DNEG Group, a visual effects studio and entertainment services technology company known for its work on “Dune” and “Oppenheimer,” has acquired Prime Focus Technologies, an AI-powered media technology company.
The acquisition aims to help the Group leverage PFT’s media workflow and automation software suite, Clear and Clear AI, to offer streaming platforms, studios, broadcasters and brands transformational solutions to help manage content, video collaboration and automation in the content production and distribution process.
“The acquisition of PFT’s software-as-a-service business advances DNEG “The Group’s status as an end-to-end solutions provider, enabling its expansion into media technology and distribution services, including execution, localization and marketing, and enabling the Group’s global M&E clientele to realize the financial, operational and strategic benefits of managing the entire lifecycle of their content with a trusted partner,” the statement said.
The completion of the acquisition follows last week’s announcement of a $200 million investment in DNEG Group by leading Abu Dhabi-based investor United Al Saqer Group. The investment helped launch the company’s new division, Brahma, which is developing a “full-stack, AI-powered photorealistic CGI creator that will democratize photorealistic content creation across a wide range of applications.”
American Film Institute Announces 2024-25 Canva Fellowship Recipients at AFI Conservatory
The American Film Institute has announced the recipients of the 2024-2025 Canva Fellowship at the AFI Conservatory.
Eliana Alcouloumre (director), Katheryn “Silas” Croddy (director), Frida Gonzalez (editor), Cierra Hendrix (producer), Khairi Reynolds (production design) and Lindsay “Elle” Tilden (screenwriter) are the six recipients. During their two-year MFA program at the AFI Conservatory, each will receive a $40,000 scholarship, for a total of $240,000 awarded to the six recipients.
Scholarship recipients will attend the AFI Conservatory beginning this fall.
For the second year in a row, Canva has partnered with AFI to further their shared mission to educate and inspire the next generation of filmmakers to create visually impactful work. The fellowship will support one fellow from each of the AFI Conservatory’s six disciplines: cinematography, directing, editing, producing, production design, and screenwriting.
“The AFI Conservatory is dedicated to educating emerging filmmakers, both in the craft of filmmaking and in becoming leaders in their creative communities,” said Susan Ruskin, Dean of the AFI Conservatory. “We are grateful that Canva continues to partner with us to create new opportunities for our AFI filmmakers as they share their diverse voices and stories with the world.”
The inaugural AFI Conservatory Canva Fellowship recipients recently completed their first year at the AFI Conservatory and shared their thoughts on their creative journey. Watch the video.
“We are thrilled to partner with AFI for a second year to help this talented group of creatives propel their careers to new heights. This program is close to our hearts at Canva because we believe in the power of visual storytelling to transform and inspire. Each of these honorees represents a unique voice and vision that we are excited to see flourish,” said Kristine Segrist, Global Head of Consumer Marketing at Canva.
American Pavilion Student Program Launches in Australia
The American Pavilion is expanding its student program to Sydney, Australia, where its AmPav Student Intensive Program will launch at SXSW-Sydney in October.
The program, which runs from October 13-21, will offer exclusive access to SXSW Sydney festival activities, networking opportunities, cultural exploration of Australia and industry insights from leaders in film, music, technology, interactive media and more.
Applications for the program are now open to students and recent graduates in film, media, business, journalism, events, culinary and hospitality. For more information about the intensive program, visit the American Pavilion website.
