I'd hazard a bet that the type of servers deployed in cloud systems like Azure isn't really suited to large number crunching operations (such as rendering). A

I'd hazard a bet that the type of servers deployed in cloud systems like Azure isn't really suited to large number crunching operations (such as rendering). A good example of a big FX shop is WETA Digital (they did LOTR and Avatar) who own supercomputers at 279, 280, 281, 282, 283 and 413 on the Top 500 Supercomputer List. I'd be amazed if Azure had anywhere near that kind of power (in any kind of suitable configuration).