3ality Digital acquires Element Technica
3ality Digital, a leading innovator of S3D production technology, has acquired Element Technica, a company known for its manufacturing expertise, accessories, and mechanical engineering of motorised S3D camera rigs.
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As a result 3ality Digital is now 3ality Technica, and with its acquisition of Element Technica, 3ality Technica now provides all of the control, accuracy, breadth, automation, modularity, accessories, and design of both existing product lines.
In acquiring Element Technica, the company gains an in-house manufacturing and design capability, and the opportunity to further expand its already sizable R&D infrastructure. Physically, the companies will combine in an expansion to the 3ality Digital headquarters in Burbank, CA.
“As our primary competitor, we have always had great respect for Element Technica and their achievements,” said Steve Schklair, CEO of 3ality Technica. “The complete compatibility and lack of redundancy between the companies has made this an ideal acquisition, strengthening the Company’s position to provide the most advanced and dependable S3D solutions to the market. Perhaps the greatest benefit of this acquisition will be to the motion picture and broadcast producers who will now have an unprecedented amount of tools and technology tailored to meet their specific needs.”
The company said that the combined engineering skills of the two companies would help push 3D production to levels of integration and refinement previously unmatched. It listed a number of major film releases which have been shot utilising these two companies systems and technology including “Jack the Giant Killer,” “The Amazing Spider-Man, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “Prometheus,” “Underworld 4,” “Oz,” and “The Great Gatsby.” 3ality Technica technology has also provided the backbone of some live 3D events from BSkyB, and the HBS feeds from the FIFA World Cup.
3ality Technica CEO Steve Schklair: "You cannot believe the level of excitement we all share"
“With this acquisition, 3ality Technica will be a decade ahead of the rest of the industry,” said Hector Ortega, Senior Vice President of 3ality Technica. “Not only will automation become more common, it will be the standard as the industry begins to enjoy the simplicity and speed it affords.
“Integration will fast-forward as the merging systems require fewer and fewer ancillary components,” said Stephen Pizzo, Senior Vice President of 3ality Technica. “Compatibility with other industry systems will cease to be an issue as 3ality Technica alone already leads the way in seamless connectivity from post production, to VFX, and live broadcast.”
The combined expertise that forms 3ality Technica ranges from Hollywood feature films and television, to live-broadcast sports events and concert performances, to NASA. It also positions the company to offer a comprehensive advanced 3D educational program (3DIQ) to filmmakers, broadcasters, and craftspeople.
Element Technica is also well known for its line of both 2D and 3D accessories, and it is planned that this product line will continue under the existing Element Technica banner.
“You cannot believe the level of excitement we all share, but it’s not just us that are so elated,” said Schklair. “Some of our key customers and partners that were recently made aware of this deal have shared in this excitement as they all understand the benefit this will have to their work. We have already integrated some of the best aspects of both companies’ product offerings, so the market will see an immediate improvement in tool sets, component integration, and customer service.”
