Newly launched LWKS Software Ltd has announced the acquisition of the Lightworks NLE and QScan AQC system from EditShare.
The new company is being led by Chairman, James Richings, previously the joint managing director of EditShare EMEA; and CEO, Peter Lambert, previously EditShare’s Asia VP of Sales and a former Country Manager with Avid. Key members of the Lightworks and QScan software development teams are also joining LWKS, ensuring continuity of development efforts.
Lightworks has an installed base of over 1 million users and a rich heritage of work, including ‘LA Confidential’, ‘Pulp Fiction’, and ‘The King’s Speech’, it has been used in many high-profile television and film projects. Lightworks was used on projects which lead to Oscar wins for Best Editing including ‘The Departed’, ‘The Aviator’ and, most recently, it was used on Academy Award nominee Netflix’s ‘The Irishman’. Featuring a simple and intuitive UI, easy timeline editing and trimming, and real-time audio and video FX, it is an increasingly popular choice for a new generation of content creators on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.
The QScan AQC software is used by high-profile media companies such as NHK, Apple and Netflix, as well as leading post production houses, broadcast facilities, OTT operators, media management companies, and anyone involved in the media content creation and distribution workflow to ensure that content meets the appropriate technical standard.
“This is excellent news for both Lightworks and QScan customers,” comments LWKS CEO, Peter Lambert. “It ensures both products will continue to be developed with the care and attention to detail that they deserve. Lightworks and QScan are multi award-winning products used by millions of content creators and hundreds of media services providers worldwide. We are looking forward to integrating exciting new features and toolsets for them in upcoming releases and developing workflows that fuel creativity.”
Long-time film editor for Martin Scorsese, Thelma Schoonmaker, also commented, “It is great news that Lightworks is becoming independent and dedicated to editors again and we look forward to continuing to support Lightworks and its future.”
According to Conrad Clemson, CEO, EditShare, “This transaction allows us to sharpen our focus on our storage and media management solutions while maintaining a commitment to openness in support of many technology and vendor touch points across the content supply chain. It also allows us to focus on virtualising and innovating this connected media ecosystem in the cloud, which is critical for our customers in today’s climate.
“We are pleased to execute this transaction with Lwks Software. Their focus on the NLE market aligns very nicely with the assets they are purchasing from EditShare.”
New releases for both products are currently slated for November, with further announcements to be made regarding the future roadmap as development ramps up.
The terms of the acquisition were undisclosed.
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