Pixomondo kicks off ‘Virtual Production Academy’ with Seneca
Sony Pictures Entertainment (“SPE”) today announced the acquisition of Pixomondo, an Oscar and Emmy® Award winning virtual production, visualization and VFX company, from Mayfair Equity Partners, a dedicated technology and consumer investor.
Press release: 20th April 2023 – Pixomondo (“PXO”), an Oscar and Emmy® Award Winning virtual production, visualization and VFX company, today confirmed the official launch of their Virtual Production Academy (“VPA”).
Led by PXO’s Chief Innovation Officer, Mahmoud Rahnama, VPA will deliver a certified program developed directly by PXO’s Virtual Production experts, incorporating the latest techniques used on set and LED stages.
"By combining PXO's cutting-edge technology with Seneca's outstanding academic reputation, we're set to prepare the next generation of filmmakers to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. We're so excited about the new standard of excellence this represents in virtual production education. As a long-time professor at Seneca, I couldn't think of a better way to kick off Virtual Production Academy globally. I can’t wait to see the amazing work that will come out of this program!" said Mahmoud.
The 12-week online program in ‘Virtual Production: Virtual Art Department Content Creation’ will be taught by leading industry professionals using PXO’s proprietary techniques and starts this September.
“Together, we will deliver the most cutting-edge training in virtual production, teaching students the skills that will set them up for successful careers in this exciting field.” Said Mark Jones, Director, Seneca Film Institute
Graduates of the program will receive a micro-credential completion badge from Seneca and have direct access to employment opportunities at PXO.
“This partnership brings together two respected authorities in education for creative industries. With access to the combined benefits of Seneca’s track record of academic success and PXO’s unparalleled technology, graduates of our new program will be capable of working on any virtual production stage in the world.” Said Kurt Muller, Dean, Faculty of Communication, Art & Design, Seneca
PXO IS NOW PART OF SONY PICTURES
Sony Pictures Entertainment (“SPE”) today announced the acquisition of Pixomondo, an Oscar and Emmy® Award winning virtual production, visualization and VFX company, from Mayfair Equity Partners, a dedicated technology and consumer investor.
Sony Pictures Entertainment (“SPE”) today announced the acquisition of Pixomondo, an Oscar and Emmy® Award winning virtual production, visualization and VFX company, from Mayfair Equity Partners, a dedicated technology and consumer investor. Pixomondo (“PXO”), which is known for its work on premium content including Sony Pictures Television’s The Boys, as well as Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender, maintains three LED sound stages and seven offices in the US, UK, Germany and Canada.
Under the deal, SPE has acquired 100% of PXO which will continue to be led by CEO Jonny Slow, who will now report to Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global TV Studios and SPE Corporate Development. The acquisition of PXO, alongside Sony Pictures Imageworks and Sony Innovation Studios, enhances Sony’s role as one of the leaders in virtual production and further enables the studio to serve the growing visual effects and premium television and film production industries. In addition, collaboration between these lines of businesses will also be supported by Sony Electronics.
“Pixomondo’s impressive end-to-end virtual production technology, software and solutions further build Sony’s leadership in high quality visual effects and virtual production. And, for our TV studios, Pixomondo’s capabilities will make the hundreds of shows we produce for our streaming and network partners even more exceptional,” said Ahuja.
“We could not be more excited to be joining the SPE team at this tipping point in the evolution of PXO,” said Jonny Slow, CEO at PXO. “Sony’s legacy, and creativity-driven technology strategy, mean that our company has found a home where it can truly thrive. We look forward to continuing to innovate in the virtual production and VFX space with our clients over many years to come.”
“We are proud to have partnered with the Pixomondo team, supporting the company’s evolution and growth since 2018,” commented Bertie Aykroyd, Partner at Mayfair Equity Partners. “Pixomondo was an early mover in virtual production and has successfully diversified its offering to allow filmmakers to make tech-enabled creative decisions from the very early stages of production. With the ever-increasing demand for high-quality content, PXO’s innovative team will undoubtedly be a great success when partnered with Sony’s global offering.”
This announcement comes on the heels of Sony Innovation Studios unveiling its first LED sound stage on the historic Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City, earlier this month.
The Raine Group served as the financial advisor to PXO, and Goodwin Procter LLP served as their legal counsel. Hogan Lovells LLP was legal counsel for SPE.
For media enquiries, please contact Hayley Miller, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Pixomondo.