International creative design and VFX studio Pixomondo has evolved at the pace of the entertainment industry, bolstering its technology infrastructure and diversifying capabilities along the way. Founded in 2001 by CEO Thilo Kuther, the company spans six offices on three continents and offers a range of services starting from award-winning VFX for film, TV and commercials to interactive digital content, VR, live events, theme park entertainment and original IP. By sharing render resources across facilities, Pixomondo maximizes efficiencies; its globally dispersed farm runs 24/7 thanks to a proprietary process built on top of Thinkbox Softwares Deadline, on which the company standardized in 2010.
Part of what influenced us to integrate Deadline so deeply is its open architecture and usage of the Python programming language. With the source code for application integration available, we can constantly tweak the software to our own specifications; it's very extensible. Also, the Thinkbox crew has always been willing to grow with us and is quick to respond to our needs, shared Patrick Wolf, Pixomondo's Global Head of Pipeline.
Deadline high-volume compute management software is used to render, manage and process files locally and across the cloud. Pixomondo primarily leverages Deadline for remote rendering between branches. Wolf and his team customized Deadline's job submitters to allow users to select the branch(es) to render in; they also extended the Deadline GUI to allow render wranglers to split local jobs to render on one or more remote farms simultaneously, a feature that has been extremely helpful on tight deadlines.
When a remote job is sent to the farm, event scripts in Deadline automatically determine the job dependencies. Necessary file transfers are queued and then a replica job is created on the remote farm recreating the settings of the user that submitted the job locally as well as remapping job priorities, pools and group configurations. As soon as a frame is rendered remotely a Deadline after render event informs Pixomondo's Celery-based global queuing system. Celery then triggers the transfer of the rendered frame and also marks the task complete on the local side so that the remote render is transparent and seamless to the artists. After the remote render is complete and all frames were verifiably transferred back, a cleanup job removes the frames on the remote side to save storage space. Celery is then used to mark the job as completed locally, which allows dependent follow up jobs to run like a proxy image generator. Pixomondo's production management system, Autodesk's Shotgun Software, is also notified when the render finishes. Currently, the studio solely uses physical computing resources but Wolf is already investigating the integration of cloud rendering to the workflow.
One of the cool things about our remote rendering setup is that every step is a separate dependent Deadline job with automatic retry and failover. Since every job has log files attached, you can easily see and troubleshoot if a connection drops or there is some other issue. It's very easy to monitor how a job is performing, whether it's local or remote, Wolf explained.
Deadline jobs' associated log files provide a wealth of statistics that help Pixomondo optimize its render farm performance. For Furious 7 and Game of Thrones Season Five, supervisors concerned with RAM usage leveraged metrics from Deadline job log files to guide how they utilized various machines. Another appreciated Deadline feature is bracketing: for example, rather than waiting days for frames 1-100 to render, Pixomondo requests Deadline to render frames 1,100,50,25,75 first, then every 5th frame and only then the rest. This allows artists to quickly determine render issues before wasting resources on executing a complete pass.
In addition to remote rendering, Pixomondo taps Deadline for file transfer and its asset library. With file transfer, coordinators can select a playlist with hundreds of associated versions in Shotgun and queue them for transfer to another branch in Deadline. Deadline then automatically retries failed transfers, provides detailed logs and notifies users on completion. For asset archival, once a show finishes, Pixomondo selects the assets to archive in Shotgun and then a script generates Deadline jobs that asynchronously perform the actual archiving on the farm, allowing for hundreds of assets to be archived simultaneously, without blocking the computer. The archived assets are then automatically entered into an Asset Library project in Shotgun. The restore is again triggered from Shotgun and kicks of a custom Deadline asset restore jobs. In case an asset isn't yet available locally, a transfer job takes care of pulling it from a remote branch. On completion of the restore Deadline automatically notifies the user via email.
Deadline is incredibly fast. With its new database repository, I can connect to a remote branch easily from my desk and watch the jobs output as it occurs; I don't have to wait until a job is finished. To maintain consistency, weve committed all our repositories to a version control system so that we can change any of the plugins in one location and it will apply the changes across the other branches, said Wolf.
Further simplifying workflow customization, Deadline's event framework allows Wolf to hook into any stage of a job on Pixomondo's farm and tailor its execution. This allows for useful functions like the ability to customize jobs directly after submission in one central place, rather than being required to implement these code changes in every plug-in. Regarding applications, Wolf rarely encounters one not already supported by Deadline. Additionally, Deadline's pools groups and limits groups, make resource shar
Most recent headlines
17/02/2025
TVBEurope talks to the team who brought a piece of broadcasting history back to life on BBC Wales last night
By Jenny Priestley
Published: February 14, 2025 ...
17/02/2025
Eligible studios will receive the relief directly from their local authorities, with no need to submit a claim
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 17, 20...
17/02/2025
As DEI initiatives come under pressure in the USA, supporters of Rise, which promotes diversity in the media and entertainment sector, discuss the continuing im...
17/02/2025
EIB Global loan will partially fund SES's continued O3b mPOWER medium earth orbit (MEO) fleet expansion enabling additional capacity worldwide. O3b mPOWER s...
15/02/2025
At Nielsen, Business Resource Groups (BRGs) play a critical role in nurturing a ...
15/02/2025
Innovation to empower creativity: Explore the latest in Lightroom
Rob Christensen February 15, 2025
0 Comments
Whether you want to remove distracting ...
15/02/2025
Wisycom, a worldwide leader in RF technology and provider of wireless solutions, announces a new distribution agreement with EQUAPHON. An Argentinian profession...
15/02/2025
DPA Microphones, the leading manufacturer of high-quality microphone solutions, is pleased to welcome Nicholas Nick Mariano and Vincent Vince Divine to the ...
15/02/2025
Tuxera, a leading provider of quality-assured file systems and networking solutions, will showcase how Tuxera Fusion SMB enables unprecedented performance for m...
15/02/2025
Bitmovin's latest Video Developer Report indicates an increasing role of AI, the slow adoption of next-generation codecs, and continuing challenges when it ...
15/02/2025
When Michelin Enterprises set out to promote its prestigious Hotel Guide in the new Sleepless in the Kitchen , campaign, veteran German/Slovenian gaffer Robert...
15/02/2025
Formula E, the world's first all-electric racing series, revolutionizing motorsport with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability has sele...
15/02/2025
Agile Content, a global leader in TV and video technology solutions, announces its rebranding to AgileTV.
The transition to AgileTV stems from a commitment to ...
15/02/2025
Hiltron Communications will promote the latest additions to its range of satellite communication products, systems and supporting services at GovSatCom 2025. Th...
15/02/2025
Following the success of the original Airglow Booklight, DoPchoice debuts a new addition to their inflatable line the Float. This lightweight, inflatable, round...
15/02/2025
LAS VEGAS Marshall Electronics has announced that it will debut its newest camera controller, the RCP Plus, at the 2025 NAB Show at Booth N2649 between April 5 ...
15/02/2025
ATLANTA Gray Media has named Blake Sebo as the next general manager of KTUU and KYES, Gray's NBC and CBS affiliates in Anchorage, Alaska....
15/02/2025
KOKKEDAL, Denmark DPA Microphones will feature its new CORE+ technology for distortion-free microphone sound at the 2025 NAB Show, April 5-9, in Las Vegas....
15/02/2025
SWANSEA, U.K. QuickLink will launch StudioPro-NDI and StudioPro-3, two new models of its QuickLine StudioPro video production platform, at the 2025 NAB Show, Ap...
15/02/2025
Live From 2025 NBA All-Star Game Weekend: After 25 Years, Turner Sports All-In F...
15/02/2025
NASCAR Driver Cam on Max Embraces Cloud-Based Workflow for 2025 Season Chris Brown of WBD Sports says Mobii will play key part in delivering signals from the tr...
14/02/2025
Last month, we officially launched the Spotify Partner Program, a powerful new m...
14/02/2025
From an island off the coast of Lutruwita to the global stage in France SBS & ...
14/02/2025
The future of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) land systems is evolving so that ...
14/02/2025
Here are 5 reasons why you should attend ISE 2025
Discover more about Calrec: Learn more about Calrec's legacy of innovation in broadcast audio solutions ...
14/02/2025
World Radio Day: On the same wavelength
By Graham Murray, International Sales Manager at Calrec
To mark World Radio Day, Calrec's International Sales Ma...
14/02/2025
DALLAS and TYSONS, Va. Tegna has concluded a broadcast rights agreement that makes Tegna's KFAA in Dallas the exclusive local television partner of the Dall...
14/02/2025
Amazon's Prime Video has released a new app for Apple TV that the streamer said delivers an improved streaming experiences with faster scrolling, improved s...
14/02/2025
CLEVELAND Telos Alliance announced a software update for its Axia Quasar XR and SR line of audio-over-IP (AoIP) mixing consoles and will show the offering at th...
14/02/2025
Puget Systems Returns to HPA Tech Retreat 2025 with New Analysis Tools for Puge...
14/02/2025
Glass Animals: Tour of Earth Uses Blackmagic Live Production Workflow
Brie Clayton February 14, 2025
0 Comments
80six deploys Blackmagic URSA Broadcas...
14/02/2025
A dispute between Paramount and Youtube TV that would have pulled CBS stations and Paramount's cable channels from the streaming service has been temporaril...
14/02/2025
Colourist Deidre (Dee) McClelland details how she helped shape the distinct look and feel of whimsical Oscar-nominated stop-motion film, Memoir of a Snail
By C...
14/02/2025
BitFire said it intends to introduce forward-looking services that simplify the launch of live production workflows, and enhance real-time collaboration
By Jen...
14/02/2025
The claim by the liquidators is the latest twist in the ongoing saga of the companys collapse at the end of 2021
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 14, ...
14/02/2025
A carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount could come to a head today (Feb. 13), with the virtual pay TV provider threatening to pull all of the progra...
14/02/2025
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. LG Electronics USA has opened a new in-house, state-of-the-art virtual production studio at its 360,000-square-foot North American headqu...
14/02/2025
NEW YORK In a bid to help local broadcasters find new ways of monetizing their content, the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) and TVB have relea...
14/02/2025
WASHINGTON Three Democratic U.S. Senators have sent a stern letter blasting FCC Chair Brendan Carr for the weaponization of the agency for attacking broadcast...
14/02/2025
Years after launching the streaming service Apple TV+ in November of 2019, Apple has finally released a version of its steaming app for Android devices....
14/02/2025
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. Red Digital Cinema will make its V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X camera systems available with Nikon's premier Z Mount, providing filmmaker...
14/02/2025
DAYTONA, Fla. The Fox Sports production of this year's Daytona 500 will see the addition of a few new tech elements and the continued unfolding of the broad...
14/02/2025
Watch Bryson Battles Blind Audition on The Voice Get a Four-Chair Turn Michael Bubl said the Boston Conservatory at Berklee musical theater senior might have...
14/02/2025
2025 Daytona 500: FOX Sports Looks To Ride Super Bowl LIX Momentum Into NASCAR S...
14/02/2025
14 Feb 2025
VEON's Kyivstar and the Come Back Alive Foundation Raise USD 2....
14/02/2025
Max Renews THE PITT, Starring Noah Wyle, For A Second Season
Max
Warner Bros. Television Group
The Pitt
New Episodes Of The Medical Drama From John...
14/02/2025
This year, Technicolor proudly celebrates 110 years of shaping the magic of cinema pioneering color, visual effects, and innovation that bring unforgettable l...
14/02/2025
NBA All-Star: More Games, More Teams, More Music, More Sound From the Court Turner Sports' team will deploy familiar tech to capture all the audio By Dan D...
14/02/2025
LIV Golf Continues To Innovate With Drones, Data-Driven Graphics, and All-Access...
International creative design and VFX studio Pixomondo has evolved at the pace of the entertainment industry, bolstering its technology infrastructure and diversifying capabilities along the way. Founded in 2001 by CEO Thilo Kuther, the company spans six offices on three continents and offers a range of services starting from award-winning VFX for film, TV and commercials to interactive digital content, VR, live events, theme park entertainment and original IP. By sharing render resources across facilities, Pixomondo maximizes efficiencies; its globally dispersed farm runs 24/7 thanks to a proprietary process built on top of Thinkbox Softwares Deadline, on which the company standardized in 2010.
