their projects to life.Our industry-leading tools, including V-Ray, Enscape, and Corona, are built for architects, designers, AEC professionals, and CG artists. Whether youre crafting photorealistic visuals, immersive real-time experiences, or cinematic VFX, Chaos delivers the power and flexibility to render anything. Explore Chaos products https://bit.ly/ExploreChaos Get started with V-Ray https://bit.ly/TryVRay Learn more & get free tutorials https://bit.ly/ChaosWebinars Subscribe for the latest updates! Follow us: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ChaosLinkedIn Instagram: https://bit.ly/ChaosIG Facebook: https://bit.ly/Chaos_Facebook #Chaos #Vray #3DRendering #Visualization

Get started with V-Ray https://bit.ly/TryVRay Create 3D environments faster, optimize your BIM workflows, and create immersive experiences for your clients. Meet V-Ray 7. Faster scene creation with 3D Gaussian Splatting, seamlessly integrating and rendering captures of intricate 3D environments and objects. Point cloud rendering in Revit, ensuring precise, realistic integration of scanned data and survey models. Enhanced creative control in the VFB with custom render regions, a new Vignette Layer, and color correction presets. Advanced scattering tools with greater control over object placement, distribution, and randomization for more dynamic, realistic scenes. Powerful texture layering system for unlimited texture creation. Faster GPU rendering with optimized time to first pixel. Panorama Virtual Tours available in Chaos Cloud for creating immersive experiences for clients or peers. And more.00:00 - Intro00:11 - Gaussian Splats00:55 - Point Cloud Rendering01:05 - Chaos Scatter Enhancements03:13 - Shading Enhancements04:29 - VFB Improvements06:26 - GPU Improvements06:55 - Virtual Tours---------------------------------------------------------------------------Imagine. Design. Believe.Chaos provides world-class visualization solutions helping you share ideas, optimize workflows and create immersive experiences. Everything you need to visualize your ideas from start to finish. From architecture and VFX to product design and e-commerce, Chaos empowers creators to bring their projects to life.Our industry-leading tools, including V-Ray, Enscape, and Corona, are built for architects, designers, AEC professionals, and CG artists. Whether youre crafting photorealistic visuals, immersive real-time experiences, or cinematic VFX, Chaos delivers the power and flexibility to render anything. Explore Chaos products https://bit.ly/ExploreChaos Get started with V-Ray https://bit.ly/TryVRay Learn more & get free tutorials https://bit.ly/ChaosWebinars Subscribe for the latest updates! Follow us: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ChaosLinkedIn Instagram: https://bit.ly/ChaosIG Facebook: https://bit.ly/Chaos_Facebook #Chaos #Vray #3DRendering #Visualization

Create photoreal environments faster, elevate your BIM workflow, and wow your clients with captivating virtual tours.V-Ray 7 for Revit is here, bringing new features to speed up your visualization workflow, enhance realism, and provide more control over your final renders. Whether you're an architect, lighting designer, or archviz specialist, this update is designed to transform how you create by speeding up 3D environment creation, optimizing BIM workflows, and helping deliver immersive client experiences.What's new in V-Ray 7 for Revit?1. Fast environment building with Gaussian SplatsV-Ray 7 offers Gaussian splats, a technology that generates 3D environments and background elements with incredible speed. This means that you can now add realistic scenery to your project quicker than ever beforeperfect for tight deadlines.2. Precision with point cloud renderingSeamlessly integrate scan data into your Revit project with point cloud rendering. Visualize objects with unmatched precision and accuracy, ensuring alignment between design models and survey data. No more guessworkjust high-fidelity results.3. Enhanced visual control with new VFB featuresThe V-Ray Frame Buffer (VFB) has been upgraded with powerful tools to give you greater control over your images. New color correction filters, a dedicated vignette layer, and an improved curve editor let you fine-tune your renders directly in V-Ray, reducing the need to use a third-party post-processing tool. Need to make quick adjustments without rendering the entire scene over again? The new freeform render region lets you select any custom polygon shape and refine just that area, saving you valuable time.4. Enhanced scattering for more realistic rendersBring your designs to life with advanced scattering tools. Gain greater control over object placement, distribution, and randomization, making it easier to create detailed and dynamic environments without tedious manual work.5. Layered textures for greater creative flexibilityV-Ray 7 introduces layered textures, letting you blend multiple textures seamlesslyjust like in Photoshop. Now, creating complex materials is faster and more intuitive than ever.6. Advanced gradients creationEnhanced gradient texture enables the creation of more complex and advanced gradients, streamlining workflows.7. Immersive client presentations with virtual toursShowcase your designs in a whole new way with interactive virtual tours. Collaborate in a single place and create immersive experiences featuring hotspots, highlights to guide clients to focal points, and floor plan navigation, all directly from V-Ray, eliminating the need for third-party apps.Optimized for performanceV-Ray 7 isnt just about new featuresit also brings major performance enhancements:Faster GPU rendering with reduced time to first pixel.An optimized V-Ray Swarm has been integrated within the Asset Editor for even better performance, making distributed rendering easier than ever.Transform how you createReady to take your Revit renders to the next level? Experience the power of V-Ray 7 for Revita fast and intuitive renderer designed to deliver stunningly realistic results.Learn more about all the new features.Download V-Ray 7 for Revit.Try V-Ray 7 for Revit for free.Elevate your BIM workflow.Try V-Ray for Revit without limits and free for 30 days.Try now

Key Milestones (20192020)Release of Corona for Cinema 4DIn 2019, Corona for Cinema 4D had its first commercial release (Corona Renderer 3). Like the 3ds Max version, it was available for free during early development.The loss of Jaroslav2019 also brought a tragic lossJaroslav passed away due to an accident. He was a brilliant researcher and a true gentleman. His contributions are still remembered today, with an annual rendathon event held in his honor.Adams departureIn 2020, Adam left the company for health reasons, another significant loss. His personality and approach to community engagement were fundamental to Corona's identity. His legacy still influences how the team interacts with users.

Get started with V-Ray https://bit.ly/TryVRay In this tutorial, well show you step-by-step how to upload 360 panoramas from the V-Ray Frame Buffer directly into Chaos Cloud Collaboration and turn them into a fully immersive experience.What Youll Learn: How to upload 360 panorama images from V-Ray to Chaos Cloud How to create a virtual tour using Chaos Cloud Collaboration The difference between manual and auto-generated hotspots How to add highlights and extra information inside your tour------------------------------------------------------------------------------Imagine. Design. Believe.Chaos provides world-class visualization solutions helping you share ideas, optimize workflows and create immersive experiences. Everything you need to visualize your ideas from start to finish. From architecture and VFX to product design and e-commerce, Chaos empowers creators to bring their projects to life.Our industry-leading tools, including V-Ray, Enscape, and Corona, are built for architects, designers, AEC professionals, and CG artists. Whether youre crafting photorealistic visuals, immersive real-time experiences, or cinematic VFX, Chaos delivers the power and flexibility to render anything. Explore Chaos products https://bit.ly/ExploreChaos Get started with V-Ray https://bit.ly/TryVRay Learn more & get free tutorials https://bit.ly/ChaosWebinars Subscribe for the latest updates! Follow us: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ChaosLinkedIn Instagram: https://bit.ly/ChaosIG Facebook: https://bit.ly/Chaos_Facebook #Chaos #Vray #3DRendering #Visualization

Meet AfroVFX, the organization bringing free 3D and VFX education to Africa and introducing the world to a continent of untapped talent.Founded by Ddy Bilamba and Eric M'Boua in 2022, AfroVFX aims to bridge the gap between Africa and the global CGI industry. With support from partners like Chaos, AfroVFX empowers and enables a new generation of African artists and animators. Read on to learn more about AfroVFX, its programs' impact, and how Chaos's sponsorship via the Vivid Voices community program is helping it grow.The Road to Founding AfroVFXGrowing up in the African diaspora, Ddy Bilamba and Eric M'Boua always wanted to find a way to use their Western industry knowledge to give back to the continent. Ddy, currently the Program Director at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, and Eric, who has extensive experience in radio and television and event production, were uniquely positioned to help make a difference.AfroVFXAfter being asked to speak at the Abidjan Film Summit four years ago, the pair realized there was a significant opportunity to grow VFX expertise in Africa, especially utilizing the network they had in Canada. "Eric and I said, this is exactly what we have to bring back to the continentthat VFX expertise, to make it belong, to make it go to the next level, and help creators share the most amazing African stories to the world."They knew they wouldn't be introducing the concept of visual effects and animation to Africa. ("No, no, they didn't wait for us," says Ddy. They crack any software they can get!" he laughs.) But what the pair would bring was connections to the international market, opportunities to meet mentors, travel, and learnand they would offer it all for free.So, in 2022, Eric and Ddy's vision became a reality with the launch of AfroVFX cohort #1 from its base in Cte d'Ivoire. They started with a cohort of 20 students, including eight women, whittled down from a pool of over 500 applications. Over a four-month intensive course the students were molded by world class online instructors who included Abdou Sako (Rebel Moon, Pacific Rim), Mlanie Pango (Pinocchio, Godzilla vs. Kong), and Stephane Jean-Mary (Jurassic World Dominion, The Mandalorian). These instructors trained the students in industry-standard tools like Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and Unreal Engine to create world-class talent ready to support local and international industries.Chaos Supporting New Talent and AfroVFXAs a supporter of initiatives to grow and diversify the industrys talent pool, Chaos is always looking for new ways to empower the community. After a chance meeting with Ddy and Eric, Chaos quickly partnered with AfroVFX through the Vivid Voices program. This initiative aims to uplift and support artists from underrepresented communities and help them transition from studies to work.AfroVFXThis partnership has enabled AfroVFX students to achieve success. Thanks to funding from Chaos and other supporters, AfroVFX provides students with free training, mentoring, licences, transportation, meals, and a stipend. This wraparound support means students can fully dedicate themselves to the program without financial barriers. While the course is taught via Zoom, AfroVFX also offers a dedicated training space at the Orange Digital Center (the company is another AfroVFX sponsor), ensuring students have reliable equipment and avoid issues like power or internet outages. Being together also allows students to form bonds and networks for their future work.The success of this approach is already evident. Student groups have completed ambitious projects, such as the pilot for the Djossi Heroes short film. This project, which combined live-action documentary with 2D and 3D animation, won the Sony Talent League competition after catching the eye of the judging panel, and led to AfroVFX students traveling to Spain and Japan.In addition, Chaos also provided 20 licenses for V-Ray for Maya, introducing a future cohort of students to a powerful rendering tool used by studios worldwide. This access allows students to further grow their technical skills and better prepare themselves for real-world projects.AfroVFX and Chaos Present: LISOLOOne of the most exciting things to come out of the partnership between AfroVFX and Chaos was LISOLO, AfroVFXs flagship event. LISOLO, which means story in the Lingala language, brought together young African artists, giving them a platform to showcase their work, network, and learn from studios, incubators, experts, and other industry professionals.AfroVFXThe event welcomed guests like Andrew Roberts, VFX supervisor at ILM; Hamid Ibrahim, CEO of Kugali Media; and Nosipho Maketo van de Braght, CEO of Chocolate Tribe. Attendees participated in workshops, listened to panels and presentations, shared their projects, and received actionable feedback.With Chaoss support, the inaugural LISOLO event was a resounding success. AfroVFX is now planning the second edition for 2025, which will include workshops and masterclasses with international guests, a pitch competition for 3D animated film projects, and the Mission to Morocco challenge, combining AI and human creativity and focusing on the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.AfroVFXs Vision for the FutureLISOLO isnt the only thing AfroVFX has planned for 2025. Applications are about to open for cohort #3, which will be open to participants across Africa. So far, the program has trained 48 students from Cte d'Ivoire, including 16 women thanks to its Animazones initiative. Expanding the program Africa-wide will help foster a sense of community and collaboration among African artists.AfroVFXThis new cohort will work on Akwabee, a three-minute short film mixing live-action and 3D animation. The goal of Akwabee is to teach artists to work in a production pipeline, using tools and methods at an international standard. The final product will debut at LISOLO 2025.Looking AheadAs AfroVFX prepares for its third cohort, the organizations journey is just beginning. With ambitious plans for expansion and continued support from partners like Chaos, AfroVFX is poised to make an even greater impact on the global CGI industry.To learn more about AfroVFXs mission, support their programs, or explore student work, visit their website and follow them on social media. And to discover more about Chaoss community initiatives, check out the Chaos Community Hub.Visit the Chaos community hubJoin us in our journey to make the world a more vibrant place through art and innovation.Learn more

Oliver Markowski, Head of 3D at RISE, returns to the podcast to dive deep into the latest advancements in VFX technology. Since his last appearance, the industry has seen major shifts, and Oliver shares insights on how USD and MaterialX have evolved, shaping how studios exchange data and build pipelines. He discusses the adoption of USD across the industry, from major VFX houses to tech giants like NVIDIA and Apple, and the challenges of standardizing MaterialX for real-world production. Oliver also provides an update on RISEs latest projects, including their work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Megalopolis, and the highly anticipated Fallout series.A major focus of the conversation is the use of Gaussian Splats and how they are revolutionizing virtual production and 3D asset capture. Oliver explains how this technique has surpassed neural radiance fields (NeRFs) in efficiency, enabling real-time 3D reconstruction with remarkable accuracy. He explores its potential to replace traditional polygon-based workflows and the challenges of integrating Gaussian Splats into existing VFX pipelines. With fascinating insights into real-time rendering, AI-driven workflows, and the future of digital filmmaking, this episode is a must-listen for anyone following the cutting edge of VFX innovation.Links:Rise >Oliver Markowski on LinkedIn >Oliver Markowski on IMDB >

Get started with V-Ray https://bit.ly/TryVRay In this tutorial, well break down the full process of creating 3D Gaussian Splats from 2D images or video footage, then rendering them in 3ds Max using V-Ray. Gaussian splatting is a new technique for generating photo-realistic 3D environments, and well show you exactly how to do it!---------------------------------------------------------------------------Imagine. Design. Believe.Chaos provides world-class visualization solutions helping you share ideas, optimize workflows and create immersive experiences. Everything you need to visualize your ideas from start to finish. From architecture and VFX to product design and e-commerce, Chaos empowers creators to bring their projects to life.Our industry-leading tools, including V-Ray, Enscape, and Corona, are built for architects, designers, AEC professionals, and CG artists. Whether youre crafting photorealistic visuals, immersive real-time experiences, or cinematic VFX, Chaos delivers the power and flexibility to render anything. Explore Chaos products https://bit.ly/ExploreChaos Get started with V-Ray https://bit.ly/TryVRay Learn more & get free tutorials https://bit.ly/ChaosWebinars Subscribe for the latest updates! Follow us: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ChaosLinkedIn Instagram: https://bit.ly/ChaosIG Facebook: https://bit.ly/Chaos_Facebook #Chaos #Vray #3DRendering #Visualization

Try V-Ray 7 for Rhino: https://www.chaos.com/vray/rhino Watch this video to explore the cutting-edge 3D Gaussian Splatting technology in V-Ray 7 for Rhino! Learn how to seamlessly incorporate and render intricate captures of complex 3D environments and objects. Perfect for designing realistic backgrounds and immersive 3D scenes.

6. Apply the finishing touchesRotate your scene around to establish the best angles, and make any final tweaks to the positioning and lighting.Achieve photoreal renders with Gaussian SplattingUsing Gaussian Splats is a great way to blend objects into realistic environments without heavy geometry. Experiment with different settings to achieve the best results! This is just one of many new features in V-Ray 7 for SketchUp. Stay tuned for more tutorials!

Try V-Ray 7 for Rhino: https://www.chaos.com/vray/rhino How to use Material Override in V-Ray 7 for Rhino to simplify test renders by replacing all scene materials with a single color or material. Learn to maintain key material properties and apply stylized presets, making iterations faster and more efficient.

Say hello to Gaussian Splatting (GS) a game-changing 3D rendering technique that's been turning heads for its jaw-dropping realism and lightning-fast performance! Unlike the old-school methods that rely on polygons or complicated neural networks, GS takes a fresh approach by using millions of tiny, translucent ellipsoids known as Gaussian splats to create a scene. Think of each splat as a little pixel with its own personalitypacked with info like position, color, size, and transparency. When all these splats come together, they blend so smoothly youd swear theyre one seamless masterpiece, perfectly capturing the essence of the scene.How does Gaussian Splatting work?Creating a Gaussian Splat (GS) model is a bit like a high-tech version of photogrammetry. It all starts by capturing multiple photos or videos of an object or scene from different angles. These images are then analyzed to figure out the camera positions and generate a preliminary 3D point cloud of the scene, a process known as Structure from Motion (SfM). But here's where it gets interesting instead of sticking with basic points, each one in the cloud gets upgraded into a Gaussian splat. Think of these splats not as simple points, but as tiny ellipsoids, each with its own unique properties, ready to form part of the stunning 3D scene:Position: Determines where the splat is located in 3D space.Shape and Size: Dictates how the splat stretches or scales, allowing it to represent fine details.Color: Stores the splat's color information, which may vary depending on the viewing angle.Transparency: Defines how transparent the splat is, essential for blending multiple splats.

Make your mark in archviz: Find your niche, build a standout portfolio, and position yourself for success with these practical tips, which will get you one step closer to your dream job.When it comes to making a name for yourself in archviz, persistence is key. It can feel overwhelming at times, and it may take a lot of time and effort, but in the end, having your work seen and appreciated for your unique style and artistic skill pays off. This article will help navigate you in the right direction when you are just starting out building your brand and give you some helpful tips to inspire and encourage you in your creative journey toward a successful career in archviz.Starting out in archvizArchviz is a field full of opportunities. As competition for studio internships and job positions rises, you may wonder where to begin. The good news is that it is all up to you! Ask yourself what type of projects you would like to work on and what gets your creative juices flowing, and start building a portfolio of projects that reflect your design interests and style. After all, once you land that dream job, you may not have as much time for personal projects, so embrace the creative freedom, experiment freely, and be bold.Its normal not to have any ideas at first, but make a habit of immersing yourself in other artists' work and being more observant. Inspiration might not come from a Pinterest post, but perhaps noticing a detail, such as the way the light bounces off a building on your morning commute. Or you may be on vacation laying outside your campervan, looking up at the starry sky, and suddenly realize how cool it would be to travel in space with a houseboat. And just like that, a floating thought fuels your next project. Speaking of campervans, Jake Denham, 3D Artist and Video Producer at Chaos, kickstarted his archviz journey by modeling campervans. Get inspired by his story in the From Zero to Hero recap video below.Finding your nicheTake a moment to think about what truly excites you about archviz. Is it using great interior design rendering software to create sleek interiors? Modeling rustic wooden cabins? Or maybe its creating archviz experiences through film. When you pursue what youre genuinely passionate about, it shows in your work, and thats what people connect with. Finding your niche may not always be the most obvious path and thats okay. Remember to be patient with yourself, and in time, you will find that area where your skills and passions collide. Once you establish what that is, you can start honing your skills.Formal education vs. self-learningTheres an ongoing debate in the 3D world on formal education versus self-learning. Some people prefer structured learning through online courses like Chaos Academy or a full-time program like the one offered by CG Spectrum, while others dive right in head-first by just experimenting and figuring out things as they go on their own. Both sides have valid benefits, but ultimately, it depends on your learning style. Are you more effective in a structured environment that has someone push you along who may provide deadlines, or do you learn better on your own? Being self-aware of this will definitely help you make the right choice in furthering your 3D skills in archviz.The power of mentorshipRegardless of your learning path, you should also consider the power of mentorship. Having someone with relevant archviz experience guide you, critique your work, and offer invaluable insights from their own journey, can make a huge difference in your professional growth. Having a mentor not only means that youll gain a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of archviz, but they will also help you develop a critical eye and learn to see your work through a different lenssomething you just cant get from a course or a textbook. Take the first step by joining Chaos Campus, our online community of CG creatives where you can connect with others who share your passion, find the mentorship you need, and grow in a supportive environment.Breaking into the industryWe've talked about finding your niche and honing your skills, but let's face it: When it comes to getting hired, it all boils down to your portfolio. Your portfolio is your chance to show potential clients what you are capable of. Here are some key things to keep in mind:Break away from the mold: Your projects need to reflect a distinctive and easily identifiable style that sets them apart from the competition. Experiment with various architectural rendering techniques to discover what resonates best with you.Seek inspiration outside of 3D: Broaden your horizons by looking for inspiration all around youin nature, the city, and disciplines like photography, fine art, music, and cinema.Master the technical: Be open to continuous learning to keep up with the latest archviz software and technologies, and practice regular constructive feedback in order to help you develop your technical skills.Build complete environments: Construct entire scenes before choosing angles. Leverage the freedom to explore and choose the best views just like a photographer navigating through the environment. Use tools like Chaos Vantage for quick animations to experiment with lighting scenarios. Since lighting is key to emotion, you can play around with powerful moods and discover appealing new shots. Check out these light rendering tips and try them with your next visualization.To dive deeper into how to build a portfolio that stands out, take a look at this article: Creating an impactful architecture portfolio with Bertrand Benoit.Networking for successEach social media platform offers different benefits, so spend some time evaluating the efforts needed to maintain a profile for each before creating an account. Instagrams strength is in sharing visual content, so go through your project portfolio and make sure you select your most captivating rendersboth stills and animations, for maximum exposure to studios that may be hiring. In contrast, LinkedIn is great for establishing contact directly with hiring managers, founders of archviz studios, as well as other artists who may be interested in collaborating on projects or are looking for career opportunities just like you. All it takes is a single message to get the conversation going and build meaningful connections that could lead to new opportunities.LinkedIn is the best place to find a job apart from studio websites. My current contract with RodeoFX began with a LinkedIn connection. Don't hesitate to connect with various artists at junior/mid/senior levels or even supervisors send them a message to introduce yourself in a few words, and attach your magnificent demo reel!Guillaume Hulot, 3D Artist Check out Guillaumes journey as a texturing artist, to discover how far a positive mindset and a proactive approach to learning and professional development can take you.Take your first step into archvizBreaking into the archviz industry and building your brand is a long and exciting journey. While it may seem overwhelming at times, remember that each artist had to start somewhere at one point. Finding your niche, honing your skills, refining your portfolio, and networking with the right people will put you on the right path toward success and help you secure a space for yourself in this competitive field. Stay inspired, embrace new challenges, and push your creative boundaries. The world of archviz is full of opportunitiesso go ahead and make your mark!Take your archviz to the next level.Try V-Ray Premium, free for 30 days.Get started

Try V-Ray 7 for Rhino: https://www.chaos.com/vray/rhino Experience the power of V-Ray Luminaries in V-Ray 7! This feature simplifies rendering complex light fixtures, combining speed and precision to deliver photorealistic lighting in your Rhino projects. See how it can dramatically improve your workflow today!

KARLSRUHE, Germany February 19, 2025 Today, Chaos announces it has acquired EvolveLAB, a leading developer of AI software created to streamline visualization, generative design, documentation and interoperability for AEC professionals. With this acquisition, Chaos reinforces design-to-visualization workflows, while expanding to include critical tools for BIM automation, AI-driven ideation and computational design.Founded in 2015, EvolveLAB was the first to integrate generative AI technology into architectural modeling software, demonstrating the massive potential of mixing imaginative prompts with 3D geometry. Through its flagship software Veras, EvolveLAB connected this capability to leading BIM products like SketchUp, Revit, Vectorworks and others, before expanding into smart documentation and generative design. Today, customers like Cuningham, Strmer Murphy and Partners, H2I, LS3P and TVS Design use these tools to great effect, cutting costs and delays across the design process.The EvolveLAB toolset is the latest addition to the Chaos ecosystem, the AEC industrys only end-to-end hub for design and visualization. Designed to streamline workflows, this environment seamlessly connects concept ideation, real-time visualization, photorealistic rendering, generative design and automated AI documentation eliminating the need for multiple disconnected tools. With this ecosystem users can apply the right technology at each design stage, solving problems quickly and efficiently. The EvolveLAB tools now join powerful technology like Enscape, Envision, Corona, V-Ray and Vantage, extending Chaos growing AI offerings.With EvolveLAB now part of Chaos, the company solidifies its position as the go-to platform for architects, designers and VFX artists looking to seamlessly transform imagination into reality, said Stephan Sieber, Chief Executive Officer at Chaos. EvolveLABs tools have already been embraced by the community for their thoughtful designs and ability to streamline cumbersome processes. Together, well continue to develop these tools, creating even better ways to ideate, enhance and generate custom designs.Chaos is known throughout this industry as a designer-centric company, which is a must for anyone we work with, said Bill Allen, CEO of EvolveLAB. By joining forces, we can fast track our AI developments, while adding an important new component to Chaos immersive design hub, which will help designers do even more in one place.Even before the acquisition, designers relied on the combination of EvolveLAB and Chaos tools, using Veras and Enscape to accelerate both design and reviews. In the schematic design phase, this means rapidly generating ideas in Veras before committing the design to BIM where Enscapes real-time visualization capabilities pushes the project even further. During client reviews, Enscape visuals are then quickly enhanced or stylized using Veras AI generation tools, creating the perfect presentation content."Over a year ago, we began exploring AI tools to speed up our workflows and were excited to discover Veras, a solution specifically designed for AEC that seamlessly integrates with host platforms," said Hanns-Jochen Weyland of Strmer Murphy and Partners, an award-winning architectural practice based in Hamburg, Germany. "Veras is now our go-to for initial ideation before transitioning to renderings in Enscape. This powerful combination accelerates concept development and ensures reliable outcomes."At Cuningham, we integrate EvolveLABs Veras and Glyph alongside Chaos Enscape to enhance our design process, said Joseph Bertucci, Senior Project Design Technologist of Cuningham, an integrated design firm with offices across the United States. Using both Enscape and Veras allows us to visualize, iterate and explore design concepts in real-time while leveraging AI-driven enhancements for rapid refinement. Meanwhile, Glyph has been a game-changer for auto-documentation, enabling us to efficiently generate views and drawing sets, saving valuable time in project setup. These tools collectively streamline our workflows, boosting efficiency, precision and creativity.Chaos and the EvolveLAB teams are exploring ways to integrate their products and accelerate their AI roadmaps. EvolveLAB products will remain available to customers. The EvolveLAB team will join Chaos, with Allen serving as Director of Product Management and EvolveLAB Chief Technology Officer Ben Guler as Director of Software Development.To explore EvolveLABs AI tools, including Veras, Glyph, Morphis, and Helix, please visit Chaos.About ChaosFounded in 1997, Chaos is a global leader in design and visualization technology, revolutionizing the creative process with its integrated, end-to-end ecosystem. By streamlining and accelerating workflows, Chaos empowers users to enhance creativity and drive innovation.The company serves multiple industries, including architecture and design, media and entertainment, and product e-commerce with a comprehensive suite of products that support every stage of the design and visualization processfrom concept ideation and real-time visualization to photorealistic rendering, AI-driven design and automated documentation.Chaos products include:Enscape, a high-quality real-time rendering and virtual reality pluginV-Ray, a physically based renderer that has been honored with an Academy Award and an Engineering EmmyCorona, a high-performance photorealistic rendering engineAnima, a 3D/4D animation software to add realistic people and crowds to visualizationsCylindo, a 3D furniture product visualization platform for e-commerceHeadquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany, Chaos has offices in 11 cities worldwide. For more information, visit chaos.com.About EvolveLABFounded in 2015, EvolveLAB creates AI software that streamlines visualization, generative design, documentation, and interoperability for architects, engineers, and contractors.Designed to help take projects to the next level, EvolveLAB apps include Veras, for AI-powered visualization; Glyph, for automating and standardizing documentation tasks; Morphis, for generating designs in real-time; and Helix, for interoperability between BIM tools.EvolveLAB is registered in Colorado, United States. For more information, visit Evolvelab.io.

This acquisition is an exciting step forward in providing the AEC industry with intelligent, connected, and end-to-end visualization workflowsenhancing every stage of the design process, from ideation to documentation.Read on to learn more about EvolveLAB and what this acquisition means for Chaos customers and the wider AEC industry.AI-powered solutions for enhanced workflowsEvolveLAB is a Colorado-based company founded in 2015 by Bill Allen. It was the first company to integrate generative AI into architectural modeling software, demonstrating the massive potential of mixing imaginative prompts with 3D geometry.Since then, EvolveLAB has launched its flagship AI-powered ideation software, Veras, and Revit apps, including Glyph and Morphis.Veras: An AI-powered visualization app for leading modeling tools, including Revit and SketchUp.Glyph: A Revit plugin that automates and standardizes multiple documentation tasks like view and sheet creation, tagging, dimensioning, and sheet packingMorphis: A data-driven generative design app for Revit that provides responsive design solutions.Helix: Converts SketchUp and AutoCAD files to native Revit components, allowing models to be synched seamlessly.Even before the acquisition, EvolveLAB and Chaos customers have been using both Enscape and Veras for AI-driven visualization to explore new design possibilities faster and speed up design reviews.Strmer Murphy and PartnersOver a year ago, we began exploring AI tools to speed up our workflows and were excited to discover Veras, a solution specifically designed for AEC that seamlessly integrates with host platforms,explains Hanns-Jochen Weyland of Strmer Murphy and Partners, an award-winning architectural practice based in Hamburg, Germany.Veras is now our go-to for initial ideation before transitioning to renderings in Enscape. This powerful combination accelerates concept development and ensures reliable outcomes.CuninghamAt Cuningham, we integrated EvolveLABs Veras and Glyph alongside Chaos Enscape to enhance our design process, said Joseph Bertucci, Senior Project Design Technologist of Cuningham, an integrated design firm with offices across the United States.Using both Enscape and Veras allows us to visualize, iterate, and explore design concepts in real-time while leveraging AI-driven enhancements for rapid refinement. Meanwhile, Glyph has been a game-changer for auto-documentation, enabling us to efficiently generate views and drawing sets, saving valuable time in project setup. These tools collectively streamline our workflows, boosting efficiency, precision, and creativity.

EvolveLAB is now part of the Chaos ecosystemempowering you to design faster and win more projects.Chaos has acquired EvolveLAB, the creators of an innovative AI toolset for architects and designers. EvolveLABs toolsVeras, Glyph, Morphis, and Helixare now part of the Chaos ecosystem, making your design process faster and more efficient than ever. Automate repetitive tasks and boost your ideation process. Our expanded ecosystem enables you to streamline time-consuming tasks, freeing up more space for creativity.The EvolveLAB toolset is the latest addition to the Chaos ecosystem, the AEC industry's only end-to-end hub for design and visualization, photorealistic rendering, generative design, and automated AI documentation-eliminating the need for multiple disconnected tools. With this ecosystem users can apply the right technology at each design stage, solving problems quickly and efficiently. The EvolveLAb tools now join powerful technology like Enscape, Envision, Corona, V-Ray and Vantage, extending Chaos' growing AI offerings.

Eric Barba, Academy Award-winning VFX supervisor, returns to the podcast to discuss his latest work on Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede lvarez, for which he is nominated for an Oscar in 2025. He shares the challenges of bringing the world of Alien to life, from balancing practical effects with cutting-edge VFX to ensuring the film stays true to Ridley Scotts iconic franchise. Eric dives into the evolution of creature effects, how real-time technology is being used in production, and the meticulous process of creating photorealistic environments that blend seamlessly with on-set footage.Beyond Alien: Romulus, the conversation explores how VFX workflows are evolving, the increasing role of AI in production, and Erics thoughts on the future of the industry. He also reflects on his time at Digital Domain, leading teams on groundbreaking projects like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (David Fincher), Tron: Legacy (Joseph Kosinski), and Oblivion (Joseph Kosinski). With behind-the-scenes insights and expert knowledge, Eric offers a fascinating look into the state of visual effects today and where its heading next.Links:Eric Barba on LinkedIn >Eric Barba on IMDB >

Try V-Ray 7 for Rhino: https://www.chaos.com/vray/rhino Watch this video and learn how to quickly change the look of Chaos Cosmos assets directly within your V-Ray 7 for Rhino scenes. Enhance your workflow in Rhino by previewing and customizing the variants of a single asset in one convenient place.

Try V-Ray 7 for SketchUp: https://www.chaos.com/vray/sketchup In this video, we'll walk you through the latest VFB enhancements, which will enhance your post-editing experience.- Color Correction Filters, where you can experiment with various looks and customize presets to fit your creative vision. - Freeform Render Region, allowing you to focus on specific areas with custom polygon shapes for precise fine-tuning. - Add a subtle retro touch with the Vignette Layer, perfect for highlighting elements or adding a unique effect.

Try Vantage: https://www.chaos.com/vantage Unlock new levels of realism and gain more control over custom detailsdiscover the latest Vantage updates today! Key features include:- Scatter Surface Color - to colorize instances based on the color of the underlying object - Scatter Updates - to achieve different density styles and temporal consistency- Lens Distortion - to simulate the optical distorting of the image by the lens- Vignetting Effects - to control the visual focus and achieve artistic expressiveness - Color Corrections - new blur/sharpen effects- New Sky Model - nautical twilights support and sky renders at various observer altitudes- Dirt Texture - new procedural texture to create a more natural expression - OCIO and DLSS 4 support - to secure precise color fidelity and even higher visual quality For an extensive list of the new features, visit:https://docs.chaos.com/display/LAV/Release+Notes+for+Chaos+Vantage+2 For more information about our products, visit: https://www.chaos.com/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/ChaosGroupTV to get useful tutorials and the latest updates from ChaosFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaosgroup On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaosgroup/

Unlock new levels of realism and gain more control over custom details with the latest version of Chaos Vantage!Achieve natural scatter effects with improved color, distribution, and stability. Experiment with artistic camera and color correction effects, including lens distortion, cats eye bokeh, blur, and sharpen. V-Ray Dirt is now supported to help you achieve complex materials with aged surface effects and streaks. Plus, Vantage 2.7 introduces OCIO and DLSS 4 support for improved image quality in real-time.New in Vantage 2.7Scatter surface color:Distribution maps: Easily switch between different density styles for a given area with the new distribution patterns in Chaos Scatter and use instance distribution at an unprecedented speed.Lens distortion: Simulate lens distortion, making renders feel more natural and immersive.Vignetting effect: Add depth or mood to your renders by enhancing visual focus and realism with the vignette camera effect.Optical vignetting (also known as cats eye bokeh): Mimic real-world camera behavior for added authenticity and artistic expressiveness.Sharpen/Blur: Enhance batch image processing with the new Sharpen/Blur effects.Sun & Sky:Dirt Texture: Easily create weathered streaks and dirt in crevices with the highly-requested new Dirt Texture.OCIO support: Achieve precise color fidelity from asset creation to final output with Vantage support for OCIO.DLSS 4 support: Boost image quality with Vantage support for DLSS 4. Benefit from optimized settings for real-time rendering and improved temporal stability to minimize artifacts like ghosting and flickering.Learn more about the new and improved features in Vantage 2.7.

Try V-Ray 7 for SketchUp: https://www.chaos.com/vray/sketchup Discover the groundbreaking 3D Gaussian Splatting technology in V-Ray 7! Learn how to easily incorporate and render captures of complex 3D environments and objects. Perfect for creating lifelike backgrounds and interactive 3D scenes.

Try V-Ray 7 for SketchUp: https://www.chaos.com/vray/sketchup Explore how to use the Material Override settings in V-Ray for SketchUp to replace all scene materials with a single color or material for quick and clean test renders. Preserve specific material properties and apply predefined override presets, making iterations faster and more efficient.

Try V-Ray 7 for SketchUp: https://www.chaos.com/vray/sketchup Discover how V-Ray Luminaires in V-Ray 7 for SketchUp revolutionize rendering complex light fixtures! Learn how this new feature dramatically reduces render times while enhancing accuracy, making it easier than ever to achieve photorealistic lighting in your SketchUp scenes.

Oscar-winning VFX supervisor Steve Preeg joins Chris Nichols for CG Garages 500th episode! From virtual production to real-time rendering and AI in filmmakinghow has VFX evolved? Lets dive in.Steve Preeg was one of the first guests interviewed for CG Garage, and it is fitting that he would return to celebrate the remarkable milestone of the podcasts 500th episode! To walk down memory lane, have a listen to episode 3 here. What has changed since the days of working on land usage cases, legal animation, Tupac holograms, and digital humans for films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Tron: Legacy? Dive into the 500th episode recap to find out.Memories made and collected: Chris Nichols captures the artistic spirit of each CG Garage guest with the snap of a Polaroid.SummaryIn the past decade, Steve shares that the VFX industry has evolved with virtual production, broader use, but also greater audience scrutiny, making careful planning essential to enhancing storytelling.Real-time rendering enhances pre-vis and post-vis by creating a more polished look earlier in production, reducing reliance on render farms for background elements, and accelerating the animation approval process.AI is rapidly evolving in filmmaking, making tools more accessible and enabling individual creators to generate entire films, though authentic artistic storytelling will remain essential.Newcomers should embrace new technologies, understand filmmaking language, and ensure their visual effects work aligns with the directors vision and overall story.Career transition from Digital Domain to MPCVFX Supervisor Steve Preeg transitioned from Digital Domain to MPC following his work on Cats. He then worked on Call of the Wild before embracing Rescue Rangers for its ambitious script and extensive VFX, including 1,200 unique characters and a late-stage human-to-cartoon transformation.Visual effects: Changes in the last 10 yearsSteve reflects on how VFX was so challenging in the past that every shot had to be meticulously planned in advance. This is not the case nowadays. Of course, now, with virtual production, everyone is aware of its many advantages but forgets that it requires earlier decision-makinga critical step that many people dislike. In his view, poor decision-making and being rushed are essentially what affect the quality of visual effects. Weak storytelling also often leads to misplaced blame on the visual effects team.Weve given directors so much freedom that now they think, Lets not write the third act until were in post and realize how we want the movie to end.Steve Preeg, VFX SupervisorIn addition, audiences have become more critical of visual effects, often focusing on minor flaws instead of appreciating the overall story. Steve likens this to focusing on a single tree rather than being in awe of the entire forest.Todays audience is obsessed with picking apart pixels instead of watching the story. Nobody looked at Jason and the Argonauts and asked, Is that a real Cyclops? They just enjoyed the story.Steve Preeg, VFX SupervisorReal-time rendering in action: Use case examplesReal-time rendering can be utilized in both pre-visualization (pre-vis) and post-visualization (post-vis) to achieve a more polished appearance earlier in the production process. It offers valuable benefits, such as reducing the load on render farms by rendering background elements in real-time and significantly speeding up the animation approval process.With real-time rendering, you could have something that looks like a cohesive film all the way from pre-vis rather than having gray-shaded playblasts and post-vis that looks really funky. You could start crafting the film.Steve Preeg, VFX SupervisorSteve gives the example of a scene in Rescue Rangers where the director chose to edit first and animate later, a process he found unusual. After editing, the director saw the completed animation and realized the emotional depth it added made the scene feel overly drawn out when combined with music. This forced a late-stage edit, frustrating the VFX team. Steve highlights this as a challenge in filmmaking.Directors often lack a way to visualize animated performances fully early on, making it difficult to structure scenes confidently without second-guessing. He suggests that real-time rendering could help bridge this gap by providing a more accurate preview, reducing the need for last-minute adjustments.Whats fascinating is that the challenge of visualizing animations early on to prevent high costs isnt limited to just VFX. Brick Visual, a leader in archviz, has significantly reduced iteration times by embracing real-time rendering to create high-quality animations with real-time ray tracing. Their workflow is a great example of how real-time tools like Vantage enhance storytelling while maintaining visual fidelity.AI in filmmakingAI tools are advancing rapidly, and Steve acknowledges that they will likely play a significant role in the future of filmmaking. Their potential uses include making the filmmaking process and tools more accessible to creators worldwide and enabling individuals with great ideas to generate entire films on their own, much like what open-source filmmaking has done but on a whole other level.AI is coming. You can either embrace it or stand in front of the tidal wave and drown In a few years, people will be making entire movies with AI from their basements.Steve Preeg, VFX SupervisorDespite this, its important to note that film genres are ever-evolving, and new authentic stories are essentialartists dedicated to creating highly specific content will always be in demand.To learn more about how Chaos plans to implement ethically sound machine learning and AI in its future visualization projects, listen to CG Garage episode 473, in which Dan Ring, Senior Machine Learning Team Lead, goes into generative AI, Gaussian Splats, NeRFs, and more!Advice for newcomers to the industrySteves primary advice to aspiring VFX artists is to be open to learning and understanding the language of film and filmmaking. They should understand how their work fits into the overall story and try their best to grasp the directors vision and what is expected of them.Embrace new toolsets, even if you dont like thempull a Phil Tippett And more important than understanding VFX is understanding the language of film and storytelling.Steve Preeg, VFX SupervisorWhat does the future of VFX look like?When asked about the future of VFX and what the industry should focus on going forward, Steve shares that collaboration is key. Directors and DPs should have greater control over visual effects, and they should remember that VFX is a hammer, not a Swiss Army knife. We dont need to eliminate VFX, but we definitely need to reevaluate the way we use it and integrate it more intelligently.Virtual production is at your fingertips.Explore Chaos Arena.Learn more

Try V-Ray 7 for SketchUp: https://www.chaos.com/vray/sketchup Learn how to quickly change the look of a Chaos Comos asset directly within your V-Ray 7 scenes. Enhance your workflow in SketchUp, by previewing and customizing all variants of a single asset in one convenient place.

0:06:44 Celebrating the 500th episode: Steves return after 10 years0:10:29 Career updates: From Digital Domain to new creative ventures0:14:04 Challenges working on Cats and creative direction lessons0:20:44 Reflections on Rescue Rangers: Comedy timing and VFX challenges0:27:29 Virtual production, LED volumes, and real-time rendering discussions0:35:19 How real-time rendering affects decision-making in post-production0:42:04 The rise of AI tools in concept art and VFX workflows0:49:29 The importance of understanding the filmmaking process for VFX artists0:56:54 Balancing practical and digital effects: Lessons from large-scale projects1:07:09 Reflections on how VFX workflows have evolved over the past decade1:16:54 Final thoughts on the future of filmmaking and Steves upcoming work

Try V-Ray 7 for Maya at https://www.chaos.com/vray7-maya Transform how you create and accelerate production. V-Ray 7 for Maya introduces cutting-edge technology and powerful new additions, enabling you to build and render more realistic scenes faster than ever. Unlock next-level creative control, seamless data exchange, consistent shaders, and much more.Highlights include:- Build environments faster than ever with support for rendering Gaussian splats. - Ensure consistent shading results with OpenPBR support.- Exchange data seamlessly with extended USD support.- Achieve cleaner renders in less time with the new firefly removal algorithm and updated Open Image Denoiser.- Gain next-level creative control with new scattering, compositing, and post-processing options.- Achieve even more realistic natural and artificial lighting instantly with an enhanced V-Ray Sun & Sky and new V-Ray Light Luminaires.- Bring your scenes to life faster with Chaos Cosmoss new asset variations and multi-asset selection.- Power up your GPU rendering with support for Caustics and numerous performance boosts for faster, more efficient rendering.See all that's new at https://www.chaos.com/vray/maya/whats-new