SAN JOSE, CA — Adobe Systems (www.adobe.com) has acquired all SkyBox technology from Mettle, a developer of 360-degree and virtual reality software. The acquisition comes at a time when increasing numbers of creators, global brands and media and entertainment companies are embracing 360/VR, and are looking for seamless, end-to-end workflows for this new, immersive medium.
The Skybox toolset is designed exclusively for post production in Adobe Premiere Pro CC and Adobe After Effects CC, and complements Adobe Creative Cloud’s existing 360/VR cinematic production technology. Adobe will integrate SkyBox plug-in functionality natively into future releases of Premiere Pro and After Effects.
To further strengthen Adobe’s leadership in 360-degree and virtual reality, Mettle co-founder Chris Bobotis will join Adobe, bringing more than 25 years of production experience to his new role.
“We believe making virtual-reality content should be as easy as possible for creators,” says Steven Warner, vice president of digital video and audio, Adobe. “The acquisition of Mettle SkyBox technology allows us to deliver a more highly integrated VR editing and effects experience to the film and video community. Editing in 360/VR requires specialized technology, and as such, this is a critical area of investment for Adobe, and we’re thrilled Chris Bobotis has joined us to help lead the charge forward.”
“Our relationship started with Adobe in 2010 when we created FreeForm for After Effects, and has been evolving ever since,” adds Chris Bobotis, now director, professional video at Adobe. “This is the next big step in our partnership. I’ve always believed in developing software for artists, by artists, and I’m looking forward to bringing new technology and integration that will empower creators with the digital tools they need to bring their creative vision to life.”
Introduced in April 2015, SkyBox was the first plug-in to leverage Mettle’s proprietary 3DNAE Technology, and its success quickly led to additional development of 360/VR plug-ins for Premiere Pro and After Effects.