Zibra AI, a Ukrainian deep-tech company, has introduced a groundbreaking new tool for the film industry—ZibraVDB. This product revolutionizes how volumetric visual effects (VFX) are processed, offering real-time capabilities that were previously unattainable. Serhiy Tokarev, co-founder of the Roosh investment group, shared the news about this innovation on his LinkedIn, emphasizing its significance for the future of filmmaking.
As Serhiy Tokarev highlighted, ZibraVDB demonstrates Ukraine’s growing role as a deep-tech innovation hub. With continuous development and future updates, Zibra AI is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of visual effects and virtual production.
The Technology Behind ZibraVDB
Creating realistic VFX in virtual production has always been technically challenging, with slowdowns caused by data transfer and storage limitations. Traditional methods rely on sequential frame processing, which delays production.
Serhiy Tokarev highlighted how ZibraVDB addresses this issue by compressing visual effects up to 100 times and instantly decompressing them during rendering. This capability drastically speeds up VFX processing. “I am proud that Ukrainian developers are helping virtual production studios bring to life ideas that once seemed impossible,” said Tokarev, underscoring Ukraine’s role in deep-tech innovation.
Impact on the Film Industry
ZibraVDB transforms how studios approach VFX by offering flexibility and efficiency. Unlike traditional workflows that demand specialized, high-end hardware, ZibraVDB can run efficiently on any hardware. This accessibility benefits both large studios and indie creators.
Tokarev emphasized that ZibraVDB lowers the cost of creating 3D effects, making it affordable for smaller teams. Its flexibility allows developers to tailor the product to their specific needs, making it especially valuable for large studios producing complex visual effects.
Seamless Workflow Integration
A major advantage of ZibraVDB is its seamless integration with industry-standard tools like Unreal Engine and Houdini. Developers can incorporate the product into their existing workflows with minimal adjustments. This allows studios to transition smoothly between platforms, enhancing efficiency.
Future updates aim to optimize the product for PS5-class GPUs and gaming consoles, ensuring ZibraVDB remains relevant as technology advances.
ZibraVDB Pricing Plans
ZibraVDB’s pricing structure is designed to accommodate both large studios and individual creators. For Unreal Engine users, the Studio Plan targets teams with over $250,000 in revenue or $1 million in funding. This plan offers flexible pricing options, including subscriptions or per-project rates.
The Individual Plan is tailored for smaller teams with less than $250,000 in revenue, offering affordable pricing at $29 per month or $299 annually. It provides perpetual rendering and email support, making it accessible for indie developers.
ZibraVDB for Houdini, introduced at the Houdini HIVE Event in September 2024, is currently in Alpha Test mode. It offers free access for a limited time with pre-approval. Key features include volume compression, real-time decompression, and support for the .zibravdb format, compatible with Unreal Engine.
Zibra AI’s Role in the Creative Industry
Founded in 2021 and part of the Roosh investment group co-founded by Serhiy Tokarev, Zibra AI focuses on AI products for creative industries. The company has already gained international recognition, receiving an EpicMega Grant from Epic Games and praise from the Unity developer community.