GridIron Flow gives creative professionals and workgroups the ability to see, access, and share all their project files in one simple, elegant interface. The product, which has been lauded by industry influencers and beta users as a “must have” productivity application, now includes even more features.

“We’ve waited a long time for this day, but the final product was worth the wait,” said Steve Forde, CEO of GridIron. “Thanks to a world-class development team and the thousands of beta testers who not only thoroughly tested the software but helped shape the final version, Flow is a product that will help all creative pros, whether they work alone or as part of a group, become more streamlined and productive. No more lost files, no more accidents, no more all-nighters.”

GridIron Flow has been used by thousands of creative professionals since the public beta of the product was released in February 18, 2009. Users have experienced how the software provides a unique and total understanding of each project being worked on and allows them to track all the components of a project, regardless of where the files are located. With instant access to any file or version needed, creative professionals can get a lot more done in a lot less time—without having to do anything differently.

Key features of the product include:

• Workflow Maps – Visual interface shows all project files and how they are connected
• Share Maps – Allows multiple users to view the same workflow map across the network
• Adobe CS4 Flow Flash Panel Provides access to GridIron Flow directly in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign or Flash
• Real-time Asset Tracking – Tracks the connections between project files in real-time
• Visual Versioning – Accesses the complete history of a file and allows the user to revert to any version
• Visual Search – Finds any file, even if it’s offline, and shows how it fits into a project
• Foolproof Packaging – Gathers and updates all files automatically, keeping the package current
• Time Tracking – Automatically records how much time was spent on a file or project

“The ability for Flow to be accessed directly within Adobe CS4 applications via the new Flash Panel is impressive because of the value it brings users,” said Johnny Loiacono, senior vice president and general manager, Creative Solutions Business Unit, Adobe Systems. “CS4 already delivers significant increases in productivity and Flow takes that to an even higher level. It is a product that most of our Creative Suite customers will find valuable.”

For more information see the links below:

• GridIron Flow Tutorials: http://www.gridironsoftware.com/products/flow/flow_tutorials.html
• PhotoshopUser TV & Layers Magazine:  solid 10-minute tour
• Lynda.com: Flow Features Course
• For more about GridIron Flow – http://www.gridironsoftware.com/Flow/
• To visit GridIron’s blog – http://www.gridironsoftware.com/blog/

GridIron Flow is available for immediate purchase from GridIron’s website at http://www.gridironsoftware.com/store/. A single user license is $299 USD, with a three pack also available for $399.

Action Essentials 2 will be available this month on VideoCopilot.net. If you wonder what Action Essentials is about watch the teaser

Action Essentials 2 features:

• Over 250 HD elements
• Many elements shot in slow motion
• Diverse angles
• Wide and close shots
• Pre-Keyed & Pre-Matted
• Most diverse collection ever made
• 95% Live action footage ( including: real fire and real explosions!)
• Shot primarily on REDs with a special high speed camera
• No one got hurt… maybe a few feelings here and there

Action Essentials 2 will be available in 2 HD Versions:
720p High Definition [1280 x 720] $99.95
2k Film Resolution [2048 x 1152 ] $249.95 (beyond 1080p)

Andrew Kramer has posted a video talking about the two different versions. Action Essentials 2 compare video

Gareth Edwards did produce the 250 HD effects shots all by himself. Gareth was using Premier Pro, After Effects, mocha-AE, PhotoShop, 3D MAX and some more tools. Gareth spend almost 5 month on the post production.

fxguide did publish a great background story on the making of “One Man Against Attila the Hun”

“Every once in a while we get a story at fxguide that indicates just how far and how fast the industry is moving. The post on Attila the Hun, directed by Gareth Edwards, is one of those stories. Edwards produced the 250 HD effects shots by himself in five months using After Effects and Photoshop. Averaging 2 shots a day, it was one man against the armies of Attila the Hun…. Read the rest of the story on fxguide”

Make sure you watch the Quicktime movie that is on the page click on “Edwards prepared a shot breakdown QuickTime movie which you can download from fxguide.”

A nice tutorial about Keying footage shot in front of greenscreen in AfterEffects has been published. The Tutorial uses Vue6 xStream, Newtek’s Lightwave, REALVIZ MatchMover, Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premier. IvanB who did publish this nice tutorial has more free tutorials available.