Avid Technology Inc. announced that G4, the only 24/7 television network dedicated to videogames, is implementing Alienbrain Studio asset management software to streamline its in-house computer graphics production process. The Los Angeles-based network purchased 60 seats of the Alienbrain Studio Designer Client to enhance its workflow with integrated version control and approval processes. Running on both Windows and Mac workstations, G4s workflow includes 15 Avid Media Composer Adrenaline editing systems and an Avid Unity shared-storage network.
All of G4s existing and current graphical elements have now been imported into the Alienbrain asset management system, allowing us to quickly locate, preview, review and use those assets, said Casey Steele, director of design for G4. This speeds up the process for our producers and therefore saves a tremendous amount of time.
In addition to using Alienbrain software to version, store, and manage on-screen CG artwork for more than 20 news and entertainment shows, the graphics team implemented several seats of the Alienbrain Manager Client to facilitate the internal approval process between show producers and the graphics team. Based on the Alienbrain task and request management system an engine that integrates into the native Alienbrain Studio Client application show producers, writers or editors can submit and review requests for new or updated artwork either via a Web portal or directly from the Alienbrain Studio client on their computers.
As a network that caters to a visual audience like the videogame generation, G4 frequently uses graphics to illustrate and accentuate its programming, said Matthias Adrian, senior product manager for Alienbrain. When artists need to quickly locate a file, searching through those assets to find the final, approved version can waste valuable time. The Alienbrain visual version control system and powerful search mechanisms are an ideal solution to support G4s fast moving team.
The workflow features found in Alienbrain also enable managers and requestors to browse, search, preview and retrieve art files for review during any stage of development. Once a file is approved, the requestor is notified by e-mail and the artwork is ready for use. Show editors then retrieve the final artwork and import it into the Media Composer Adrenaline systems through the Alienbrain Studio Client. From there, the file is imported into the Avid Unity network, where it can be shared by teams of editors and supervisors.
G4 airs all-original programming that covers every aspect of the videogame culture. Shows feature breaking industry news, reviews, the hottest games, gear and technology, celebrity interviews, insider opinions and the underground trends that feed the videogame generation. Launched in April 2002, G4 is available in 50 million cable and satellite homes nationwide. The company is owned by Comcast Corp. To learn more, log onto www.g4tv.com.
Avid Technology Inc. is the world leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management, and distribution solutions, enabling film, video, audio, animation, games and broadcast professionals to work more efficiently, productively and creatively. For more information, visit www.avid.com.
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