Cinesite Announces Sale to Endless

Cinesite has a very storied past in the Digital Intermediate world. According to Wikipedia, they operated as a test site for Kodak's Cineon computer system, which was an end-to-end solution for 2K and 4K digital files. Eventually, Cinesite's Hollywood office was absorbed by Laser Pacific, another Kodak company.

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Cinesite announces sale to Endless

May 11, 2012

Source: Cinesite

New investors will enable world-class digital visual effects house to expand its footprint in the media and entertainment industry

Cinesite, one of the world’s leading digital visual effects houses, and Endless LLP, an independent UK-based private equity house, today announced that Endless LLP has acquired Cinesite from Kodak for an undisclosed amount. The deal involves Cinesite’s existing management team, supported by its new investment backer.

The new deal will give Cinesite the resources and stability to fulfil a long-standing desire to expand the company into new territories, diversify its services and expand its global position in the media and entertainment industry. Cinesite is the visual effects force behind some of the world’s most successful films and television series - including the Harry Potter films, John Carter, X-Men: First Class, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Band of Brothers, Rome and Generation Kill. It is currently working on the 23rd instalment in the James Bond franchise, Skyfall, and Paramount Pictures’ zombie epic starring Brad Pitt, World War Z.

Antony Hunt, Managing Director of Cinesite, said: “I feel that we are moving Cinesite into a new era. The partnership with Endless LLP is a great strategic move for both parties and we’re delighted to have their support and investment behind us. We have an extremely innovative and creative team who deliver cutting-edge visual effects for the media and entertainment industry, and we’re now keen to take the Cinesite brand into new territories and expand our digital visual effects services. This takeover sale will give us the opportunity we need to grow our talented team to ensure we remain at the forefront of the visual effects industry for many years.”

Garry Wilson, Managing Partner at Endless LLP, said: “Cinesite is one of the world’s most respected visual effects companies. We were truly impressed by the potential of their creative talent, breadth of blockbuster films and television shows they have been involved in, and their BAFTA, Emmy and Oscar-winning work. We’re excited to be helping Cinesite with its next stage of growth and are convinced our partnership will help them continue to expand their long-standing and successful global brand.”

Cinesite’s senior management team is made up of some of the industry’s most talented managerial, creative and technical minds. The company prides itself on discovering and nurturing talent within the industry and runs a successful annual internship programme called Inspire. Inspire candidates have gone on to work on some of the world’s largest blockbuster movies and TV shows.