GenArts Inc., the global leader in specialized visual effects (VFX) software, today expanded the newest version of Sapphire to include support for Apple Final Cut Pro 7, The Foundry Nuke, Sony Vegas, and other Open Effects (OFX) systems. With this release, Sapphire v6 is available on all major editing systems to give editors, motion graphic artists, and compositors the flexibility to create high-quality visual effects for their projects in less time. The GenArts Solution™ now powers Sapphire across all platforms to deliver the optimum combination of high-quality effects, contemporary VFX looks, and professional expertise in a single solution.

“We are committed to providing the highest quality visual effects software on the platforms our customers use every day,” says Katherine Hays, CEO. “By extending Sapphire v6 to make it available to all visual effects artists, we are equipping them with the creative control, design options, and unmatched quality they need to create stunning content.”

Sapphire v6 introduces significant innovations to the product that has been the longstanding leader in professional VFX for the media and advertising industries. Now Sapphire has a robust Flare Designer, new effects and transitions, over a thousand presets, and the ability to preview presets on actual footage, further enabling artists to create their best work in less time. Sapphire also includes one year of access to FX Central, GenArts’ portfolio of carefully curated looks, so customers always have the freshest and most relevant looks.

“The new flare tool in Sapphire v6 adds a whole new world of fun to creating subtle lens flares, so I can easily add a little spark to certain scenes or transitions,” says Jochen Kunstler, a Filmmaker at Barn Films LLC. “It’s incredible how flexible and intuitive the software is… this is a tool I can really use in my Final Cut projects.”

With Sapphire v6 OFX and Final Cut plugins, you can:

• Design flares from scratch and control individual elements
• Visually browse 1,100+ customizable presets on your media, or create and save your own
• Get new presets monthly via an included one-year subscription to FX Central (currently in beta)
• Enjoy expanded creative options with 240+ effects and transitions
• Edit flare elements within After Effects’ 3D compositing environment and isolate effects easily with AE masks integration
• Float Autodesk Flame licenses across platforms

As the second product to leverage the full GenArts Solution, Sapphire v6 enables artists to more easily and effectively realize their creative vision. The GenArts Solution builds upon the existing high-quality Sapphire effects engine with professionally curated looks from FX Central and informative metrics to give VFX artists the tools they need to create their best work in less time.

Sapphire v6 is currently available for After Effects, Autodesk, Avid, Final Cut Pro 6/7, and OFX systems. Register for a web demonstration of Sapphire v6 for OFX or FCP or take a free trial at www.genarts.com/

About GenArts®

Established in 1996, GenArts, Inc. provides ground-breaking 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 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.