Red Giant, the plugin supergroup that is responsible for filter packs like Magic Bullet Looks, Trapcode, and PluralEyes, has recently announced a new plugin model, Universe, where new and updated filters will be provided to members at low to no cost. If you're a motion graphics designer, or love sweetening your video edits with funky filters, check out the video and see if Universe is for you.
The other part to this release which I find to be interesting, is the option of a paid subscription. In the past, you would just outright purchase a plugin pack, and that would be it. Now, with a $10/month premium membership you get access to other more notable plugins like Knoll Light Factory EZ and Toonit. Kind of cool if you need a particular effect for a one-time project but don't want to spend $500 on an entire suite of products. Even if you don't want to spend money, you can join for free and access some filters right away.
Plugins will be available for Mac OSX (10.8.5 and up) as well as Windows 7 x64 Home or Professional and Windows 8. You can use them in Adobe Premiere Pro CS6, Final Cut X 10.0.9, After Effects CS5.5, and Motion 5.0.4. You will need a GPU to render these effects, but Red Giant mentions specifically that, "we have invested a lot of time in making sure that even older or integrated graphics will render Universe effects."
Red Giant goes on to mention that plugins will be created and updated frequently based on user feedback in the Universe community, as the video below demonstrates how the backend of plugin creation is very easy for their developers.
https://vimeo.com/88253005
For more information, check out Red Giant's website for Universe.
[via Prolost]