Pixar is clearly feeling really generous because it has just decided to give away its state-of-the-art RenderMan animation software completely free.
RenderMan is the visual effects tool that has been used to create films from Toy Story to Wall-E and has been built by Pixar, allowing them to reproduce almost lifelike animations.
If you're planning on creating your own masterpiece then there are a few rules, the first of which is that if you want it for free then it's non-commercial use only, which makes sense.
Pixar is giving away the software as part of an effort to increase interest in 3D animation whether it's students or just users who want to try it out for the first time.
In a statement on Pixar's website, the company outlines one of its many reasons for changing the pricing:
"It is Pixar’s belief that limitations on software access have become a brake on the development of the production industry, and that universal access and a set of common standards and practices can only stimulate greater growth and development."
RenderMan has been used in everything from animation films to live action blockbusters like Cowboys vs. Aliens where it allows 3D animators to blend real life with CGI.