ArtVPS targets education market with Man and Machine

Rendering solutions provider ArtVPS today announced that Man and Machine, a value added distributor in the digital content creation market, has been appointed as distributor for Shaderlight with exclusivity within the UK educational sector. Part of the global Mensch und Maschine Group, Man and Machine is the sole UK Autodesk Education distributor and also acts as distributor for Google SketchUp Pro.

Launched as a plug-in to 3ds Max, Shaderlight is a powerful new renderer that alleviates workflow bottlenecks traditionally associated with 3D image creation and enhances the overall learning experience for students studying 3D visualisation. Shaderlight allows users to see the progressive refinement of a scene when objects or camera angles are altered, and make changes to materials, environments, lighting and textures (the MELT elements) at any stage in the rendering process – even on production quality images – without having to restart the render. This interactive approach provides a greater level of creative freedom than traditional rendering techniques as it is no longer necessary to waste time waiting for an image to re-render, leaving more time for visual thinking and communication.

Commenting on the appointment, ArtVPS Marketing Director Kate Marshall said: “The decision to appoint Man and Machine is part of a strategic initiative to deliver Shaderlight to the education market. The 3ds Max plug-in is just the first in a series of Shaderlight products that will give students the freedom to concentrate on being creative and develop an individual style. Our aim is to support the 3D talent of tomorrow through the delivery of interactive rendering solutions, and working with an experienced and reliable partner like Man and Machine will enable us to do just that.”

Tim Seaman, Managing Director of Man and Machine, added: “Shaderlight represents a step change in image rendering and there is a lot of potential for this innovative technology in the education sector. We look forward to working with ArtVPS and taking Shaderlight to market as a truly compelling alternative to traditional renderers.”