Run VT installs 4K-capable Avid systems, with Avid NEXIS storage, as part of business expansion into additional facility

Post-production house, Run VT, has just opened a second facility on Newman Street in central London, choosing Altered Images to supply and install its new Avid systems.

The 4,000 sq ft facility includes seven offline suites, together with an online and a grading suite, and has been designed for close collaboration with Run VT’s original building, also located in Newman Street. 

Altered Images supplied Run VT with seven new Avid Media Composer systems for the new site, along with a second 60TB Avid NEXIS software-defined storage platform. “We won some new contracts, which meant we had the security to take on the extra space and some new members of staff,” explains owner, Balvinder Sanghera. “We had initially purchased an Avid NEXIS with 60TB of storage and three additional Avid Media Composers for our original building last September, but found we were constantly running out of storage as we only had 32TB on our Avid ISIS, plus we needed to upgrade some of our existing Avid systems. As a result of the new building, we needed a further seven Avid systems with an additional 60TB NEXIS, which Altered Images specified and supplied.”

In November last year, Run VT celebrated 21 years and is one of the longest-running independent post production facilities in the UK. The company offers a one-stop solution, providing everything from cameras (run hire), editing, grading and sound, delivering to all the major broadcasters. “We are getting quite a few returnable series requiring several suites editing these shows,” Balvinder comments. “Having more storage and faster systems has allowed us to keep us in line with our competitors. The tapeless workflow has changed a lot of things too. The fact we can ingest media overnight in an automated way enables us to have client rushes on the system much quicker. In addition, sharing the same project allows multiple edit suites to share the same media and bins – essential with larger shows.”

The new technology has improved Run VT’s productivity; with the latest versions of Avid systems and the increased storage space, Run VT can now stack up multiple jobs at the same time without the need to clear storage space. “Without the editing systems, storage and support from Altered Images, we would not be able to compete in the industry,” Balvinder says. “Being in the business for 21 years, I’ve seen many changes, especially with how quickly technology evolves. The lifespan of equipment is getting shorter and having to continually invest isn’t easy when you’re a boutique facility like ours. Whether you’re a big player or a small one, the price of the equipment is the same, and we all need certain kit to deliver content to the broadcasters. We always strive to have the latest systems and software, to make sure we are as efficient and productive as possible. With our new site, we’ve more than doubled our capacity, making us serious competition for other facilities.”

Run VT has always had a good relationship with Altered Images. “I believe in building relationships,” adds Balvinder. “I’ve known Nick Frith and the Altered Images team for 18 years now and they’ve always delivered and have helped at times of need – I wouldn’t go anywhere else. I can only expect loyalty from my clients if I, in return, am loyal to my service providers.”

About Altered Images

Altered Images is a leading expert in workflow system design and a major technology reseller for the broadcast, television production, education and corporate communications industry. Its highly-skilled team understands visual communication technology, offering everything from a single product to a complete turnkey solution. From consultancy and system design, through to sales, installation and support, Altered Images offers a fully-specified service for production and broadcast professionals.

About Run VT

Run VT is a small, friendly, boutique-style post-production house with a conveniently central location in Soho, London. The company was set up by Balvinder Singh Sanghera, aka Bal, in 1995, and has been trading on Newman Street since 2000. All edit suites are themed, online-capable and come with fail-safe storage. And with over 50,000 minutes of broadcast television under its belts, you can be secure in the knowledge that your project is in safe hands. Whether it’s a quick one-hour edit or an ongoing job requiring multiple suites with shared storage, Run VT are able to accommodate. Run TV is currently working on When…Goes Horribly Wrong (5x3hrs) and Sex Pod (15x1hr) for Crackit Television, along with Nightmare Tenants and Slum Landlords (16x1hr) for BriteSpark Films.

For more information please visit runvt.tv