In the fast-paced world of visual effects, animation, and virtual production, speed and precision are key to success. For creators, the ability to work without being held back by hardware limitations can make all the difference.
This is where our hardware partner Silverdraft steps in. Founded with the mission to streamline the creative process, Silverdraft designs high-performance computing solutions tailored to meet the needs of artists, engineers, and producers across a variety of industries.
But how did this company come to be, and what sets it apart in the competitive world of digital technology?
From Film to Supercomputers
The story of Silverdraft begins with Amy Gile, a former actor and producer, who saw firsthand the challenges faced by visual effects artists and filmmakers.
“I saw how much work the artists were doing to realize a vision. I saw potential for faster workflows for productions and artists with much less time waiting for computers."
Amy Gile, Founder and CEO of Silverdraft
It became clear to her that traditional hardware in the industry was slowing down the creative process, especially for computationally demanding tasks like rendering, animation, and visual effects.
Driven by the belief that there had to be a better, faster way to create complex content, Gile co-founded Silverdraft in 2011 alongside Dr. Srinidhi Varadarajan, a renowned supercomputer architect. Varadarajan’s expertise stemmed from designing System X, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers at the time. Their partnership was built on a shared conviction that by applying supercomputing architecture to Hollywood’s most demanding tasks, they could unlock new levels of performance.
Silverdraft was born from this vision, with the goal of transforming the creative process.
The story behind the “Silverdraft”
The name Silverdraft itself is rooted in the film industry.
"Film and TV productions use color-coded paper to track versions of a screenplay during writing and production. The silver version is often the final production draft. So, Silverdraft is a way of associating the company with the most complete part of a production.”
Amy Gile, Founder and CEO of Silverdraft
This symbolic connection to the finished product reflects the company's commitment to helping creatives reach the peak of their potential.
Silverdraft prides itself on being more than just a hardware company — they are a problem-solving partner. The company differentiates itself by designing full-scale solutions that are hand-tuned to the specific needs of each client.
"We don’t just build fast computers. We look at the full solution and scale it for the needs of our clients.”
Amy Gile, Founder and CEO of Silverdraft
From media and entertainment to automotive design, Silverdraft’s systems are optimized for professional applications that require 24/7 reliability. What sets Silverdraft apart is their holistic approach: they don’t just sell boxes of components, they craft entire systems — including power, networking, storage, and cooling — designed to enhance performance and solve real-world problems.
Beyond the cutting-edge technology, Silverdraft fosters a culture of openness and curiosity, constantly seeking ways to improve.
"The more our clients share with us, the more we can tune things to help them."
Amy Gile, Founder and CEO of Silverdraft
This hands-on approach ensures that each client receives a custom-built solution tailored to their exact needs, setting Silverdraft apart from competitors.
Achieving the Impossible
Silverdraft’s solutions have enabled clients across industries to achieve what was once thought impossible.
“I am amazed daily by what our clients are doing or want to do with our technology. Some days I have to pinch myself and just smile. There is such a variety around the visualization of data. From media and entertainment to fluid dynamics. Most of our customers are doing things that they thought might be impossible. We work with them to make the impossible possible.”
Amy Gile, Founder and CEO of Silverdraft
This philosophy has led to some impressive success stories. For example, Silverdraft played a crucial role in helping CBS Sports and Silverspoon Animation create completely animated live sports events, including the Super Bowl broadcast from Bikini Bottom featuring Spongebob Squarepants. Silverdraft’s technology allowed them to design and build the rendering platform in half the footprint it would normally take, a testament to the company’s focus on efficiency without compromising on quality.
In the automotive industry, Silverdraft helped Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, cut their vehicle design cycle time by 50%. This reduction in time not only saved the company money but also accelerated their innovation process, highlighting the real-world impact that Silverdraft's computing solutions can have on product development.
This is what life in the fast lane is like! Our partner @allofitnow crushed it with drone-mounted cameras & #AR camera tracking teaming up w/ @FamousGroupLA @pixotope and @stYpeTV for NASCAR's 75th Anniversary @ the Coca-Cola 600. Check out the action: https://t.co/exX8UqLCkv pic.twitter.com/cN5xcxwXBi
— Silverdraft (@Silverdraft) July 25, 2023
From Empty Stadiums to Superbowl Spectacles
One of the exciting partnerships driving Silverdraft forward is their collaboration with Pixotope.
“Together, we can simplify a very technical workflow for our joint clients. There is no option for error. Pixotope knows how critical the collaboration of the hardware and software needs to be to simplify things for the client. They support the client and the clients goals. They do not leave them hanging. Pixotope supplies a complete solution that enables broadcasters and creatives to let their imagination run.”
Amy Gile, Founder and CEO of Silverdraft
Whether it's generating virtual crowds for empty stadiums during the pandemic or rendering 3D tracked graphics in real-time at the Superbowl, their partnership with Pixotope continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in virtual production.
The Future: Empowering the Next Generation of Creators
As technology continues to evolve, Silverdraft is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation, especially in the realm of virtual production, therefore they are embracing emerging technologies that have reshaped creative industries.
For example, the rise of virtual reality (VR) and machine learning has dramatically improved the way products are designed and visualized.
"The blending of the real world and the virtual world brings products and architecture to life early in the design phase, saving time, money, and major mistakes."
Amy Gile, Founder and CEO of Silverdraft
The company's expertise in real-time rendering, which Gile says still drives everything they do, continues to be at the forefront of their innovations.
Gile is excited about the possibilities offered by generative AI and the marriage of hardware and software to create more efficient and powerful workflows.
“Broadcast is no longer just about pointing a camera at the game. Now, broadcast is also about storytelling, production, and impact!”
Amy Gile, Founder and CEO of Silverdraft
Looking ahead, Silverdraft remains laser-focused on empowering creativity. As Gile advises those navigating this fast-changing industry:
"Find your true north and focus on your customer. Listen."
Amy Gile, Founder and CEO of Silverdraft
By keeping the needs of creatives at the forefront of their mission, Silverdraft ensures that they’ll continue to be a leader in high-performance computing and visualization.
In an era where technology and creativity intersect, Silverdraft stands as a trailblazer, helping industries achieve more than they ever thought possible. As their team continues to innovate, the future looks bright for creators across the world.
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