Democratizing High-End Post

Overview

We democratized high-end color correction and finishing processes by writing a software-based color grading system that leveraged GPU acceleration on the G5's architecture, pioneering real-time processing workflows. We effectively brought a $500K+ process down to sub $100K during the transition from physical capture and delivery to digital distribution.

The Friction

High end finishing was inaccessible to independent filmmakers. By reinventing the process of completion, we ushered in a wave of higher quality production capabilities that trickled down to the independent filmmaker.

The Thesis

Democratization of high end capabilities will usher in an elevation of quality and creative execution. We bring tools previously unattainable to creators to unlock their imagination and potential.

The Solution

We pioneered moving color grading workflows from CPU-based processing on $1M Silicon Graphics supercomputers to personal computers with GPU acceleration, leveraging the Apple G5's advanced graphics architecture. This shift enabled real-time manipulation of high-resolution footage that was previously impossible with traditional CPU-bound systems.

This CPU-to-GPU transition we pioneered in 2004 continues to define the industry today—the same architectural shift now powers Nvidia's dominance in AI data centers, where GPU-accelerated compute has become the backbone of modern machine learning and creative workflows.

The Impact

Shifted an industry to unlock studio grade capabilities for the independent market. Applied technology to over 300 films directly. Set up initial retail distribution of the application, leading to capturing substantial market share and eventual acquisition of Final Touch by Apple in 2007.

Gallery