IBM
In 2003, IBM and Threshold formed a unique technology alliance to create an innovative, next-generation digital animation studio to make first class animated feature films better, faster and more cost effectively than competitors. Using and developing proprietary technology and pipeline work flow, the IBM and Threshold alliance improves the animation process, reduces the time of production, offers more creative freedom and allows the company to scale rapidly without increasing overhead.
IBM has featured its alliance with Threshold in national advertising campaigns in major magazines such as Time and Fortune.
The technologies that underlie animated filmmaking have changed dramatically and Hollywood¹s major players have been slow to adapt their processes to take full advantage of what is now possible in digital animation. Just as IBM has been able to help innovators in industry after industry leapfrog their competitors by harnessing technology as a competitive advantage, with their support Threshold has taken a giant step beyond the producers of other animated films. Threshold and IBM have also installed one of the largest render farms on the West Coast at Threshold¹s facility. By using the new IBM 'Blade' server technology, the company has not only dramatically reduced the footprint and space requirements of the studio, but also the power consumption, and in the process becoming one of the first environmentally conscious animation studios.
The goal of technology innovation to help showcase a, bigger, better Foodfight on screen is now complete. Even so, IBM and Threshold continue to work on advances in animation production and distribution, beyond what the company has already invented, as it looks to the future.
