Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc. has entered into an agreement with Ascent Media Corporation to acquire Ascent’s Creative Services and Media Services businesses which include such mainstay shops as Company 3, Beast, Method, Rushes, Encore Hollywood and Level 3 Post.
Deluxe thus diversifies itself even further in the post, visual effects and editorial arenas, adding a talent base active in commercials, TV and features. The acquisition will also enhance Deluxe’s services for clients that include life-cycle library management and digital asset management. Digital services include file based mastering, archiving, digital distribution, DVD and Blu-ray authoring.
Deluxe is a leading processor of film for the motion picture industry and a prime provider of Blu-ray authoring services. Over the last few years Deluxe has significantly increased its service offerings in digital services and content delivery. The company’s pipeline includes 2D and 3D post production services from film or digital capture to digital intermediates with the proprietary EFILM® workflow, theatrical release (35mm and digital cinema), and home entertainment services for every digital media platform.
“Deluxe is well positioned to take our company into the future as technologies continue to transform how customers create and distribute content for films and television programs,” said Cyril Drabinsky, president and CEO of Deluxe. “We look forward to this talented group of people joining the Deluxe team.”
The transaction–at a purchase price of approximately $68 million (after the assumption of certain indebtedness)–is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close by the end of the year.
Ascent Media’s CEO William Fitzgerald said, “AMG’s [Ascent Media Group’s] Creative Services group has provided pioneering postproduction solutions for some of the most well-known brands, directors and studios. In Media Services, AMG has been an innovator in developing solutions to help customers manage and distribute content. Deluxe is a leader in both of these segments, and we believe that the transaction should accelerate growth and better serve the combined company’s cutomers worldwide.”
Ascent Media will continue to own AMG’s content distribution and systems integration businesses. However, the company is pursuing strategic alternatives for both business units. Additionally, the company is committed to pursuing investments in or the acquisition of businesses that provide enhanced shareholder return opportunities.
Nominees Unveiled For Cinema Audio Society’s 61st Annual Awards
The Cinema Audio Society has unveiled its nominees in seven categories for the 61st Annual CAS Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing 2024.
The 61st CAS Awards will be held on Saturday, February 22, at the Beverly Hilton.
Nominated in the live action motion picture category were the audio teams behind A Complete Unknown, Deadpool & Wolverine, Dune: Part Two, Gladiator II and Wicked.
Animated motion picture nominees were the sound ensembles behind Inside Out 2, Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, The Wild Robot and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
As previously announced, multi-award-winning sound mixer Tod A. Maitland CAS (A Complete Unknown, West Side Story, Joker), will be honored with the CAS Career Achievement Award. In addition, visionary filmmaker Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two, Blade Runner 2049, Arrival) will receive the Cinema Audio Society’s Filmmaker Award.
The CAS Award nominees highlight the outstanding contributions of sound mixers, recognizing excellence in the specialized craft of sound mixing for both film and television. Each year, accomplished CAS members—who possess extensive expertise in the art and science of sound—carefully review hundreds of projects to ensure the nominees truly reflect excellence in sound mixing in Motion Picture and Television entertainment.
“2024 was a year of remarkable achievements in the sound community, with exceptional talent on display across every category,” said CAS president Peter Kurland. “The innovation and artistry of these sound mixers continue to elevate the craft, and the upcoming awards will be a celebration of the outstanding contributions made this year. Congratulations to... Read More