Video Production Team Operating Regionally

The company operates within the video production industry, managing a mid-sized team of 8 to 10 people. Their operations span a broad regional area within a single state, with a mix of on-site cinematography and a remote editing team primarily based overseas. The company has been rapidly growing over the past two years and currently handles a significant volume of video content requiring collaboration across multiple locations.

Their video production workflow involves capturing footage locally and then outsourcing editing tasks to remote editors, who primarily work from the Philippines. Initially, the company used Dropbox to manage file sharing and collaboration. More recently, they transitioned to using a network-attached storage (NAS) solution at their cinematographer’s office combined with LucidLink software to facilitate remote access and editing. They also use Frame.io for company review and feedback.

The company encountered several challenges with their current setup: - Inconsistent editor access to streaming capabilities within LucidLink, leading to workflow disruptions. - Unexpected and significant billing spikes with LucidLink due to storage and usage charges, without prior notification or transparent communication. - Managing multiple tools (LucidLink for file access and Frame.io for review) created workflow fragmentation and required manual file transfers between platforms. - Concerns about growing storage costs if moving all active projects to cloud-based platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive. - Desire to maintain cost-effective active storage capped around 10 terabytes, while backing up everything long-term on local NAS with over 20 terabytes of data.

Shade offers a consolidated solution that replaces the need for multiple tools by combining file hosting, remote streaming, and review capabilities within a single platform. With Shade: - Editors can stream and mount active project files directly into their editing software, eliminating the need to switch between separate platforms or download/upload files manually. - Active projects can be stored and accessed seamlessly with predictable pricing, avoiding unexpected fees and billing surprises. - The platform supports quick access for remote editing teams without compromising on speed or reliability. - Shade reduces the complexity of the company’s creative tech stack by merging functionalities currently spread across LucidLink and Frame.io into one streamlined workflow.