Review of the Year: Glancing Back at 2021's Events
In 2021, Boris FX, a leading provider of visual effects (VFX) solutions, delivered a series of significant updates and releases to several of its flagship software products. The year marked a significant leap forward in VFX capabilities, AI integration, tracking technology, and creative effects.
The fall releases of Sapphire, Continuum, and Mocha Pro were the fastest versions yet, boasting Adobe Multi-Frame Rendering and native Apple M1 support. In November, Sapphire 2022 and Continuum 2022 were released, while Mocha Pro 2022 followed in September.
Sapphire 2021 saw updates that expanded its VFX plug-ins for compositing and video editing apps. The latest version introduced enhanced LensFlare and Flare Designer tools, new effects such as digital glitch PixelSort, and improved CPU and GPU performance optimizations.
Continuum 2021 was enhanced with new AI-driven tools for effects such as mask and depth map generation. These updates integrated advanced tracking technology and AI features to boost compositing workflows in multiple host applications.
Silhouette, an advanced rotoscoping, paint, and compositing toolkit, joined the Netflix Post Technology Alliance as a partner in the visual effects category. This alliance serves as a seal of approval for artists working on Netflix Originals.
Particle Illusion 2021 underwent improvements mainly in emitter controls and new particle effects. The updates focused on delivering faster and more customizable particle simulations for motion graphics and VFX artists.
While the search results do not provide fully detailed release notes for each product specifically for 2021, the above reflects the major themes of Boris FX's software advancements in that year as part of their ongoing efforts to integrate AI, enhance tracking, improve performance, and add new creative effects.
In addition to these major releases, Boris FX also delivered several intermediate updates throughout the year. In May, Silhouette 2021 and Sapphire 2021.5 were released. July saw the launch of Continuum FCP, a new product. Silhouette 2021.5 and Particle Illusion 2021.5 were released as free standalone applications in July and August, respectively.
To further support its users, Boris FX produced a series of new training series, including Mocha Essentials, Complex Wire Removes with Silhouette and Mocha, Getting Started with Particle Illusion, and Feature Film Title Design.
Throughout the year, Boris FX customers brought joy to various projects on the must-watch list, including The Beatles: Get Back, Dopesick, Dune, Foundation, Ghostbusters Afterlife, Loki, Mare of Easttown, No Time to Die, Squid Game, Succession, Ted Lasso, What We Do in the Shadows, and WandaVision.
A new blog series titled "Ask the Artist" was launched, featuring interviews with editors, VFX artists, and compositors discussing their reliance on Boris FX products. The series includes discussions on favorite effects, pro tips for new artists, and reasons why artists should use Boris FX tools.
Despite the numerous releases and updates, the blog series does not contain any advertisements, maintaining a focus on providing valuable insights and resources for its readers.
Technology advancements were evident in Boris FX's releases throughout 2021, with updates to their flagship software products like Sapphire, Continuum, and Mocha Pro, offering Adobe Multi-Frame Rendering and native Apple M1 support. Additionally, Boris FX added AI integration, tracking technology, and creative effects to their software lineup, as part of their ongoing commitment to technological development.
