Light Iron–a Hollywood-based postproduction house specializing in on-site dailies, digital intermediate, archival, and data services for projects originated on file-based motion cameras–has expanded into the New York market, acquiring all post facilities and resources of OFFHOLLYWOOD, located in the Soho district of Manhattan. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Light Iron CEO Michael Cioni noted that OFFHOLLYWOOD’s reputation in NY is akin to that of Light Iron’s in Los Angeles, namely a leading player in “emerging technologies and expert workflows that are changing everything about motion pictures.” He credited OFFHOLLYWOOD’s founders Mark Pederson and Aldey Sanchez with building a company that fully understands and embraces file-based workflow across production and post. Cioni related, “As Light Iron absorbs OFFHOLLYWOOD’s postproduction operations, we will push capabilities even further by bringing new talent and new technologies that the New York television, feature, and fashion markets haven’t yet experienced.”
Light Iron NY is open for business immediately, featuring a DI grading theater, DI grading suites, a digital lab, and archive center. Cioni is relocating to New York to oversee the new operations.
OFFHOLLYWOOD will continue as a production service company, expanding its camera rental and support operations on a different floor of the same building. In addition, OFFHOLLYWOOD will be the New York region’s exclusive provider of Light Iron’s award-winning OUTPOST Mobile Systems.
“We have reached a new era in production, where no camera package is complete without a tested post workflow,” said OFFHOLLYWOOD’s CEO Pederson. “With this transaction, OFFHOLLYWOOD has access to both Light Iron’s Mobile Systems and their expert team, so we can equip our clients with the most advanced technologies and resources available anywhere.”
Light Iron and OFFHOLLYWOOD have intersected numerous times, as the principals of both companies were among the earliest adopters of file-based workflows when many in the post industry were highly critical of tapeless acquisition. Most recently, both companies supported the feature Texas Chainsaw 3D, which led the weekend box office upon its release on January 4. OFFHOLLYWOOD provided cameras and stereoscopic 3D acquisition equipment and support, while Light Iron provided on-set data management, digital intermediate, and digital cinema mastering.
Even though Light Iron is only three years old, high profile projects (recent credits include Hitchcock, Flight, the TV series Veep, and commercial campaigns for Mattel and Skechers) have contributed to strong and rapid growth. The company just opened a second Hollywood facility in September 2012 that is dedicated to its popular on-set OUTPOST services. Expanding to New York was an inevitable next step for Light Iron.
Cioni noted, “I personally look forward to relocating to New York and bringing with me Light Iron’s unique blend of creativity and technology. Our mission is to enhance the creative process for the television, feature, and fashion markets by continuing to be the leading architect of modern production and postproduction strategies.”
As the director of Saturday Night Live‘s Film Unit, client Rhys Thomas–who gained inclusion into SHOOT‘s 2012 New Director Showcase and is on the spot/branded content roster of Skunk–is looking forward to Light Iron’s move to his city. “I’ve traveled to Light Iron LA to pick their brain and experienced the talent they have to offer. Having the resources and ideas of Light Iron at home is going to be very exciting for the New York market.”
Production Companies Blink and m ss ng p eces Enter Into Immersive Partnership
U.S.-based m ss ng p eces and London-based Blink have officially entered an innovative new partnership that looks to transform the landscape of immersive storytelling and experiential work in the U.K.
This collaboration between two forward-thinking production companies will create a direct pipeline for bringing the most cutting-edge, immersive content to life. With a shared commitment to groundbreaking craft and nurturing unique talent, Blink and m ss ng p eces are poised to unlock new creative possibilities for brands and agencies.
Through this partnership, Blink will gain full access to m ss ng p eces’ award-winning immersive practice, which specializes in the intersection of technology and storytelling. From VR to AR, AI to interactive experiences and pop-up events, m ss ng p eces has redefined what’s possible in the digital and experiential space, and now their expertise will mix with Blink’s creative and award-winning roster in the U.K.
“We’ve always pushed the limits of what technology can do for storytelling,” said Kate Oppenheim, managing partner at m ss ng p eces. “Our work with brands and agencies has shown us how powerful immersive media can be in making an emotional connection with audiences. With this partnership, we’re bringing that same spirit of innovation to Blink’s incredible roster of directors, and we can’t wait to see how we can elevate U.K. campaigns together.”
Mike Woods, head of immersive at m ss ng p eces, brings over two decades of expertise in immersive media to this collaboration. Under his guidance, Blink’s directors will be empowered to experiment with everything from mixed reality to VFX, enhancing their ability to create boundary-pushing campaigns for U.K. agencies and brands.... Read More