Integrated Media Technologies, Inc. (IMT) Helps Rhythm & Hues Build a High-Powered, File-Based Workflow and Tiered Storage System

Over the course of its more than 20 years of producing groundbreaking animation for film, television, commercials and other media, Rhythm & Hues has collected an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, more than a half dozen Clio awards – and a mountain of data. Finding a place to keep an Oscar is easy – developing a cost effective, flexible solution for storing thousands of terabytes of digital imagery is another matter entirely.

For the past several years, Rhythm & Hues has relied on Integrated Media Technologies, Inc. and its expertise in file-based workflow, high performance computing and archival storage issues. IMT has designed and implemented a number of innovative solutions for the studio, including a digital archive system for storing its priceless digital assets. The archiving system, which integrates leading edge technology from Sun Microsystems and other vendors, has helped the studio to achieve a five-fold gain in performance while lowering storage costs. The system also takes into account Rhythm & Hues’ future needs, so that it can embark on creating the next 20 years in animation history.

“Data storage is a critical issue for Rhythm & Hues and we need solutions that are reliable, high performance and cost effective,” said Rhythm & Hues Vice President of Technology Mark Brown. “IMT has been a valuable partner in helping us to identify solutions that meet our unique requirements and in insuring that they are properly implemented and perform as expected.”

Rhythm & Hues wanted to build a multi-tiered storage system capable of holding its entire digital archive. The studio also wanted the system to include hierarchical storage management (HSM) features to allow easy and affordable distribution of assets throughout its operations. Additionally, it wanted to add a low-cost, highly dense disk system for nearline storage.

Applying their experience as technology integrators, IMT consultants designed a data storage system that employs best-of-breed technology in every facet. Its key components include Sun’s Storage Archive Manager (SAM) and Sun’s QFS software for centralized meta-data management, collaborative file sharing, and an HSM data mover. The archiving system combines tiered disk storage with an LTO tape archive, so that artists can have quick access to current assets while allowing long-term assets to be stored with maximum efficiency.

“We understood what they wanted to accomplish and reviewed a number of technology options,” said IMT Vice President of Sales Jason Kranitz. “In the end we came up with a solution that met their requirements.”

Significantly, IMT was able to apply the new technology to Rhythm & Hues’ existing workflow, making for an easy transition and allowing the studio’s artists and technicians to continue working in their accustomed manner. “All of the technology is functioning flawlessly,” observed Kranitz. “Rhythm & Hues has realized a significant return on investment with the HSM solution and the Thumper x4500 nearline solution has provided the studio with a very low cost per gigabyte ratio.”

About Rhythm & Hues Studios, Inc.

One of the world’s leading producers of quality character animation and visual effects for entertainment and advertising, Rhythm & Hues is an Academy Award winning state-of-the-art production company offering a full range of creative services for movies, commercials and design.

Rhythm & Hues has produced effects and animation for more than one hundred movies, including “Babe,” which earned the Oscar® in 1995 for Achievement in Visual Effects, and “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and Wardrobe,” Oscar nominated in 2005 for Achievement in Visual Effects. The studio is also the recipient of two Scientific and Technical Academy Awards. Upcoming Rhythm & Hues film projects include “Night at the Museum,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “Happy Feet,” “The Kingdom,” “His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass” and “Evan Almighty.” Recent commercial campaigns include Target, Hartford, Crayola and Cox Communications. R&H is on the web at http://www.rhythm.com

About Integrated Media Technologies

Integrated Media Technologies, Inc. (IMT) helps technology executives deliver successful projects, beginning to end. The company’s team of consultants has, on average, more than 15 years of systems integration experience and customer satisfaction is their number one priority. Clients who choose to work with IMT are assured of working with the industry’s best. Because there is very little overlap in its manufacturers’ product lines, it can provide the best products in each category to its clients. Its close relationships with manufacturers also allows it to provide a higher quality of service. All projects have challenges, that is why you want a service provider that can assure success.