MONTREAL, Mar 24, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

WETA Digital Used Discreet's Academy Award-winning inferno and flame Technology in First and Second Episodes of the Epic J.R.R Tolkien Trilogy by Peter Jackson

Discreet, a division of Autodesk Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), is pleased to congratulate -- for the second year in a row -- WETA Digital (Wellington, New Zealand) for winning its second Academy Award(R) for Achievement in Visual Effects for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Using Discreet's inferno(R) visual effects system, the artists at WETA composited together scenes in which Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and the Fellowship continue their quest to destroy the evil ring in the darker, more foreboding lands of Middle Earth.

"Discreet's flame and inferno were used extensively throughout our post production work on Lord of the Rings-The Two Towers," said Scott Houston, Chief Technical Officer, WETA Digital Ltd., New Zealand. "Some of the more challenging shots these systems were used on included; the fly over Bararadur and focus on Sauron's "eye", Treebeard carrying the hobbits around in Fangorn forest and the final shot of Gollum, Frodo and Sam walking towards Mordor. The power of these systems and the support from Discreet in this region have proved invaluable to our success with this movie," said Houston.

Discreet's own Academy Award-winning inferno and flame systems(1) are used by visual effects artists to create magic in films, broadcasts, music videos and commercials -- particularly those at the highest definitions such as 2K and HDTV -- that marry live action with computer-generated effects to bring a story to life -- impacting and enchanting the viewing experience. The best visual effects are sometimes the ones an audience does not notice. Discreet provides the solutions for digital artists to do this.

"We are thrilled to salute WETA Digital for the second year, as they are recognized for their amazing high-quality work on Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and their second Academy Award for Visual Effects," said Paul Lypaczewski, general manager of Discreet and executive vice president of Autodesk, Inc. "Discreet takes great pride in providing the solutions that enable artists and directors to tell great stories through beautiful and subtle image effects -- and we congratulate WETA Digital on wining this highest industry recognition."

For eight years in a row, Discreet has played a role in enabling its customers to create visual effects in the top nominees and winners of the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

About Discreet

Discreet empowers moving media professionals to realize the visual experience, transforming their most evocative and ambitious visions into reality. Its range of award-winning systems and software is developed for digital media creation, management and delivery -- across all disciplines from visual effects and editing to animation, game development, web/interactive design, and design visualization. Discreet is based in Montreal, Quebec and is a division of Autodesk, Inc., the world's leading design and digital media creation, management, and distribution company. Product and corporate information is located on the Internet at www.discreet.com.

About Weta Digital

Weta Digital was formed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1993 by a group of young New Zealand film makers. The Weta is an endangered species of native New Zealand insects. The company quickly grew into a full service visual effects facility, working closely with sister company, Weta Workshop, to provide multi-disciplinary services for the film and television industry. In 2002 the companies were awarded two Oscars for their work on the first film in the Peter Jackson directed Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Note to Editors: Discreet is a division of Autodesk, Inc. Autodesk, Discreet. and inferno are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. /Autodesk Canada Inc. in the USA and/or other countries. ACADEMY AWARD(S)(R), OSCAR(S)(R), OSCAR NIGHT(R) and OSCAR(R) statuette design mark are the registered trademarks and service marks, and the OSCAR(R) statuette the copyrighted property, of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

(1) In 1999, Discreet's inferno and flame visual effects systems were each recognized with an Academy Award - Scientific and Engineering Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

CONTACT:          Discreet Public Relations
                  Kevin G. Clark, 415/547-2457
                  kevin.g.clark@autodesk.com

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