Animation Studio Managing Large VFX Pipelines

The company operates within the animation, visual effects (VFX), and gaming industry, managing a complex pipeline that involves handling extremely large raw and processed media files. Their team interacts heavily with both internal stakeholders and external vendors and companies, often requiring seamless collaboration across global time zones. Their workflow demands high-performance media handling due to the sizeable file formats typical in VFX production.

Currently, the company utilizes Frame.io to manage and share media with external companies for review and approval processes. Internally, their pipeline relies on high-end storage solutions connected through a 10-gigabit network, specifically using storage from Isilon and media playback tools like ShortGrid and RV. Editing is primarily done via Foundry Nuke Studio and RV, which are industry-standard editing and review platforms for VFX and animation.

- The company’s external collaboration tools, while effective for review and approval, are not fully integrated with their internal asset management and media streaming workflows. - Handling large EXR files (both compressed and uncompressed, with frame sizes ranging from 30 MB to 70 MB) presents challenges in storage, streaming, and accessibility without incurring lengthy download times or requiring excessive local storage. - The bifurcation between internal and external workflows results in inefficiencies and potential delays in file access and version control. - Existing platforms do not offer a unified solution that supports both internal and external workflows comprehensively, especially for the large, file-agnostic nature of their media assets.

Shade offers a centralized platform that integrates internal and external workflows into one seamless environment. The platform’s key differentiator is its advanced file streaming capability, which allows users to access and playback large media files in real time without needing to download them fully. This file-agnostic streaming supports raw and compressed EXR files, VFX design files, and other asset types critical to their pipeline. Shade’s platform is accessible via web browsers and native apps across multiple operating systems, including Linux, enabling flexible usage both on-premises and remotely, even with varying internet conditions. Additionally, Shade’s comprehensive asset management includes file searching, review and approval, final delivery, and distribution within a single interface, reducing reliance on multiple disconnected tools.