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FXhome launches HitFilm 2 Ultimate for Mac

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PRESS RELEASE

Powerful professional video editing software now available for the first time on Mac

Norwich, October 2013 - FXhome, the software developer behind the popular HitFilm 2 Ultimate video editing and visual effects software, is pleased to announce that the software is now available on Mac, with the release date set for 4th November. 

HitFilm 2 Ultimate offers video editing, visual effects and compositing in one package for creative filmmakers. Powerful and affordable, HitFilm 2 Ultimate reflects FXhome's ethos to help the next generation of filmmakers by bringing professional concepts to all filmmakers, regardless of age, experience or budget.

Thanks to a highly successful Kickstarter campaign earlier this year (raising £58,126 - more than double the £25,000 goal), the independent UK-based developer has been able to complete the Mac version of the video production software for release in 2013. Previously only available for Windows PCs, the new release will come with two installers, Mac and PC, for up to three machines per licence.  FXhome also implemented a number of stretch goals into the Kickstarter campaign that not only gave backers free 3D models and stock, but also enabled them to develop new effects for all users and to organise forthcoming user events in the US.

New customers who purchase HitFilm 2 Ultimate can choose whether to download the Mac or PC installer, or both. All existing HitFilm users will automatically get access to the Mac version at no extra cost and the PC version will also get an update with new features when the Mac version launches, so PC users stand to benefit too.

The beauty of HitFilm 2 Ultimate is that users can create a complete film with only one software program. Easy to learn and with limitless potential for discovery and customisation, HitFilm 2 Ultimate helps filmmakers learn the tricks and tools of video editing and visual effects, introducing techniques used by Hollywood visual effects artists. 

Joshua Davies, FXhome founder and CEO, commented, "When we launched the first version of HitFilm on Windows in 2011 we were inundated with requests for a Mac version. If you're making video software you have to be on Mac but, as a small developer, it's expensive to go cross-platform. The Kickstarter campaign not only enabled us to bring the Mac version to market a lot sooner, but also to enhance HitFilm 2 Ultimate with new visual effects features so that PC users benefit too."

Combining cutting edge visual effects capabilities and video editing with an intuitive interface, HitFilm 2 Ultimate includes essential editing tools (ripple, roll, slip and slide), over 150 effects, groundbreaking 3D compositing and a revolutionary workflow. It also boasts particle simulators, professional chroma key and advanced colour correction, import and animation of 3D models, 2D tracking features and 3D camera-solving, and extensive titling and motion graphics tools.

"HitFilm is growing every month, thanks to our community - not only the Kickstarter backers but also those who have supported us and our software from the start," Davies added. "Our users are hugely important to us. They are the next generation of filmmakers and supporting young and indie filmmakers is the core reason that FXhome was founded ten years ago." 

HitFilm 2 Ultimate will be available from 4 November and costs $399 / £299. It will be available for purchase from http://hitfilm.com/ultimate.  

HitFilm 2 Ultimate runs on Mac computers made since mid-2011. Minimum specifications are:

  • OS X 10.7 (Lion)
  • Intel Core 2 Duo processor
  • 2GB RAM
  • Intel HD Graphics 3000

The entry-level HitFilm 2 Express will remain Windows-only. It costs $149 / £119 and is available to purchase from http://hitfilm.com/express

Product highlights:

  • Easy to use: Incredible power in an intuitive interface. Fast to learn, with limitless potential for discovery.
  • Multi-track video editing: HitFilm's editor includes all the essential editing tools: ripple, roll, slip and slide, plus timeline graphs for opacity and volume.
  • 150 effects included: HitFilm 2 Ultimate includes over 150 professional effects. Design unique, high quality visuals for your projects with vast customization options and an intuitive interface. No plug-ins required.
  • World class particle simulator: Design your own 3D particle effects with physics-driven behaviour including deflectors with impact reactions.
  • Work with 3D models: Built-in support for using 3D models inside HitFilm, with lights, shadows, motion blur and depth of field. It's a revolutionary workflow.
  • 2D & 3D tracking: Super-fast optical flow feature tracking plus mocha HitFilm for planar tracking and 3D camera solving. The perfect tracking solution.
  • Organic particle arrays: Create stunning, organic, fractal animations with hundreds of thousands of particles. The shapes can even animate automatically to music.
  • Import 3D camera tracking data: Camera tracking data from software such as PFHoe, SynthEyes, Boujou and Voodoo can be imported to HitFilm 2 Ultimate, enabling advanced 3D compositing.
  • Procedural destruction: Shatter your videos and images into thousands of 3D fragments, add realistic gunfire to your props, create electrical storms and splash blood across your lens.
  • Grunge & damage: Age your video with realistic film & TV damage, lens dirt, artificial grain, automatic shake and optical flow motion blur.
  • Lights & flares: Design your own lens flares and have them lock automatically to the brightest parts of your frame. Create volumetric light rays and anamorphic streaks for beautiful lens effects.
  • Superior 2D & 3D compositing: Combine traditional 2D layer compositing with an advanced 3D workspace and sophisticated animation controls.
  • Keying & matte creation: Professional, fully featured chroma key for green screen removal and a wide range of tools for perfecting and enhancing your composites.
  • Lights & shadows: Create lights in 3D space that cast realistic shadows. Essential for matching the lighting in your live action shots.
  • Depth of field: HitFilm's 3D cameras work just like real cameras, with optional depth of field automatically blurring layers based on their relative distance from the lens.
  • Motion blur: Turn on automatic motion blur for more realistic movement of your 2D and 3D layers.

About FXhome:

FXhome is a leading UK software developer and consultancy firm, specializing in video and photo products, web design and bespoke third party solutions for professional and amateur filmmakers and photographers. 

Founded in 2001 by Joshua Davies, FXhome has developed a strong global community of users ranging from film students to independent filmmakers. The current product range includes PhotoKey 6 Pro for Mac OS X and Windows and the HitFilm series for Windows. 

For more information see FXhome.com.