Thursday, July 25th, 2019 Posted by Jim Thacker

Autodesk ships Flame 2020.1


Autodesk has released Flame 2020.1, the latest update to its compositing, VFX and finishing software, adding a machine-learning-driven sky extraction system and tools for extracting mattes from motion vectors.

The release also makes it possible to create custom layouts for the software’s Effects tab, raises the maximum resolution for Flame projects to 16K, and introduces a new GitHub repository for Python scripts.

The other members of the Flame product family, cut-down assistant editions Flame Assist and Flare, and colour grading tool Lustre, also get 2020.1 updates.

A new machine-learning-based workflow for sky extraction
The update builds on the new machine-learning-based tools added in the original Flame 2020 release: an automated Z-depth map generator and automated normal map generator for human faces.

To that, Flame 2020.1 adds a system for identifying and extracting the sky in source footage.

The new Semantic keyer generates a corresponding matte, making it possible to colour-correct the sky, or do a complete sky replacement.

Autodesk says that there is a “dramatic speed increase” when running machine learning operations on Nvidia’s RTX GPUs, which feature dedicated Tensor cores for AI operations.

However, the new features also work on older certified hardware, including Nvidia’s Pascal GPUs.

Extract mattes from motion data, create custom UI layouts, and work up to 16K resolution
Oher new features in Flame 2020.1 include the option to extract mattes from motion vector data, automatically isolating moving objects within a shot, as shown in this video.

In addition, users can now create and save custom layouts for Flame’s Effects tab.

There is also a new option to create custom groups of timeline segments, intended as a quick way to filter shots and to make visual comparisons.

Other changes in the core software include a new maximum resolution of 16K for project resolution and other user-suggested workflow improvements. You can find a full list via the links below.

Autodesk has also set up a new GitHub repository that will host Python scripts for the Flame family.

At the time of posting, it only contains a single script, for removing old iterations from a Batch Group, but users can share their own custom menu actions directly from within Flame.

Pricing and availability
Flame 2020.1, Flame Assist 2020.1, Flare 2020.1 and Lustre 2020.1 are available for CentOS 7.2/7.4 Linux and Mac OS X 10.12+ on a rental-only basis.

Flame is available directly from Autodesk with subscriptions costing $525/month or $4,205/year. Autodesk’s website now directs users to local resellers for the other products.

Both Flame Assist and Flare cost $2,240/year for a single-user subscription or $3,920/year for a multi-user subscription; Lustre costs $6,305 for a multi-user subscription.


Read a full list of new features in Flame 2020.1 in the online documentation
(Also covers Flare and Flame Assist)

Read a full list of new features in Lustre 2020.1 in the online documentation

Read more about Flame on Autodesk’s product website