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Image Metrics Receives $6.5M in Funding

Image Metrics, a leading provider of facial animation solutions for the entertainment industry, has completed a $6.5 million Series B round of funding led by Saffron Hill Ventures, the company's original investor. The funds will be used to enable the development of new technologies and service offerings that will result in more cost-effective, high-quality facial animation for Image Metrics' customers. It will also be used to execute industry-focused plans for Image Metrics' recently announced video game and film divisions.

"With a number of outstanding projects completed in both the video game and film industries this year, Image Metrics has proven that its proprietary solutions meet the growing need within the entertainment industry for high-quality facial animation," said Ranjeet Bhatia, managing director of Saffron Hill Ventures. "Given the company's track record of success, Saffron Hill Ventures is pleased to lead Image Metrics' Series B round to support the evolution of its innovative business."

"Twenty years ago, the entertainment industry relied on miniatures for visual effects, and the evolution to computer-generated environments opened up vast new storytelling possibilities," said Wanda Meloni, president and senior technology analyst at DFC Research. "Image Metrics' facial animation solutions are taking that entertainment experience one step further in its evolution. The technology empowers filmmakers and game developers to enhance the story with believable CG characters who connect with the audience at a more emotional level."

The Series B round led by Saffron Hill Ventures will fund new research and development for Image Metrics' performance-driven facial animation solutions. In addition, Image Metrics will be using the funds to help the Company meet increasing demand in the film and game markets.

"The company has achieved a number of milestones this year, including our work on Rockstar Games' GTA IV and a groundbreaking film project, the beta launch of our performance transfer product for the film market, the addition of several key new management team members and the establishment of our video Game and Film divisions," said Mike Starkenburg, Image Metrics' CEO. "The infusion of new capital in this difficult financial environment validates our ongoing commitment to helping studios cost-effectively create more immersive entertainment."

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