MONTRÉAL & SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Montréal-based REAL by FAKE (the team behind films such as C.R.A.Z.Y., Café de Flore, Dallas Buyers Club, Wild, and Demolition) today announced their strategic acquisition of Santa Monica-based Local Hero (whose credits include Mr. Robot, Captain Fantastic and Pitch Perfect). The two companies recently collaborated on all Post-Production and VFX for HBO’s hit limited series Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects. The strategic acquisition creates a true, end-to-end, international Post-Production and VFX boutique powerhouse providing REAL by FAKE a significant presence in the Los Angeles area, while also bringing Local Hero’s established Hollywood brand to Montréal.
The companies will offer a full suite of services in both Montréal and L.A., including:
- Workflow consulting and look development;
- Film & Television Tax Credit-claiming expertise in Québec, California and Georgia;
- Dailies;
- VFX designed to reduce production costs while empowering the director’s vision;
- Premium editorial suites;
- Digital Intermediate;
- Full sound packages;
- Mastering and deliverables (including 4K, VR and Dolby Vision HDR).
The companies will retain the REAL by FAKE brand for VFX and the Local Hero brand for all other Post services.
Marc Côté, REAL by FAKE Founder and President, said, "We have partnered with the folks at Local Hero for quite some time, and we’ve admired what they have achieved over the past 12 years. As we worked together more closely, the synergies between our companies became hard to ignore. We’re very excited to officially extend the REAL by FAKE family with the capabilities and reputation of Hollywood’s premiere Post boutique, and a team that shares our mission, goals and culture."
“I have collaborated closely with Marc Côté and REAL by FAKE on many projects, and they have become the trusted Producing and Post-Production partner for all my projects,” said Director and Executive Producer Jean-Marc Vallée. “I witnessed the teamwork between REAL by FAKE and Local Hero first-hand while working on Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects. I really loved the amazing boutique feel at Local Hero. I really felt at home there. But most importantly, Marc, Steve and Leandro created a single, truly seamless environment between my home base Montréal and LA for me to work in. So I could move back and forth throughout the projects without ever missing a beat. It was one of the keys to my success on those projects.”
Steve Bannerman, CEO of Local Hero, also commented, “Our companies share a common vision and this strategic acquisition will dramatically expand our capacity, adding a world-class VFX and Post team in Montréal, while also allowing us to offer our clients seamless access to lucrative tax incentives in Canada, California and Georgia. Our scalable suite of picture and sound services under one roof, combined with our exceptional boutique experience, offers our US and Canadian clients the best of all worlds. We couldn’t be more delighted.”
Marc Côté will continue to serve as the President of REAL by FAKE, and run all Canadian operations. Steve Bannerman will continue as CEO of Local Hero and run all US operations, and Leandro Marini will continue to manage all Local Hero creative services and support customers.
"Local Hero has built an outstanding brand in the film and TV industry and we’re thrilled to develop it internationally," added Jérôme Arnaud, REAL by FAKE GM. "We can now bridge the innovations we build in Montréal with one of the largest DI theaters in the world, located in a highly desirable West side LA location. And, we’re already planning expansion into multiple additional suites in Santa Monica."
About REAL by FAKE
Based in Montréal, REAL by FAKE provides Producers, Distributors and Broadcasters Post-Production and the full spectrum of cutting-edge digital visual effects for High-End Films and TV Series, Dailies, D.I., visual effects and 3D animation for theatrical releases, the Web and mobile devices. REAL by FAKE has the capability and experience to handle any challenges. Founded in 2000, the company employs close to 80 people.
About Local Hero
An early pioneer in digital cinema workflows, Local Hero has been supporting the feature film and prestige TV community since 2006. With over 150 credits from some of the most popular and award-winning projects, Local Hero has built a loyal following of Directors, DP’s, Producers, and Post Supervisors from shoot to screen, from onset services, to Dailies, DI, VFX, and mastering- including 4K, VR and Dolby Vision HDR.
