How USD Is Changing the Way We Make VFX

Over the last 18 months, we’ve been quietly changing that. At Cause and FX, we’ve been re-engineering the way our data moves, connects, and flows through the pipeline – using USD (Universal Scene Description) to build a smarter, faster, and more connected way of working.

And it’s not just us realising this is an efficient workflow, studios are excited too.

What is USD, and why does it matter?

USD stands for Universal Scene Description – a technology developed by Pixar that acts like a common language for 3D data. In simple terms, it’s a way for different programs (think Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Unreal, etc.) to speak to each other without losing information in translation.

In the past, the VFX world relied on formats that kind of did this, but never perfectly. Adding a new application often meant broken links, re-exports, and starting over. USD changes that by creating a unified framework, where lighting, animation, and geometry data can move seamlessly between tools, artists, and production.

It’s a bit like replacing a pile of hand-written notes with a shared digital document: everyone’s working from the same source, and updates happen everywhere at once.

How we’ve integrated USD at Cause and FX

Many larger studios are trying to adopt USD, but changing big, established pipelines is like turning a cruise ship, yes slow and painful. Our team has built our pipeline differently: designed from the ground up to stay agile, modular, and adaptable to whatever the industry throws next.

That’s why USD fits so naturally into what we do. It’s not about size, it’s about how we think. We apply the best tool for every situation and engineer our systems so that technology serves the creativity, not the other way around.

“We’ve always built our tools and pipeline to stay adaptable. The goal isn’t to make one tool do everything – it’s to use the best tool for every job and have the flexibility to evolve as technology does,” explains Ambrose Challies, Business Development Lead.

We’ve integrated USD at a fundamental level, enabling a collaborative workflow across every department – yes, including production. On top of that, we’ve developed proprietary tools that utilise USD to connect Unreal Engine in a dynamic, real-time way – bridging what had traditionally been two separate worlds.

The result? Less duplication, faster iteration, and a smoother, more connected process from previs to final comp. Work that would traditionally be thrown away between stages can now move forward –refined and reused instead of rebuilt.

Where Unreal meets USD

For years, Unreal Engine has been a powerhouse for real-time rendering, but in traditional VFX pipelines it’s always been the odd one out. It’s incredible for virtual production and interactive work, but it doesn’t naturally play well with VFX workflows – until now.

That’s where USD comes in. By combining Unreal’s creative power with the interoperability of USD, we’ve built a bridge between real-time and offline rendering workflows. Our artists can move scenes between Unreal and Houdini without losing a beat. It’s not just more efficient, it’s a smarter, more creative way of working.

Why this matters to our clients

For production partners and studios, USD isn’t just a behind-the-scenes upgrade, it’s what keeps projects moving smoothly when everything else is moving fast.

Because our entire pipeline speaks the same language, clients get greater visibility, faster turnaround, and far fewer surprises along the way. Creative changes late in the game no longer mean starting over – assets and data flow cleanly between stages, so adjustments happen quickly and predictably.

As Ambrose explains, “studios are looking for what’s next. Not just faster rendering or flashier tech, but smarter workflows that make production more predictable. USD is the first step towards that future.”

That consistency saves time, budget, and stress. It means reviews are easier, approvals faster, and collaboration clearer – whether you’re in the same room or on the other side of the world.

When studios see this in action, they recognise what it really represents, a partner who brings clarity, control, and confidence to complex VFX work.

Looking ahead

USD isn’t the end goal, it’s the foundation for what comes next. We’re continuing to evolve our Unreal-USD pipeline, exploring how it can support virtual production, environment building, and even more integrated client collaboration.

The common thread? People. Our team’s curiosity, problem-solving, and willingness to experiment are what make this possible. It’s not just about faster tools – it’s about empowering artists to create with more freedom and less friction.

Because at Cause and FX, the best tech always starts with great humans.

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