The visual effects studio Double Negative switched to Autodesk technology to be able to offer computer-generated images in The Da Vinci Code , according to a statement from Autodesk. Double Negative used Autodesk Maya 3D animation software to craft creative ideas in 80 shots of the film.
Steve Garrad, visual effects producer for Double Negative in London, sums up the company's use of Autodesk Maya: "Double Negative worked on The Da Vinci Code for ten months with Autodesk Maya software. The program's 3D animation, modeling, and performance properties allowed us to preview and enhance the scenes, as well as create entire scenes in the post-production process. Many of the shots we've gotten would have been impossible to create without Maya."
Garrad, from Double Negative, describes one of the fundamental shots of the film in which the monk Silas appears driving: "During the first half of the shot, the car is created entirely by computer with Autodesk Maya and in the second half of the shot a real car is already used. The vehicle created is accurate to the actual car centimeter by centimeter. This could be done thanks to the talent of James Benson, CG's lead artist here at Double Negative, and the powerful Autodesk program."
Jesper Kjolsrud, CG supervisor at Double Negative, commented on Maya's role as a preview tool: "In The Da Vinci Code the finding of Mary Magdalene's sarcophagus is a good example where Autodesk Maya is the fundamental part of the shot. First the taking in Maya was foreseen. Afterward, the camera movement was programmed on a green screen sarcophagus motion control plate with Maya. Maya was also used to preview the sequence of Isaac Newton's tomb."
Double Negative currently uses Autodesk Maya in several projects, including Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Reaping, 10,000 BC, Stardust, Children of Men, Penelope and The Magic Flute.
