Visual effects software developer Boris FX signs an agreement to acquire Imagineer Systems Ltd., the UK-based developer of the exclusive Planar Tracking and masking tools.
Boston, MA -- Visual effects software developer Boris FX has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Imagineer Systems Ltd., the UK-based developer of the exclusive Planar Tracking and masking tools. Imagineer’s flagship product, mocha Pro plays a leading role in countless major Hollywood films. In 2013 the team behind mocha was honored by the Academy of Motion Pictures with a Science and Engineering Award. mocha Pro software was recently used on blockbuster films Gone Girl, Birdman and Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, and TV show hits such as The Leftovers, Game of Thrones and House of Cards.
“This strategic acquisition will allow us to offer the most comprehensive and advanced set of visual effects tools and solutions on the market today, serving everyone from the independent filmmaker to the professional video editor working with effects to the feature film VFX artist,” explained Boris Yamnitsky, founder and CEO, Boris FX.“Imagineer Systems has the best-of-breed motion tracking, masking and rig removal technology. The company’s engineering and product design expertise perfectly complement Boris FX’s own highly regarded team of visual effects software developers and industry specialists. Both Boris Continuum Complete and mocha Pro will greatly benefit from combining our resources and technologies, as will the many mutual customers we serve.”
The newly merged company will build upon the strengths of both development teams to become the leading software firm specializing in post-production plug-ins and tools for editorial, visual effects and motion graphics design.
Imagineer management echoes the play on strengths and the value the merger will bring to the industry. “From our first discussions with Boris it was clear we share the same ethos of directly engaging with our users and the same passion for innovation in visual effects,” stated John Paul Smith, CEO, Imagineer. “One of Imagineer’s key strengths is the ability to play well with others, supporting every popular VFX application in the industry. Joining the Boris family is a huge opportunity to bring mocha‘s world-class planar tracking to Boris Continuum Complete users, giving artists and editors the tools they need where they need them most.”
“Acquiring the proprietary mocha Planar Tracker technology will allow us to bring Imagineer’s Academy Award-winning planar tracking to Boris FX solutions and customers, while conversely, Imagineer products will benefit from Boris FX’s advanced host integration know-how,” Yamnitsky elaborated. “The breadth and depth of both companies’ technologies will allow us to quickly build powerful new visual effects. The acquisition expands global coverage, better serving customers worldwide, with staff located in the UK, New York, Los Angeles and Melbourne, Australia.”
The announcement of the acquisition has already been greeted with excitement from the industry.
“Imagineer makes amazing tools for the visual effects community,” Jake Morrison, VFX supervisor with Marvel Films (and a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures) commented. “At the core, its planar tracker is truly one of the most significant technologies for a VFX professional -- something recognized by the Academy when the company recently received a Sci-Tech Award.”
Considered the standard visual effects toolset among broadcast and post facilities, Boris FX has more than one million registered customers, which include Viacom, ABC/Disney, BBC, ESPN and more. Boris FX tools were instrumental in contributing to television content such as Downton Abbey, Weeds, Annoying Orange and many others.
Boris FX flagship visual effects solutions include Boris Continuum Complete (BCC), the single most comprehensive plug-in toolset for editing and compositing systems from Avid, Apple, Adobe, Sony, Grass Valley, The Foundry, Assimilate, Quantel, Blackmagic and SGO.
“I’ve worked with Continuum Complete for many years and am continually impressed with the sheer power and large library of useful tools for post,” said Ross Shain, chief marketing officer of Imagineer Systems. “Imagineer is very excited to be teaming up with one of the leading plug-in developers in the industry, and we will leverage Boris FX’s experience with GPU-enhanced acceleration and host integration to improve the mocha family of products.”
Imagineer Systems Ltd. will continue to operate as a wholly owned UK subsidiary of Boris FX with CEO John-Paul Smith continuing to lead from the Guildford, UK location. Boris Yamnitsky, CEO of Boris FX, will serve as the group chairman and Ross Shain will become the chief marketing officer of both Boris FX and Imagineer. For more information about the acquisition plans, please visit the Boris FX FAQ.
Source: Boris FX/Imagineer Systems
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
