Jellyfish Case Study

Introduction

Jellyfish Pictures has grown from a small startup in 2001 into one of the world's most respected visual effects and animation studios, employing over 300 people. Renowned for their work on blockbuster films like Star Wars: The Last Jedi and award-winning TV series such as Watchmen and Dennis and Gnasher: Unleashed, Jellyfish has built a reputation for creativity and excellence. To sustain its growth and maintain its competitive edge, the studio relies on a suite of cutting-edge Autodesk solutions, expertly supplied and supported by NTI Bluegfx.

Customer Challenge

Jellyfish Pictures faces intense pressure to deliver innovative, high-quality visual effects while meeting tight deadlines and managing costs. With studios across multiple locations and a rapidly expanding team, Jellyfish needs software that offers versatility, flexibility, and seamless collaboration.

Additionally, as an industry leader, the studio must stay ahead of technological advancements, such as GPU rendering and integration with new tools like Pixar's Universal Scene Description (USD).

Solution

Jellyfish Pictures has chosen Autodesk's suite of industry-standard tools to power its creative pipeline:

Autodesk Maya: Used for 3D modelling, character animation, lighting, and effects, with 80–100 licenses enabling streamlined workflows.
Autodesk Arnold: For high-speed rendering, including advanced GPU integration.
MotionBuilder: To handle virtual cinematography and motion capture.
Mudbox: For digital sculpting and painting.
Autodesk Shotgun: A comprehensive digital asset management tool for seamless collaboration across teams.
NTI Bluegfx, an Autodesk Gold Partner in the UK, plays a critical role by providing consultancy and support, optimizing the use of these tools, and enabling Jellyfish to stay on the cutting edge of technology.

Jellyfish also benefits from Autodesk’s cost-effective collection suites, bundling multiple licenses of key tools like Maya and Arnold, which simplify procurement and maximize value.

Results

Increased Productivity: Autodesk solutions enable faster design and rendering processes, enhancing creativity while meeting tight deadlines.
Seamless Integration: The compatibility of Autodesk tools with Jellyfish’s pipeline allows for smooth workflows and easy onboarding of new team members, including freelancers.
Enhanced Collaboration: Autodesk Shotgun centralizes digital asset management, improving communication and efficiency across teams.
Future-Ready: Close collaboration with Autodesk and NTI Bluegfx ensures Jellyfish is prepared for technological advancements, such as USD and new Maya features like Substance 2.0.

Looking Ahead

Jellyfish Pictures remains focused on pushing the boundaries of visual effects and animation. As the studio continues to expand and create world-class content, Autodesk’s cutting-edge tools, coupled with the support of NTI Bluegfx, will remain central to its success.