GenArts Releases Sapphire v6.1 with Integrated FX Central Preset Browser to Inspire Endless, Effortless Creativity

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GenArts^® Inc., the global leader in specialized visual effects software for the media and advertising industries, today announced an update to Sapphire v6 that enables all visual effects artists to effortlessly expand their preset portfolio and find inspiration for the most challenging projects. Sapphire v6.1 integrates GenArts' online FX Central looks portfolio with industry-leading Sapphire Plug-ins so artists can visually explore creative options online, add preset effects to their Shortlist, and immediately access it from within their visual effects workflow. Now, VFX artists can effortlessly discover new tools and looks to maximize their creativity and make their work stand out.

"More often than not, I need a look fast because a producer is breathing down my neck and I don't have time to create it from scratch," says Jack Tunnicliffe of Java Post Production. "The FX Central Preset Browser is ideal for these high-pressure situations, especially to find a look I can use as a jumping off or starting point for the effect I want to achieve."

The Preset Browser, first introduced with Sapphire v6, is now connected to the FX Central site, so artists can browse and discover the newest looks without leaving their VFX workflow. New FX Central looks collections, created by professional artists and released every month, are automatically added to each artist's local preset library, so they always have access to the latest content. Now, they can find new looks and quickly build unique effects to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.

The FX Central site also offers new guided discovery options that enable VFX artists to browse GenArts' extensive collection of looks, add them to their personal Shortlist, and apply the looks from within the Sapphire interface for an easy way to start building the perfect look.

"Our customers need a way to find the effects they need to execute on their creative vision," says Meredith Hanrahan, Chief Marketing Officer at GenArts. "With Sapphire v6.1, artists always have access to the latest looks, designed by other talented creatives, to use as a starting point for their next venture."

The FX Central Preset Browser update now enables:

• Real-time preset portfolio updates
  • Access new artist-created presets, downloaded automatically from FX Central every month
  • Discover a look on the FX Central site and add it to your Shortlist for the look to instantly appear in your desktop application
• Enhanced preset sorting capabilities
  • Filter presets based on your Shortlist, applications, what's new, characteristics, or date used
  • Sort presets by name, date of application, popularity, author, and more
• Custom lists
  • Organize your favorite presets into personal lists
• Animated previews of auto-animated effects
  • Preview animations of presets that don't require keyframing within the FX Central Preset Browser

Sapphire v6 equips editors, motion graphic artists, and compositors with the most flexible tools to create their best work in less time through the dynamic GenArts Solution™ —a combination of a superior effects engine, an online looks portfolio, and recommendations sourced from the world's most celebrated visual artists.  Sapphire v6.1 makes it even easier for all artists to leverage the GenArts Solution to create unique, eye-catching, and award-winning effects.

Sapphire v6, released in late 2011, is the only visual effects solution that enables you to:

• Design flares from scratch and control individual elements with Flare Designer
• Visually browse 1,100+ customizable presets on based on 240+ effects and transitions
• Get new presets monthly via an included one-year subscription to FX Central
• Edit 3D flare elements and use masks within After Effects'  compositing environment
• Float Autodesk Flame licenses across platforms

Sapphire v6.1 is available for After Effects, Autodesk, Avid, Final Cut Pro 6/7, SCRATCH, Fusion, Nuke, and other OFX systems. Take a two-week free trial of both Sapphire and FX Central today.

About GenArts
Established in 1996, GenArts, Inc. provides groundbreaking visual effects to motion graphic artists, compositors, and editors in post-production houses and broadcast networks globally.  Recently, the company expanded capabilities to give video creators from all experience levels the tools to create an array of high-tech effects for indie productions, wedding videography, advertising, video games, films, and more.  The company's visual effects product portfolio leverages the GenArts Solution™ to provide industry-leading Sapphire, intuitive videographer tool Sapphire Edge, and a diverse number of complementary Sapphire Accents. The GenArts Solution extends the technology used by customers like Framestore, The Mill, ABC, BBC, and ESPN to businesses of all sizes and budgets so they too can create high-quality visual effects.  Follow GenArts on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE GenArts, Inc.