Image Metrics Splits Into Game, Film Divisions

Facial animation software company Image Metrics separated its operations into video game and film/TV-focused divisions to better address those industries separately. Based in the UK, Image Metrics provides facial animation solutions to the film, television, and video game industries, counting among its clients Rockstar Games and Sony Computer Entertainment. With the restructuring, the company brought in Brian Waddle as general manager of the Video Games division and promoted Kelvin Duckett as its Film group GM. Previously, Waddle was vice president of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at middleware developer Havok. "With leading visual effects companies and game developers outsourcing key production components to specialized experts like Image Metrics, demand for our facial animation solutions has been increasing in both the video game and film industries," says Image Metrics CEO Mike Starkenburg. He continues, "As a result, Image Metrics is organizing its expertise and resources into two divisions to best serve the unique needs of each market. This will ensure we can continue to efficiently deliver outstanding animation and significant return on investment to our growing customer base."