Ziva Dynamics announced that Ziva VFX, the world’s most advanced character simulation software, is now free for students and educators. The same tools used on Game of Thrones, Hellboy and John Wick 3 are now available for non-commercial projects, offering students the chance to learn physics-based character creation before they graduate.

“Studios often contact us looking for Ziva specialists, but right now there’s not enough coming out of the schools to satisfy the demand,” said James Jacobs, CEO of Ziva Dynamics. “With free academic licenses, students can start learning the software and schools can start building it into their curriculums right away, helping both take advantage of a growing trend in character creation.”

The Ziva method, now used by over 90 studios, fundamentally improves the character creation process by combining the effects of real-world physics with the rapid creation of soft-tissue materials like muscles, fat and skin. Since Ziva mirrors the properties of nature, artists can produce dynamic CG characters that automatically move, flex and jiggle just as they would in real life, removing difficult steps from the rigging process.

Ziva VFX Academic licenses are fully featured and receive the same access and support as other Ziva products, including:

• Frequent software updates and hotfixes
• Detailed tutorial videos and content
• Access to live Ziva demonstrations
• Direct feedback and support from the Ziva team
• Free character assets for test simulations
• Eligibility for reel, case study and artist showcases

In addition to the software, Ziva Academic users will now receive free access to Ziva Dynamics’ simulation-ready assets, Zeke the Lion (previously $10,000) and Lila the Cheetah, which have been used by powerhouse VFX studios like Pixomondo, Mr. X and Trixter. Thanks to Ziva VFX’s Anatomy Transfer feature, the Zeke rig has helped make squirrels, cougars, dogs and more for films like John Wick 3, A Dog’s Way Home and Primal.

Ziva Dynamics will also be providing a free Ziva Academic floating Lab license to universities, so students can access the software in labs across campuses, whenever they want.

To learn more, visit: https://zivadynamics.com/ziva-vfx-academic.

Pricing and Availability

Ziva VFX Academic licenses are free and open to any fully accredited institution, student, professor or researcher (an $1,800 value). New licenses can be found in the Ziva store and are provided following a few eligibility questions. Academic users on the original paid plan can now increase their license count for free.