Weta Digital created the special effects in Planet of the Apes.
Weta Digital created the special effects in Planet of the Apes.
Categories

Autodesk will launch WetaM cloud-based special effects tools for artists

  • Posted byby Dean Takahashi
  • Updated
  • 3 min

Visual studio Weta Digital and 3D animation firm Autodesk have teamed up to launch WetaM, a cloud-based software tool. It takes Weta’s proprietary special effects tools for artists and combines them with Autodesk’s Maya 3D animation, modeling, rendering, and simulation software.

The result is high-end special effects software that can be used to create special effects and films. This is the first time that Autodesk has entered into an agreement with a third party to sell Maya in the cloud. The deal was brokered between Weta CEO Prem Akkaraju and Autodesk’s new senior vice president of media and entertainment, Diana Colella.

Unlock premium content and VIP community perks with GB M A X! Join now to enjoy our free and premium perks. 

Join now →

Sign in to your account.

Written by

Dean Takahashi

Dean Takahashi is editorial director for GamesBeat. He has been a tech journalist since 1988, and he has covered games as a beat since 1996. He was lead writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat from 2008 to April 2025. Prior to that, he wrote for the San Jose Mercury News, the Red Herring, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and the Dallas Times-Herald. He is the author of two books, "Opening the Xbox" and "The Xbox 360 Uncloaked." He organizes the annual GamesBeat Next, GamesBeat Summit and GamesBeat Insider Series: Hollywood and Games conferences and is a frequent speaker at gaming and tech events. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.