New TF2 Machinima tools on the way?

An interesting blip over on ShackNews: it sounds like Valve will be releasing some new machinima-focused/friendly SDK tools that were used in creating their "Meet The ____" series of shorts around Team Fortress 2. The post by a Valve employee (signed Robin - I'll assume it's designer Robin Walker) makes mention of the tools, though its timeframe is a bit indefinite (sigh). He doesn't get into specifics around what tools these will be, but I imagine they're most likely pipeline/middleware stuff that allows transparent production between Maya/XSI and Source.

With Hammer/ModelViewer/FacePoser already supporting TF2, that seems to be the missing link in the SDK. However, this blogger is hoping for something more along the lines of Demo Editor/Smoother 2.0 or the like.

Valve updates Source SDK to support HL2:Ep2, TF2, Portal

Valve just announced an update to the Source SDK now supporting Half-Life2: Episode 2, Team Fortress 2 and Portal.

I look forward to the Machinima that will come from this update - with an eye towards Lit Fuse Films and once they get their hands on it. Ciao!

Update: Looks like the SDK is running a bit on the unstable side. I've tried testing out the TF2 models under FacePoser, which after one successful launch, will then crash consistently any time thereafter. There's a rumor that an update will be released tomorrow (11/8), but we'll have to stay tuned to the Source SDK Forums for any news from Mike Durand at Valve.