Academy Unveils ACES 2.0 at NAB Show 2023
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched ACES 2.0, its latest version of the Academy Color Encoding System, during the NAB Show held in Las Vegas. ACES 2.0 enhances the open-source color and digital image file management system critical for ensuring color fidelity across various stages of film production and processing.
Enhancements in Color Management
ACES was initially developed to promote consistent color reproduction throughout the filmmaking process, including production, post-production, exhibition, archiving, and remastering. ACES 2.0 introduces notable improvements aimed at refining color rendering, ensuring transform invertibility, and expanding support for custom output devices.
Technical Support and Software Integration
This new version of ACES will see integration in releases from software companies such as SGO and Pomfort, focusing on their latest filmmaking tools. The following versions will support ACES 2.0:
- Mistika Ultima
- Mistika Boutique
- Mistika VR
- Silverstack
- Livegrade
Furthermore, the Academy Software Foundation’s OpenColorIO (OCIO v2.4.2) has incorporated features from ACES 2.0, creating a more streamlined color management experience across the industry’s software landscape.
Upcoming Releases and Industry Impact
Autodesk Flame is expected to roll out its ACES 2.0 support later this spring, with the Academy foreseeing additional hardware and software compatible with ACES 2.0 to be announced as industry collaborations progress. Notably, several productions have already experimented with pre-release versions of ACES 2.0, further paving the way for its adoption.
History and Future Collaborations
Originally launched a decade ago in 2015, ACES 1.0 has evolved since, with many tools currently utilizing the ACES 1.3 version. In a dedicated panel at NAB, professionals including colorist Alastor Arnold, visual effects supervisor Jeff Budsberg, and colorist Francesco D’Ascenzo will discuss the advancements in color management provided by ACES 2.0, moderated by Carolyn Giardina from Variety.
Additionally, Academy President Janet Yang alongside Annie Chang, Chair of the Academy SciTech Council, will engage in discussions about the intersection of technology and creativity in filmmaking, moderated by Michael Cioni, CEO of AI workflow startup Strada.