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BANGALORE: US based Sony Pictures Imageworks (SPI) has announced
an equity investment in renowned visual effects and animation studio
FrameFlow, which has its production operation in Chennai. As part
of the deal, FrameFlow will become Imageworks India and will work
seamlessly with Sony Pictures Imageworks' main production facility
in Culver City, California.
The newly named entity expects to quadruple its workload in the
coming years and deepen its capabilities through investments in
infrastructure, technology and training from Sony Pictures Imageworks.
Imageworks India also plans a significant growth in its current
talent base of 80 employees. To accommodate anticipated expansion,
Imageworks India will relocate to a larger office in Chennai with
a seating capacity of up to 300.
"We are extremely excited to announce this partnership with
Sony Pictures Imageworks, an Academy Award-winning visual effects
and animation facility. We are deeply honored to be chosen to join
the Imageworks family. It's a testament to the passion and talent
of our team and creative leadership of Krishnakant Mishra to receive
this supreme validation of the quality of our work ", commented
Hitesh Shah, co-founder of FrameFlow and now the Co-Managing Director
of Imageworks India .
Also speaking at the occasion, Abhaya Kumar, Managing Director
of FrameFlow's Indian operation added, "This relationship represents
the culmination of our strategic vision to expand and deepen our
capabilities through integration with an industry leader like Imageworks.
We look at this strategic investment as a part of the continuing
Indian Success Story – one that elevates the standing of the
whole Indian visual effects and animation industry on the global
stage."
FrameFlow was founded three years ago to deliver high-quality effects
support to top facilities worldwide. Prior to becoming Imageworks
India, FrameFlow proved its value by working with Sony Pictures
Imageworks on movies such as CLICK, GHOST RIDER and SPIDER-MAN 3
among many other projects.
"The level of professionalism and quality of work that we
experienced in working with the FrameFlow team was exemplary, and
gave us the confidence to extend and establish a strong long term
relationship ," said Jenny Fulle, Executive Vice President,
Sony Pictures Imageworks and now the Co-Managing Director of Imageworks
India . "We are very excited about expanding our capacity with
Imageworks India in Chennai.
As part of Sony Pictures Imageworks, Imageworks India will continue
to provide visual effects and animation services as a resource to
the industry. Imageworks India (formerly FrameFlow), has been a
trusted partner to other top visual effects and animation studios
in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
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