“A Model of Madness” Scott Ross Why VFX Fails as a Business
Scott Ross: VFX is “a model of madness.” ILM, Digital Domain, and decades later, the business still cannot stand on three legs.
Browsing Tag
Business
608 posts
DNEG’s Brahma Acquires Metaphysic
Brahma, the AI division of DNEG, has acquired Metaphysic, a leading developer of AI content creation technologies, to accelerate the development of AI-powered products for content creators across industries.
Sony Pictures Entertainment akquiriert Pixomondo
The important VFX service provider Pixomondo is now part of Sony. Jonny Slow remains CEO of Pixomondo. Does this mean that Sony is significantly expanding its capacities in the field of virtual production and visual effects?
Netflix buys Animal Logic
The streaming Godzilla is getting its hands on Australians: Animated feature films by Wendy Rogers and Ron Howard now with the participation of 800 Australians?
Tangent Animation Halts Production, Affecting Around 400 Staff
Canadian studio Tangent Animation ceased production in 2021, affecting around 400 employees and several projects.
Epic Games Acquires ArtStation and Makes Learning Content Free
Epic Games acquired ArtStation and parent company Ballistiq while keeping the portfolio platform independent, reducing marketplace fees and opening learning content.
How HBO Max Reshaped Film Compensation During the Pandemic
A No Film School analysis examined how streaming releases changed bonuses and compensation for US film casts and crews.
Shutterstock Acquires 3D Marketplace TurboSquid
Shutterstock acquired TurboSquid, adding a major 3D-model marketplace and cloud-based digital asset-management technology.
Unity Joins Blender Development Fund as Patron
Unity committed $120,000 annually to the Blender Development Fund, supporting Blender’s core development team at the highest sponsorship tier.
Maxon Receives $200,000 Epic MegaGrant
Maxon received a $200,000 Epic MegaGrant to strengthen integration between Cinema 4D and Unreal Engine.
Unity Software Files for Stock-Market Listing
Unity Software filed to list shares of its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange.
Technicolor Begins 2020 Restructuring
Technicolor sought Chapter 15 recognition and outlined a €420 million financing plan during its June 2020 restructuring.
Panasonic Withdrew from IBC 2020
Panasonic withdrew from IBC 2020 and moved broadcast and ProAV training to an online Technology Experience Zone.
Adobe Buys Allegorithmic
In a move that surprises no one, Adobe announced today that Allegorithmic, the makers of the Substance Suite, had been acquired.
The Foundry Has Been Sold.
...but not to Adobe, as the rumor mill had brought to a boil, but to “HgCapital”, an investment company.
Alexander Schillinsky Becomes New Managing Director of Liga 01
The previous producer at the Hamburg location has been appointed Managing Director of LIGA_01 COMPUTERFILM HAMBURG GmbH. The 30-year-old will be responsible for operational business together with Pablo Bach.
DVS Becomes Rohde & Schwarz
As announced today, DVS, Digital Video Systems AG from Hanover, has been part of the Rohde & Schwarz Group since December 14.
RTT in the Fast Lane
Realtime Technology AG (RTT) seems to be doing things right – on the list of the “50 fastest-growing companies,” the visualisation specialist ranked 30th across Germany’s technology sector.
GAMEplaces BUSINESS & LEGAL ‘…and Now for the Advertising’
Whether advertising games or advertising in games, the possibilities for promoting computer games – or, viewed the other way round, products in the context of games – are diverse. However, all advertising measures, whether implemented in a game or intended to promote the actual computer-game product, are subject to strict legal regulations.
Anyone who wants to advertise computer games, finance them partly through advertising or present their product within a game should therefore have at least elementary knowledge of the current legal situation. In his talk ‘...and Now for the Advertising,’ lawyer Dr Andreas Lober of the Schulte Riesenkampff firm explains the fundamentals of advertising law.
Venue: IHK Frankfurt am Main
Conference room on the 2nd floor
Börsenplatz 4
60313 Frankfurt am Main
Time:
8:00–10:00 a.m.
Participation: free after registration at www.gameplaces.de
New Director Business Development & Product Management at sevenload
Daniel Kinat (37) will strengthen sevenload GmbH as its new Director Business Development & Product Management with effect from February 1.
Multi-Platform Business School Workshop, August 4–8, 2009
Modern digital technologies allow content to move across many media and formats. But where should it go? This workshop for producers, designers and directors offers answers, new perspectives and targeted expert advice for participants’ current projects.
CANCOM Announces Apple in Business Roadshow
CANCOM planned a free Apple in Business roadshow across Germany and Austria with Apple, Microsoft and Parallels.
The Collapsed Deal: GAMEplaces Legal Talk
On February 27, Christian Hoppenstedt will discuss failures in game-development and licensing contracts at GAMEplaces Business & Legal.
ViewSonic Introduces Versatile Projector for Business and Education
With the PJL7201, ViewSonic introduces a versatile, bright LCD projector tailored to the needs of educational institutions and businesses. The budget-conscious model offers numerous connection options and a high-quality wide-angle zoom lens.
Merlin Nominated as Best Business Software in the 2008 MacUser Awards
The online portal of respected Mac magazine MacUser nominated Merlin in the “Business Software of the Year” category, again demonstrating the high regard for ProjectWizards’ project-management software.
ViewSonic: 16:10 Projector Offers Perfect Compatibility with Widescreen Notebooks
With its new PJ359w widescreen projector in 16:10 format, ViewSonic is targeting the millions of widescreen-notebook users in business environments.
Two Global Telecoms Business Innovation Awards for Tata Communications
The awards were presented by a distinguished jury of international representatives from leading telecommunications companies.
GAMEplaces Business & Legal: ‘Der Deal’
Üblicherweise regeln Entwicklerstudios und Publisher die Herstellung eines noch nicht realisierten Spiels sowie dessen Lizenzierung und Auswertung vertraglich. In Deutschland hat die historisch relativ kurze Daseinszeit von Computerspielen allerdings noch kein allgemein anerkanntes und daher ausgewogenes Branchen- Vertragsmuster hervorgebracht.
Bei 'GAMEplaces Business & Legal' am 26. September erklärt Rechtsanwalt Christian
Hoppenstedt, worauf Entwickler und Publisher bei Vertragsverhandlungen
achten sollten.
Ort: IHK Frankfurt am Main, Konferenzraum im 2. OG, Börsenplatz 4, 60313 Frankfurt am Main
Uhrzeit: 8:30 – 10:00 Uhr
Teilnahme: nach Anmeldung auf www.gameplaces.de kostenlos
Kaspersky Lab at Security Essen for the First Time
Russian IT Security Specialist on Site with Current Business Solutions.
Successful Opening for GC — Games Convention 2008
Europe’s largest computer and video-game fair, GC — Games Convention in Leipzig, opened today with a rush of visitors. From 9 a.m., 38,000 gaming enthusiasts, compared with 35,000 in 2007, crowded onto the Leipzig exhibition grounds to test the latest games and associated hardware.
Five Years of PrimeSupport: Promotion Extended
End customers buying Sony VPL-EX5, VPL-EX50 and VPL-EW50 business projectors will
have longer to receive five years of PrimeSupport for the devices.
GAMEplaces: Business & Legal
GAMEplaces Launches a New Event Series on Relevant Legal Topics for the Games Industry
Microsoft Announces Pricing for New Online Services
Partners benefit from a new compensation model and additional business opportunities / Germany not until 2009
Virtual Reality for Pump Manufacturer
VISENSO and 3Dims cooperate on an innovative virtual reality (VR) application for Wilo’s research laboratory
Quark Dynamic Publishing Solution Wins Prestigious Macworld Award
Editors at Macworld UK name Quark Dynamic Publishing Solution the year’s best creative design software.
Success for the Dori Media Group
The US FOX network acquires hit telenovela “Lalola” and appoints Kevin Falls (“Journeyman,” “The West Wing”) as writer and executive producer.
Plazamedia Establishes Subsidiary in Switzerland
Broadcast service provider continues its internationalization strategy / Robert Adams heads Swiss and Austrian operations
PlayStation 3: Sony Loses USD 3.3 Billion
Economic slowdown and competition weigh on the balance sheet
PLAZAMEDIA and Disney Extend Contract for Another Three Years
Mickey Mouse & Co. move to PLAZAMEDIA’s digital eCenter service platform
Major Merger in China Confirms Social Gaming Trend
“The combination of social networks and online gaming has enormous potential”
Musicians Discover Video Games as a Source of Revenue
The guitar game Guitar Hero creates “positive synergies for both sides”
Is Data Retention Without Compensation Unconstitutional?
The Association of the German Internet Industry, eco e.V., points to a decision issued yesterday by the Berlin Administrative Court that raises the fundamental question of whether the state may compel companies to implement surveillance measures without compensating them.
Framepool Opens Offices in New York and Chicago
One offers a 360-degree view of the New York skyline, while the other is a true retreat in the Windy City: Framepool is proud of its new offices and delighted to introduce its unique collection to creatives and filmmakers in New York and Chicago.
Rights-Clearance Experts Bring Celebrities to Campaigns Around the World
GreenLight, a Corbis company and one of the world’s leading intellectual-property service providers, announces its rights and music-rights clearances for advertising campaigns by major brands including Old Spice, Ballantine’s and American Family Insurance.
Nvidia Lowers Second-Quarter Profit Expectations
Nvidia today announced a revised forecast for the second quarter of its 2008/2009 fiscal year. The manufacturer expects slightly lower revenue than in the first quarter of 2008. At the same time, Nvidia plans to invest around $150 million to $200 million to address problems affecting certain earlier GPU and MCP types in notebooks.
Microsoft Launches New Volume Licensing Programme for Mid-Sized and Large Companies
Select Plus simplifies software asset management and reduces costs through an automated discount model and Software Assurance
Book Review: Web-Based Business Models
Business models provide a model-based description of companies' business activities and their core revenue principles. Alongside defining products and services (the value proposition), they must establish target customer groups, communication and distribution channels, service principles, revenue principles, and operating models.
DPIntensiv Seminar: Conception, Costing and Planning of VFX
Using production examples, the seminar provides an overview of VFX management. It is aimed at production staff and artists who are interested in VFX and want to expand their knowledge.
Speaker: Sacha Bertram
He is one of Germany's best-known freelance VFX producers/supervisors. Sacha Bertram works for companies such as CA Scanline, Elektrofilm and Liga01. Alongside his practical work, he is also a book author, lecturer at various film schools and software developer.
Date: Two-day seminar: Saturday, June 21 from 11:00–18:00, and Sunday, June 22 from 9:00–16:00, Macromedia Akademie der Medien, Schwanthalerstraße 69; 80336 Munich
Cost: 299 euros (students: 119 euros);
50-euro early-booking discount until 23.05.2008 (does not apply to students)
Always in the Picture with an All-Rounder from SANYO
SANYO is setting new standards for flexibly installable projectors. With the PLC-XT21, the company offers a device distinguished above all by easy maintenance, versatile applications, and a barely perceptible operating noise level of 31 dB, adding another highlight to SANYO’s Business and Education range.
Constantin Film AG Reports Revenue of €67.2 Million for the First Quarter of 2008
The group increases operating profit by 149 percent to €5.0 million and earnings per share by 366 percent to €0.28.
German Companies Are Cutting Costs in the Wrong Place
Companies in Germany agree that more money needs to be invested in IT again, whether for compliance, growth, or other strategic reasons. Yet solutions for supporting internal and external employees and customers with technical problems are often neglected entirely, according to a current survey of 100 companies conducted by remote-maintenance specialist NTRglobal.
FileMaker Pro 9 Wins CODiE Award
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) names the database the “Best Database Management Solution.”
Telecommunications Industry Appeals to Legislators
Pursuing Copyright Infringements Must Not Come at the Expense of Fundamental Rights
CipherLab Opens an Office in Germany
The provider of automated identification and data-capture solutions is expanding its European presence by opening an office in Germany. Stefan Gerats, Sales Director – Central Europe, will build the region’s sales and partner network.
New SmartCom Center – Version 2.1.3
Introduced as a prototype at CeBIT, Quintec’s all-in-one SmartCom Center (SCC) appliance is now available in the new RAID-capable version 2.1.3 with many new functions. The version with two mirrored hard drives—RAID level 1—makes the SCC, developed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, safer and more convenient to use.
Peter Alderath Appointed Acting Regional Manager Central Europe at Avid
Since May 1, Peter Alderath has led Avid Technology’s operational business activities in Germany and Central Europe as the new Acting Regional Manager Central Europe. The company says that, together with his sales team, he oversees Avid’s activities in 25 countries and is responsible for revenue exceeding US$40 million.
New Head of Channels and Strategic Alliances at TANDBERG
Kristina Vervoort receives extensive sales responsibility.
China Mobile Expands Its Global Reach with Sybase 365
The company connects China Mobile with 50 countries and more than 200 mobile operators.
Gameforge Acquires Occupa GmbH
Gameforge is again expanding its influence in the browser-games scene: on May 16, 2008, the company acquired Occupa GmbH, a development studio behind successful titles such as KnightsDivine, BattleKnight and WildGuns.
Frogster: Online Only
After losses in 2007, the game publisher is cutting jobs substantially and will distribute its games online only in future.
Will Google Overtake Windows?
Analyst Henry Blodget concludes that online search will become more profitable than the operating system from 2009 onward.
Beaufort International Group Acquires DTS Digital Cinema
Beaufort International Group Plc today announced its acquisition of the DTS Digital Cinema business unit from DTS Inc. The purchase price was not disclosed. Beaufort completed the acquisition through its US subsidiary Beaufort California Inc.
Tandberg: 10,000 Personal Telepresence Systems Sold
Courier company TNT acquired the system to reduce business travel.
USA: Google Overtakes Yahoo as Most Popular Website
Results demonstrate the search-engine operator’s market dominance.
Legend Online Now at Gameforge
Gameforge takes over exclusive worldwide distribution of the successful fantasy browser game.
iStockphoto Calls for Submissions to New Audio Offering
In the future, every media type from the leading online image portal will be available—uniquely in the industry—through a single account.
Record Deals Were Yesterday; Today Music Is Uploaded
Music-download portal and community DJTUNES.COM opens a new distribution channel for artists and labels. At www.djtunes.com, users can upload and sell their own tracks directly.
Nero and Verbatim Announce Partnership for New External Hard-Drive Models
The new generation of Verbatim 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch external hard drives will ship with Nero BackItUp 2 Essentials software.
Mobile-Content Provider LemonQuest Establishes US Subsidiary
LemonQuest is expanding its international presence. The provider of content for mobile devices has established its US subsidiary LemonQuest Inc., bringing its presence to 90 countries with 120 employees.
Microsoft Obtains Preliminary Injunction Against Used-Software Dealer
Munich Regional Court I has issued a preliminary injunction against licence dealer HHS Usedsoft GmbH. The reason is a misleading claim made during a sales campaign aimed at public-sector customers, Microsoft said in a statement.
Dogan Gazetecilik Implements QuarkXPress 7
One of Turkey’s leading newspaper publishers continues successful production with the latest version of Quark’s award-winning layout and design software.
PTPublisher from Primera Now Also Available in a Network Version
Following last week’s launch of the new PTPublisher software for fully automated copying and printing of optical media, Primera Technology has now introduced the updated PTPublisher NE network edition.
CANCOM IT Systeme AG Confirms Growth Course
According to preliminary figures, the CANCOM Group improved revenue and EBITDA noticeably in the first quarter of 2008.
Primera Software Enables Asynchronous Burning for Smaller Companies
Primera Technology has released version 1.2.3 of its PTPublisher duplication software, enabling two optical discs with completely different content to be burned at the same time.
Sony Sets New Standards in the Projector Market
For the first time, Sony is integrating BrightEra technology into entry-level business projectors. Three of the four new models have inorganic panels, producing better images and offering a significantly longer service life.
Fred Kogel Leaves Constantin Film AG Board on December 31, 2008
Bernhard Burgener will become the new Chief Executive Officer of Constantin Film AG.
Gameforge Establishes Development Studio in Hamburg
Gameforge AG has founded an external development studio in Hamburg with three industry veterans under the name Ticking Bomb Games.
Georg Nemetschek and His Family Establish the Non-Profit Nemetschek Foundation
Professor Georg Nemetschek, founder, long-serving Chief Executive Officer and current Supervisory Board member of Nemetschek AG, has established the Nemetschek Foundation together with his family.
Primera Software Brings Asynchronous Burning to Smaller Companies for the First Time
Primera Technology is launching a new version of its duplication software for fully automatic copying and printing of storage media. PTPublisher 1.2.3 can burn two optical discs containing completely different material at the same time.
TOMORROW FOCUS Technologies and Omniture Announce Strategic Partnership
By partnering with Omniture, online-business optimization software provider, TOMORROW FOCUS Technologies expands its portfolio with web-analysis and statistics services.
Save Money with FileMaker Upgrades
FileMaker has launched special upgrade offers for its current FileMaker Pro 9 database product. Customers already using FileMaker Pro 7, 8 or 8.5 can upgrade to the latest version at a particularly favorable price.
Summer Continues: Cinema Charts
At the first summer-like weekend of the year, 72,000 cinema-goers were enough to place Andy Tennant's Fool's Gold third in the media control cinema charts.
Seagate CFO Charles Pope Plans Move to New Position
Seagate Technology announced that longtime management-team member and Chief Financial Officer Charles Pope will leave his post effective August 25, 2008 to focus on leading Seagate Services.
Sonic Acquires Simple Star
The provider of digital-media software and online services expands Roxio's consumer product line with a web community for multimedia applications and sharing services.
Microsoft Completes Acquisition of FAST Search & Transfer
Former FAST chief John Markus Lervik now leads Microsoft's Enterprise Search business.
Wanted: A Good Idea for Protecting Intellectual Property
At a BDI ceremony marking this year's Intellectual Property Day, Federal Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries, Microsoft Germany and Messe Frankfurt today called in Berlin for entries to the competition «The Idea - For the Protection of Intellectual Property». The competition, being held for the second time, recognises exemplary professional initiatives by companies, associations, initiatives and individuals that address the value of intellectual property within society, highlight its misuse and illustrate the damage this causes.
Leipzig Trade Fair Opens Representative Office in Singapore
Preparations for Games Convention Asia 2008, taking place from 18 to 20 September.
eBay Considers Separating from Skype
Online auction company eBay is considering a sale of internet-telephony provider Skype.
Microsoft’s Ultimatum to Yahoo! Expires
In the multibillion-dollar takeover battle for Internet corporation Yahoo!, software giant Microsoft's ultimatum for an amicable agreement expired yesterday evening. Microsoft is threatening a hostile takeover if no purchase agreement is reached with Yahoo!'s management. However, the software corporation recently also did not rule out withdrawing its offer altogether. What happens after the deadline is therefore unclear.
Stephan Borg Becomes Deputy Managing Director of Giga Digital Television GmbH
Stephan Borg has been appointed Deputy Managing Director of Giga Digital Television GmbH with immediate effect.
Pixelpark Reports 2007 Financial Results
Berlin-based Pixelpark AG has reported financial results for 2007, with group revenue rising by €13.5 million, or 39.7 percent, to €47.4 million from €33.9 million in 2006.
Product Piracy Holds Back Research, Development and Economic Growth
On Intellectual Property Day, April 26, Microsoft and sports lifestyle company PUMA drew attention to the need for copyright protection. With regard to software and brand piracy, the two companies highlighted the financial losses caused by counterfeit products and the resulting lack of potential for developing new ideas.
Games Convention 2008: Classification as a Leading International Trade Fair
The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) has officially recognised GC - Games Convention as a leading international trade fair
Legal Music Downloads Continue to Advance
Legal downloads in Germany reached 11.3 million units in the first quarter of 2008, up 38.1% year on year.
NIIT Technologies Expands German Front End
SofTec GmbH significantly expands NIIT Technologies’ portfolio in the travel, transport, and logistics sector.
Nvidia: Two Million Euros for Aachen
The graphics card manufacturer opens a new development site in Würselen near Aachen