Open Source Pipeline PLEX

Every project that includes multiple steps and artists needs a pipeline to guide them.

When I started my Technical Director career by adding helpful tools and basic pipeline elements to my projects I noticed that there were barely any pipelines for use or for inspiration online.

The purpose of the Open Source Pipeline Plex is to be

1. a basic pipeline for small to mid-sized projects

2. customizable to the different project needs

3. a code and structure template for your own pipeline

4. a sophisticated documentation for pipeline creation and to explain the different elements and decisions

What is Plex exactly?

Plex is a Visual Effects, Animation and Games pipeline managing important workflows during production. Its core is a flexible and independent system for small to mid-sized projects and companies. The basic idea is to handle the file and folder structure, setup basic rules and guide the workflow to allow collaboration in a complex production environment. Plug and play.

Intuitively guiding the input and output of users to overcome problems and achieve goals. Now you have a good game ... or pipeline.

Plex's toolbar and shot/asset loading app

Environments

• OS: Windows | Linux | Mac

• Software: Maya 2020+ | Houdini 15+ | 3ds Max 2020+ | Nuke 12+ | ...

• Renderer: Arnold | RenderMan | Mantra | V-Ray | ...

Project Features

• Visual Effects, Animation & Game production management system

• file & folder management (settings | create | save | load | publish)

• flexible, portable, multi functional project environment

• additional libraries (api | img | user | shot)

• workflow tracking & reporting

• user-pipeline integration

• SSTP (simple | smart | transparent | performant)

Pipeline Features

Layered Pipeline

• create a company pipeline

• add a project pipeline

• test and develop in a personal environment

Scripts

• desktop app

• save (+ publish) | load | create | render

• get, set and handle data | img | scripts

• template UI (user, report, help, accept, comment, color code)

• setup menu, shelf, toolbar, ...

Workflows and Charts

• naming conventions

• software pipeline

• folder structure (project & pipeline)

Data and Helper

• project (resolution, fps ...)

• user (name, task ...)

• context (shot, task, comment ...)

• environment variables (PROJECT_PATH ...)

• additional libraries

Feedback & Debug (+ advanced logging)

• inform user about processes

• debug like a king *bow*

The graphic shows the layer based approach to use and customize the pipeline for different projects.

Projects

• Breaking Point [VFX short film 2016] Winner VES Award 2017 & Winner Siggraph Asia 2016

• Elemental [VFX short film 2016] FMX Trailer 2017

• Animan

• Drool Pool

• ...

Plex Open Source Pipeline

Watch the live presentation of Plex at the FMX 2017.

How to

You like to use Plex in your own project? Here is a multi video introduction into the pipeline, how to set it up and customize it to your projects needs:

Note: Works best if you have a technical background and scripting knowledge.