“LightWave 3D has been the secret weapon in production pipelines for the past 20 years,” said Jim Plant, president and CEO, NewTek. “The formation of the LightWave 3D Group and the promotion of Rob Powers to president of the group was an executive decision to ensure that NewTek is well positioned for 20 plus more years of incredible growth,” continued Plant. “Rob’s passion for LightWave coupled with his unrivaled film production experience makes him the ideal person to lead the 3D team in new directions. It’s an exciting time for both the company and the industry.”

For more than two years, Powers has lead the development and implementation of many new features in NewTek LightWave™ 10 and LightWave 11, acting a liaison between studios, 3D artists and NewTek to incorporate productivity enhancements such as the VPR (Virtual Preview Renderer), anaglyph stereoscopic 3D preview and many other features including advanced flocking, instancing, workflow improvements and interchange support.

Prior to joining NewTek, Powers worked with James Cameron, serving as animation technical director and virtual art department supervisor for “Avatar,” and as CG supervisor for “Aliens of the Deep.” Powers also worked with Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson as virtual art department supervisor for “The Adventures of Tintin.” He worked on Disney’s “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” and Jet Li’s “The One,” and was the lead animator of the famous 3D dancing baby on “Ally McBeal.”