Light Iron uses Nara for file navigation, content streaming and information sharing through a single, secure interface to help them collaborate efficiently and speed up workflows.
The team at Light Iron, the post production services division of the Panavision group, encompasses colourists, online editors, visual effects artists and software engineers who work together between its New York and Los Angeles facilities. Their work supports filmmakers through their technical and artistic skills, collaboration and innovation. To keep operations running efficiently, the company’s producers require view-only access to its SAN volumes to create work orders and distribute files.
Until recently, Light Iron relied on two separate programs for this work – one for navigating file structures and another for securely viewing playable content. They have now implemented FilmLight’s Nara software for these tasks, helping the producers to ease access to files across sites and simplify workflows, from dailies through to finishing. They have been able to save time, increase accuracy and reduce errors.
An Integrated Tool
Nara is especially expected to bring workflow advantages for Light Iron’s growing number of projects that span both facilities, because it serves as a single application that handles file navigation, secure content viewing and information sharing through one interface.
Nara integrates software for media access, streaming and indexing into one tool. It can natively decode and play back many types of media without the need to transcode to proxy files. Also integrating with both on-premises and cloud storage, it has a low bandwidth streaming engine and an indexing system capable of rapid data retrieval. Through its very wide, high quality codec support, users can guarantee uniform, colour-accurate image presentation, and take advantage of comprehensive, consistent media reviews.
Andy Kaplan, SVP of Operations at Light Iron commented, “Nara enables us to access file paths, distribution information and media content across departments without compromising security. This platform has become essential for our teams, who need accurate, up-to-date information. Departments can communicate and work together directly, while maintaining the strict security protocols we need.”
Navigating the SAN
For Light Iron, one of Nara’s standout features is the ability to play back files stored on their SANs in real time. This functionality gives producers peace of mind by enabling them to review files before client distribution. Nara also ensures accurate colour representation, relevant burn-ins and detailed metadata for thorough content verification.
“Another key feature is the ability for users to create custom bookmarks to specific locations in our SANs,” said Amy Redfern, Head of Production for Light Iron. “This time-saving function allows each producer to navigate quickly to the most relevant files for their projects, improving efficiency even further.”
Nara has also optimised Light Iron’s processes when restoring media for conform or VFX, allowing them to quickly locate the correct storage volumes and verify that each clip and its resolution matches the project’s requirements. The team also uses it to view materials remotely without the need to gain direct access to the files or a suite in the facility.
Client Interaction
“If a client or studio sends us a QC note about a file we have delivered, I am able to load that file remotely from my desktop and review it without having to engage other departments,” said Andrew Dale, Senior DI Producer at Light Iron. “This lets them focus on using their resources for more important tasks while I work with the client.
“The fact that I can put eyes on a file immediately allows me to better understand any issues that have been noted, which in turn enables me to be more efficient in my communication with my team members. Also, since I do not have direct access to the file in question, there are no security concerns like there would be if I had to physically transfer a file offsite to review.”
Amy noted, “Nara significantly saves time for producers by reducing the time spent searching for and accessing media. It also reduces errors and increases accuracy by allowing users to verify the correct media before sending it out. All of these make our workflows simpler.”
Managing Director at FilmLight Americas Peter Postma said, "It's been great working with the Light Iron team. Nara is a young evolving product and we’ve enjoyed incorporating their valuable feedback into new features that allow producers and coordinators to respond to their customers more efficiently." nara.stream
