Cisco, Disney Studios Connect on StudioLAB Initiative

Cisco Systems said it will work with The Walt Disney Studios on the StudioLAB, an initiative focused on developing new technologies, designs and prototypes focused on video production.

The 3,500 square-foot StudioLAB facility will be based on the Disney studio lot in Burbank and lean on a mix of Cisco hardware and software products in areas such as storage, network, orchestration and collaboration.

Some areas of focus will include enhanced remote collaboration for creatives and studio leadership, more seamless and secure connections for filmmakers, the studio and third parties, and more efficient and reliable ways to deliver production data and assets from the set to the cloud, they said.

The Walt Disney Studios produces films for units that include Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, and brings music and stage plays to consumers through The Disney Music Group and Disney Theatrical Group.

Cisco said it’s on board as a founding member and “Innovation Partner” of Disney’s StudioLAB, announcing the partnership during its first XR On the Bay Conference, hosted by Cisco’s Advanced Imaging Society at the company’s corporate campus in San Jose.

In March, Accenture announced it was selected as Innovation Partner for the StudioLAB project.

“We are very pleased to welcome Cisco as a StudioLAB Innovation Partner, as we combine the best of Silicon Valley and Hollywood to help our storytellers tell their very best stories. Through this partnership, we can push the boundaries of how content can be created and consumed,” Benjamin Havey, VP, technology innovation group, at The Walt Disney Studios, said in a statement.

“This partnership is a game changer for the media industry, and we are excited for the opportunity to work closely with The Walt Disney Studios team to prototype, develop and showcase new technology at StudioLAB,” added David Ward, SVP, CTO and chief architect at Cisco. “This will be the place where true innovation comes alive in media entertainment.”