The launch of concept design software Modo is the latest stage of The Foundry’s diversification strategy. The company has already built a broad church of tools for the film industry, taking much of the risk out of its business model. It has partnered with Weta Digital, the post production house owned by director Peter Jackson, to create a 3D painting tool, for example. “Peter Jackson invented Mari for doing the 3D painting on King Kong and Lord of the Rings,” says Collis. “We did a deal with Weta to take over the development and commercialise it for the whole industry, and pay it a royalty.”