CASE STUDY

Atomic Cartoons Scales Creative Pipeline with AWS

Atomic Cartoons brings to life animated tales with creatives scattered across multiple locations, including Vancouver, Ottawa, and Los Angeles. Since 1999, when the studio was founded, rendering was done using its own co-located infrastructure, scaling up with rented nodes from local vendors during production peaks. However, with demand for content booming, the studio’s increased needs often extend beyond the resources of its traditional rendering technology. But in the wake of old technology comes new. Unimaginable advances in cloud-based rendering are turning the tables on the entire production pipeline. To optimize and embrace the “cloud,” the studio has tapped IMT for custom cloud integration solutions to help scale its pipeline on Amazon Web Services (AWS).

“If my local vendor doesn’t have nodes when I need them, I’m stuck, and not being able to scale puts our productions at risk,” shared Atomic Cartoons Director of IT Hanoz Elavia. “AWS provides us the flexibility to spin up in the cloud, use instances, and turn them back down. Regardless of what we need, chances are that AWS will have the instances available because of its high capacity.” 

After evaluating cloud providers, Elavia opted to move forward with AWS. Looking to get the studio’s cloud implementation up and running as soon as possible, he enlisted solutions integrator IMT to create a custom interface between AWS and Pixar Tractor, which the studio uses for renderfarm management. The setup allowed the studio to leverage Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) without a major overhaul.  
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CASE STUDY

Gamestar+ Delivers Social Games on Demand with AWS-Powered Architecture from IMT

Gamestar+ saw an opportunity to deliver live social game experiences on demand to any device that uses a streaming service. With few high-quality social game solutions in the marketplace, the startup sought to create its own offering on Amazon Web Services (AWS).

To gain the technical expertise necessary to make its dream a reality, Gamestar+ engaged AWS Partner Integrated Media Technologies, Inc. (IMT) to build the streaming service.

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CASE STUDY

LA Chargers Virtualize Media Workflows with IMT Media as a Service Hybrid Solution

The Los Angeles Chargers organization has a rich history of over 60 years, relying heavily on video content captured from games, practices, and interviews. As they transitioned to producing 4K and 8K video content, their legacy storage infrastructure became inadequate, unable to support the performance and petabyte-scale requirements necessary for their production workflows. 

To address these challenges, IMT’s Advanced Consulting team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Chargers’ current and desired future states and developed a phased Media Supply Chain project that integrated storage, compute, transcode, MAM, and MSP services. 

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CASE STUDY

The Miami Dolphins select VxRail and Dell EMC Isilon to enhance their game-day experience

For the Miami Dolphins, video is a powerful asset. The number one NFL team for Facebook video views over the last three years and owner of world-class Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins have experienced a tidal wave of infrastructure growth. The organization’s smart use of video for fan engagement, safety and security has driven much of this growth. The team’s prior IT infrastructure was running out of steam and storage capacity. In addition, IT was finding it more complex to manage. Located in hurricane-prone Florida, the organization also needed more robust disaster recovery.

As Hard Rock Stadium and the Miami Dolphins looked toward hosting Super Bowl LIV, the leadership team engaged Integrated Media Technologies Inc. (IMT) to assess IT systems and

workflows. The Miami Dolphins approved IMT’s recommendation to standardize on Dell Technologies solutions for all applications, media asset management (MAM), video safety and security, disaster recovery, data backup, and virtualization. Kim Rometo, Vice President, Chief Information Officer, the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, says, “IMT has done an amazing job assessing and modernizing our workflows and systems. Their fluency in unstructured data, media asset management, video safety and security, disaster recovery and project management set them apart from other vendors. IMT’s relationship with Dell Technologies is also incredibly meaningful because of my trust in Dell technologies and engineers from past experiences.”

The infrastructure includes Dell EMC VxRail hyper-converged infrastructure, Dell EMC Isilon scale-out data storage, Dell EMC Isilon SyncIQ for replication, VMware Site Recovery Manager, and Dell EMC Data Domain for data backup. The 3-petabyte infrastructure runs the stadium and training camp data centers in Florida and a new colocation disaster recovery facility in Texas.

Jason Kranitz, President, Systems Integration, IMT, states, “The foundation to the overall project with the Miami Dolphins was based on IMT’s Advanced Consulting engagements which delivered a Media Asset Management and Workflow Assessment, IT Optimization Assessment, and a Disaster Recovery Plan with Run Books. By having the right plan in place and the right technology partner in Dell Technologies, IMT was able to focus on project execution with our world-class Project Management, Professional Services, and Managed Services teams.”
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CASE STUDY

Tribal Imaging Virtualises Post and VFX Production on AWS Compute Cloud

Tribal Imaging virtualized its VFX workstations on AWS. Artists now connect to virtual machines running on Elastic Compute Cloud to help scale the team and avoid upfront hardware costs.

The work of artists at creative studio Tribal Imaging in Alberta, Canada often seems invisible to the untrained eyes of cinema and TV audiences – but that’s by design. From previs and matte painting to compositing and 3D tracking, the studio’s visual effects support the stories of feature films and episodic television series, most recently ‘Superman & Lois’ for CW, ‘Van Helsing’ on Syfy/Netflix, ‘The Order’, ‘Wu-Assassins’ and ‘I-Land’ for Netflix, and ‘Hell on Wheels’ on AMC. Tribal also carries out full post production services for short-form advertising and indie films.

The studio’s eight-person core team is frequently augmented to double that size as projects ebb and flow, adding freelance artists in-studio or connecting to remote talent as needed. Facing increased demand for their services amid the global content boom and aware that their on-premises workstations were nearing end of life, Tribal Imaging recently shifted their creative pipeline to Amazon Web Services (AWS). Systems provider IMT’s Cloud Services team were hired to help with the transition.
Cloud and Connectivity

“We’d been looking at the cloud for a while, but now the internet connectivity requirements and costs have come down to a point that made it a viable move for us,” said Tribal Imaging Managing Partner Darren Bierman. “We chose AWS because it gives the studio the flexibility to expand rapidly when the schedule get busy, to work with artists outside our immediate area in a unified environment and to reduce overhead during quiet periods. At the same time, we’re not paying for hardware upfront. Since all client assets go into a secured private network on AWS and nothing is local, we are also able to comply with industry standard security requirements.”

Working with IMT Cloud Services, Tribal Imaging virtualised all of its VFX workstations. Instead, artists now connect to Windows-based virtual workstations running on Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) G4dn instances or G5 instances via NICE DCV, a remote display protocol that delivers remote desktops and application streaming from a cloud or data centre to devices over varying network conditions.

Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) is used for storage and archiving, and the Amazon FSx for Windows File Server manages shared storage built on Windows Server, combined with data access, management and administration capabilities, and accelerates file throughput. Further virtual workstations handle the rendering load. IMT and Tribal Imaging optimised this setup to meet the studio’s specific requirements and support its creative applications, including Adobe After Effects, Foundry Nuke, Blender, Autodesk Maya and a library of plug-ins.

To describe the transition, Darren said, “The IMT Cloud Services team laid out how everything would work and how we’d get there. They built the studio a new cloud-based pipeline on AWS from the ground up in a few weeks, including all our plug-ins, and have been quick to support us anytime we’ve encountered a hurdle.
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CASE STUDY

IMT leads buildout of new NYC Headquarters for Top International Law Firm

An international law firm with offices in the world’s largest financial hubs recently relocated their New York global headquarters from Wall Street to one of Midtown New York’s newest neighborhoods and the largest private real estate development in the United States. When the firm embarked on the selection of an audio visual collaboration partner, they were looking for a provider experienced in implementing enterprise solutions meeting the intricate needs for collaboration and video conferencing at their new base of operations. They would also require multi-tool collaboration rooms to accommodate the way employees grew accustomed to working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Integrated Media Technologies Inc. (IMT), a trusted systems integration partner and advisor, was selected for the task.
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CASE STUDY

Greenhill & Co. Selects IMT for Video Conferencing Build-Out of New Headquarters in Rockefeller Center

Greenhill Financial’s need for seamless, reliable video communication technology in their new NYC corporate headquarters was vital to maintaining their relationships with clients around the globe. IMT’s proven experience in the financial market and dedication to connecting people through state-of-the-art technologies and work flows naturally qualified them to take on the complex build-out of Greenhill’s New York City headquarters. Most importantly, after developing a strong relationship over the years, Greenhill was certain that IMT had the skill set necessary to design and build video, audio and presentation technologies that would perform seamlessly while also being easy to use and maintain.

Greenhill CIO, John Shaffer, stated, “When considering upgrades to our New York City and other US and international offices, traditional AV integrators continued to design and quote expensive rooms that were difficult to use and simply did not meet Greenhill’s needs. The IMT team had not only the necessary AV integration experience, but also a strong understanding of the video collaboration market, the variety of tools available, how these tools interact together, and how these solutions could effectively be integrated into our conference rooms. The team made the design-build process for our new headquarters straightforward, not only taking Greenhill’s substantial technology needs into consideration, but also working with our architectural and construction teams to design and implement a highly effective strategy from start to finish.”

Greenhill’s top priority for the new global headquarters was to have state of the art, multi-tool video collaboration rooms that would be easy to use, with a common user interface across all conference rooms. When offices around the world closed due to the pandemic, employees working from home had to develop their own individual work flow, which included choosing a collaboration tool based on personal choice and client preference, and one they never imagined would be needed for long term productivity.

IMT deployed both Poly X50 and G7500 solutions, not only addressing reliability, but also providing the capability to support native Zoom Room and Teams functionality. In addition, the IMT design includes BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) readiness planning, which will allow employees to leverage their video collaboration tool of choice in any room while incorporating existing conference room speakers, microphones, and displays.

IMT was able to design and build eighteen return-to-office ready, platform independent, state of the art multi-tool collaboration rooms to Greenhill’s satisfaction, despite COVID-19 restrictions and construction delays.

Shaffer said, “The technology is so simple to use that we barely needed training. We use multiple collaboration platforms throughout the day and in several different rooms. I haven’t had a single issue since we started; it’s been spectacular.”

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CASE STUDY

IMT BUILDS STATE OF THE ART DIGITAL THEATER FOR MAJOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS FIRM

A leading Telecommunication firm looks to build a multi-use theater that contains a state-of-the-art video, media, and digital cinema environment. IMT is hired to design, engineer and build a one-of-a-kind hybrid theater.  The theater, tasked with providing the best in corporate internal video, media and audio systems along with fully capable digital cinema playback for hosted private internal and public events.  

The goal to develop a cross-functional theater that provides unique features across varying landscapes includes:
  • Crystal LED media wall for playback of media, video and cinema content
  • Digital cinema projection for playback of ‘Hollywood’ release movies
  • Dubbing stage editing and processing capabilities
  • ATMOS surround audio for both environments
  • Media playback systems and tools to support all media/video formats

ENVIRONMENT

Developing a corporate experience with a live immersive environment that hosts the latest in cinema and media content playback was the goal of IMT’s client.  The latest in 4K+ media displays, utilizing micro-LED technologies with a large 26’ x 15’ media wall.  In parallel, redundant digital cinema LASER projectors that provide the ability to playback DCP (2D / 3D) cinema content that is fully integrated into the environment. 

The deployment of redundant 2D with 3D capable digital LASER cinema projectors, providing playback of DCI / DCP Hollywood generated cinema content; from new releases to archived content.  Cinema playback via a 26.5’ x 11’ scope cinema screen with masking.  The integration and extension of dubbing stage functions to allow pre-master to post and final release of cinemas films was developed.  

The environment also includes leading-edge technologies from content sourcing, media playback, audio, digital processing and display systems.  Playback systems consisting of applications allowing all forms of media to be played back and include: Daylight, Resolve, Media Composer, Pro Tools and EasyDCP.   

Both direct view and cinema playback environments fully support surround sound / ATMOS.  42 surround speakers make up the Meyer Sound audio system, along with amplifiers and processing and provide support for the ATMOS system.  Dolby ATMOS certification was achieved (for the first time), both the digital cinema playback and media playback via direct view LED media wall.  

Integrated Media Technologies (IMT), a broadcast, media and collaboration integrator, architected and implemented the complete hybrid theater solution.

ESSENTIALS

Industry

Telecommunications

Organization Size

Approximately 250K

Business Challenge
  • Developing a hybrid corporate media theater
  • Providing DCP cinema content playback on direct view technology
  • ATMOS surround audio implementation on direct view displays
  • Dual ATMOS installations for media playback and cinema 
  • Develop dubbing stage functionality to support cinema content

Results
  • First ever Dual Dolby ATMOS certification for direct view cinema
  • First hybrid theater with LED and LASER cinema playback capability
  • Cross media platforms and playback of media content
  • Redundant 4K digital DCP cinema projectors
  • 6K LED media wall with media and cinema playback capability
  • Fully immersive environment with video and lighting systems 
  • Automated control system

Solutions
  • Christie RGB DCI cinema LASER projectors
  • Sony Crystal LED displays 
  • Stewart cascade cinema screen
  • Dolby ATMOS
  • Meyer Sounds audio systems
  • FilmLight image processing
CASE STUDY

Integrating Secure Video Conferencing with Broadcast Television for State Legislatures

By state law, all meetings convened by state legislators are conducted inside state capitol buildings.  In addition to the physical meetings, all legislative business is broadcast as a public service over the internet.  Recently, a west coast state legislative chamber completed a comprehensive video and audio system upgrade.  High resolution studio quality video cameras, microphones and speakers were installed in all Assembly meeting rooms.  Then the pandemic hit.  Legislators went home and stayed there.  Assembly business was drastically reduced.  The state legislative body had a new, state of the art broadcast video system in place and a sharply limited number of Assembly meetings to broadcast.

As soon as the “Shelter in place” order was issued, the state’s technical leadership turned to IMT, the company that had designed and built the new television broadcast system with a set of urgent technical considerations. How were lawmakers going to start deploying video conferencing technologies? How could a video conferencing system engage the public and still be secured? How could the video conferencing system integrate seamlessly with the new broadcast video system? How could lawmakers, key witnesses, staff and the public shift to a remote working model and return to a productive legislative schedule with a minimum of interruption to the state’s business?

Remote Meeting Solution:

In three weeks, IMT designed and delivered a secure video conferencing system that integrates seamlessly with the government body’s broadcast video system. The new solution supports four simultaneous meetings, eighty remote legislators and staff, and up to 3,000 participants. The video conferencing system also accommodates an unlimited number of public phone-in contributors. Using a combination of technologies from Cisco and AT&T, the video conferencing system was customized to integrate into the broadcast control system so that all remote participants would be viewable as part of the public service broadcasts. IMT also designed a “moderated” call in service that integrated directly with the video conferencing platform. It allowed for moderators to filter and sequence calls from the public during live meetings.

A breakdown of the new remote broadcasting system included the following:
  • Remote conferencing consultation and deployment services
  • Managed Services of live events and video conferencing hardware
  • User documentation and user training
  • High end integration for various room deployments:
    • Personal conferencing kiosks
    • Training Rooms
    • Broadcast rooms or halls
    • Board rooms
    • Huddle Rooms

IMT’s comprehensive design also added a technical moderator/director to manage the flow of the virtual meetings and monitor the contributions of participants. The IMT Best Practices Team crafted and trained staff moderators with a video conferencing rule book that included etiquette and the technical operations of the system. And before the “go live” date, IMT and staff went through several “dry runs” with users and participants to make sure the system operated flawlessly when the lawmakers reconvened.

Meeting Room Integration:

A joint effort between the state’s technical staff and IMT laid out plans to merge the video conferencing system with the meeting rooms and broadcast studio inside the Capital. Video and audio captured in the Capital’s meeting rooms was merged into the remote video conferencing system.

Large monitors were brought into the meeting chambers to display remote participants from the remote meetings. Both remote participants and the legislative meetings are then broadcast live over cable and the internet.

Witness Solution:

Under new “social distancing” rules, participants to large meetings will be required to be dispersed throughout the necessary chambers. As part of the video conferencing system, IMT designed personal conferencing kiosks and installed them throughout the capitol building. These personal kiosks are controlled by a remote operator and require no physical interaction from participants. All kiosks have the same audio and video capabilities insuring consistent high-resolution video and high audio fidelity from each meeting participant.

Conclusion:

In less than three weeks, IMT delivered a comprehensive set of technologies, documentation, user training and managed services to enable lawmakers to return to business from a large number of remote locations across the state.

IMT’s Media systems integration business provides a broad range of technology solutions to telecommunications, media, entertainment and other large enterprise customers.  With a world class staff of technology architects, engineers, and sales professionals, IMT is focused on designing and building state-of-the-art solutions for broadcast television and media studios, media asset management systems, high performance computing, storage, cloud, security and networking technologies.  IMT is engaged with a large list of top tier media clients on a varied set of projects including strategic business consulting, technology infrastructure, large scale media storage and archiving, networking, cloud deployment and managed services. Customers include the major studios, broadcast and cable networks, media service providers, and distributors of content worldwide.
CASE STUDY

A Large California Non-Profit Organization Enlists in IMT’s Help to Audit Their AWS Account

Integrated Media Technologies, Inc (IMT), was contacted by a Large California Non-Profit Organization to audit their AWS account. The company was concerned around the sudden growth in AWS charges and the improper use of new services without the appropriate consent from management. The customer endeavored to discover the rapid bill growth, but due to the sheer amount of AWS billing data and the sensitive nature of the charges, they recognized the need to bring in an expert.

IMT started the engagement through meeting with various stakeholders about their understanding of what services should be used, the expected load, and defining the issues they were trying to solve. After this information was captured and clearly defined, this data would serve as the benchmark for all account discovery actions.

After the stakeholder interviews concluded, IMT reviewed the company’s AWS billing. IMT built several cost and service use dashboards in order to track expense growth trends over the past year. The results highlighted a logarithmic increase in costs in the recent months from the usual suspects – S3, EC2, RDS and egress. However, it also highlighted that several new services had been recently brought online contributing to some of the rapid growth in AWS charges. Armed with this information IMT was able focus on specific services comparing their use to the stories from the stakeholders and generate a comprehensive report.

While the contents of the report are proprietary and confidential, IMT was able to highlight a few AWS best practices. For example:

1. The root account should only be used to delegate control to IAM accounts. All account activity should be done via an IAM account.
2. Enable and enforce the use of two-factor authentication.
3. Set up billing alert parameters. Implementing a monthly budget with email alerts if the estimated total would exceed their budget.
4. Enable AWS CloudTrail to capture all API events creating a clear audit trail.
5. Scale only when the demand for more resources becomes necessary.

After the findings were presented to the customer and the required changes were implemented, IMT was able to work with AWS to secure several thousand dollars in AWS credits for the company to recover the charges.

About Integrated Media Technologies, Inc.
Integrated Media Technologies Inc. (IMT) is a leading technology solutions and managed services provider focused on partnering with our clients to achieve their strategic initiatives. IMT provides a full project lifecycle of consulting, design, implementation, and ongoing support to meet the growing demands of our customers, partners, and employees. From our inception in 2007, IMT’s mission has been to simplify the IT industry into economic drivers to realize greater ROI and new efficiencies through integrating leading media, storage, collaboration, security, and cloud technologies. With offices in offices in Los Angeles, Boston, and New York, IMT services a wide variety of businesses in diverse industries with the same goal in mind: building long term, trusted relationships with our customers by delivering the highest value and most efficient technology solutions to achieve optimum business outcomes.