Posted: 05/09/2018
September 5, 2018, London & Los Angeles – Forbidden Technologies plc has announced that Von Johnson & Associates, Inc. (VJA) has selected and is partnering with the award-winning Blackbird cloud platform for localization production and secured delivery of video content for television, feature film and major international OTT platforms including Apple, Netflix and Amazon.
Blackbird seamlessly and easily integrated into VJA’s existing media infrastructure and workflow, which uses the SpeedySuite Facility Management System for expertly managing their existing operations. The Blackbird codec is purpose built for the cloud environment but flexible enough that a server can be installed and maintained locally. The Blackbird codec runs frame-accurately like a high-performance workstation on a lightweight connection of 2 mb/s. The codec and Edge server software rapidly and securely service huge volumes of video content including watermarking, wherein files can be accessed within seconds and viewed via stream by translators from any browser-based device, anywhere in the world and at any time without the need for any files to be fully downloaded – this delivers significant security advantages as well as time and budget savings. As Blackbird is cloud-based there are no start-up costs as all the infrastructure is already in place.
Content localization involving the preparation of TV, movie and video titles ready for global distribution is a rapidly growing business. Spending on these services in Europe, Middle East and Africa alone is currently $2b annually with up to 10% year on year growth expected.
Forbidden CEO, Ian McDonough said: “We looked at the localization vertical and knew we could add efficiency and security to this growing market. We are extremely excited to have VJA join a great roster of other important Blackbird customers and partners around the world as we expand our international footprint.”
VJA CEO, Von Johnson said: “We have been using SpeedySuite, the first cloud based solution that manages suppliers, workflows, tasks and assets for the localization supply chain and all the nuances associated with working with multiple foreign languages for dubbing, subtitling and accessibility services. Incorporating the Blackbird platform and codec was seamless and has increased capacity and product throughput whilst reducing time to complete production cycles in the demanding needs of localization, even more critically important as more content is being streamed. Using the combination of SpeedySuite and adding the Blackbird cloud platform and codec, allows us to confidently tackle any project in the ever-changing world of media. Producers and distributors work in unique ways with unique requirements. After extensive testing and roadmap review, we are very pleased with the enhanced benefits, especially the speed and security that Blackbird brings to our current projects and into the future.”
Forbidden Technologies will be demonstrating Blackbird at IBC 2018 (Hall 1, C27) from 14th -18th September. For more information visit: www.blackbird.video/ibc
About Von Johnson & Associates
VJA is a boutique consultancy that provides technical and distribution services that include language dubbing, translations and subtitling. The company works with the major Hollywood Studios, and also delivers on behalf of the studios and distributors, to major and emerging electronic distribution platforms. First in the industry to use the Cloud based facility management software system, SpeedySuite, which allows for complete collaboration and transparency with its customers.
About Forbidden Technologies plc
Forbidden Technologies plc (AIM: FBT, www.forbidden.co.uk) floated in February 2000. Forbidden develops, markets and licenses a powerful cloud video platform using our patented Blackbird technology. The technology underpins multiple applications, which are used by rights holders, broadcasters, sports and news video specialists, post-production houses, other mass market digital video channels, and corporations.
To find out more about the Blackbird Cloud Platform, contact commercial@blackbird.video or visit www.blackbird.video
Blackbird® is a registered trademark of Forbidden Technologies plc.
Blackbird is best-of-breed
Jon Hanford - Group CTO, Deltatre