ZOO Digital
{{Short description|Cloud Software Media Services Company}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{multiple issues|
{{advert|date=November 2018}}
{{notability|Companies|date=November 2018}}
{{third-party|date=November 2018}}
{{COI|date=December 2018}}
}}
{{Infobox company
| name =
| logo = File:ZOO_Digital_logo.jpg
| type = Public
| traded_as = {{aim|ZOO}}
| founded = {{Start date|2001|}} in Sheffield, UK
| services = {{Unbulleted list|Subtitling|Dubbing|Closed Captioning|Digital Distribution}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.zoodigital.com/}}
}}
ZOO Digital Group PLC is a provider of cloud software based subtitling, dubbing, and media localization services to the TV and movie industry.{{Cite news|url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/bbc-worldwide-inks-zoo-digital-subtitling-deal/5083553.article|title=BBC Worldwide inks Zoo Digital subtitling deal|work=Broadcast|access-date=2018-11-06}} Its production facilities are located in El Segundo, Los Angeles; London and Sheffield, UK and Dubai, U.A.E. The company employs more than 500 employees worldwide and utilizes a global network of over 5,000 freelance translators and dubbing artists.
History
=2001–2003: Founding and incorporation=
In 2001, Gremlin Interactive founder Ian Stewart led a merger of Kazoo3D PLC and ZOO Media Corporation Ltd to form ZOO Digital Group PLC.{{Cite news|url=https://startups.co.uk/zoo-digital-ian-stewart/|title=Zoo Digital: Ian Stewart – Startups.co.uk: Starting a business advice and business ideas|work=Startups.co.uk: Starting a business advice and business ideas|access-date=2018-11-07}} In 2003, two co-divisions were formed. ZOOtech Ltd was established to develop software for interactive DVDs. ZOO Digital Publishing, an operating division of the group, was established to create video games.{{Cite web|url=https://startups.co.uk/zoo-digital-ian-stewart/|title=Zoo Digital: Ian Stewart|website=Startups.co.uk: Starting a business advice and business ideas|access-date=2018-12-19}}
= 2003–2005: Success with interactive video games and software for DVD=
In 2003, ZOO Digital Publishing published the interactive DVD for the game show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.{{Cite web|url=https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/company/72504-zoo-digital-publishing|title=Zoo Digital Publishing Company Information – GameFAQs|website=gamefaqs.gamespot.com|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{Citation|title=Who Wants To Be A Millionaire|date=2002-11-04|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Who-Wants-Be-Millionaire-DVD/dp/B00006SKUX|publisher=Zoo Digital|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/it-s-game-on-for-optimistic-zoo-digital-1-2543103|title=It's game on for optimistic Zoo Digital|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}} In the same year, ZOO Digital Publishing won the award for Navigation Design and Implementation Excellence at the DVD Association Excellence Awards, New York.
In 2004, ZOOtech launched DVD EXTRA Studio enabling new levels of interactivity on DVDs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamesfirst.com/?id=94|title=GamesFirst! {{!}}{{!}} DVD-EXTRA STUDIO – An Interview with Clynton Hunt {{!}} DVD|website=www.gamesfirst.com|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/talking-points-d30dhq80slw|title=Talking points|date=2004-04-22|work=The Times|access-date=2018-12-19|issn=0140-0460}} ZOOtech also opened an office in Paris in order to give the business a base for expanding DVD EXTRA applications for European markets. In the same year, ZOO Digital Publishing released Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 2nd Edition for Game Boy Advance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-2nd-edition|title=Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? 2nd Edition|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=13 September 2004 |access-date=2018-12-19}} In 2004, for a second year, the company won the Navigation Design and Implementation Excellence, DVD Association Excellence Awards, New York.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/a-hat-trick-for-zoo|title=A Hat-trick for ZOO|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=4 August 2005 |access-date=2018-12-19}} ZOOtech was also crowned the overall winner at the Sheffield Business Awards and picked up the Sheffield Business Award for Innovation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/business/another-first-for-zootech-1-330197|title=Another first for ZOOtech|website=www.thestar.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=200412160700114654G|title=FE Investegate {{!}}Zoo Digital Group Announcements {{!}} Zoo Digital Group: European Expansion|website=www.investegate.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}}
In the same year ZOO Digital Publishing bought Hothouse Creations, a computer games developer based in Bristol which had developed computer and video games including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? on PlayStation 1 and Pop Idol and American Idol on PlayStation 2.{{Cite web|url=http://spong.com/press_release/6276/ZOO-Digital-acquires-Hothouse|title=ZOO Digital acquires Hothouse|website=SPOnG|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.neowin.net/news/pop-idol-video-game-rights-awarded-to-codemasters|title=Pop Idol video game rights awarded to Codemasters|last=Neowin ·|first=Neowin Staff|website=Neowin|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/03/codemasters-bags-american-idol|title=Codemasters Bags American Idol|last=Perry|first=Douglass C.|date=2003-04-03|website=IGN|access-date=2018-12-19}}
In 2005, 60% of the interactive DVDs on the market were being made using ZOOtech's DVD Extra Studio.{{Cite web|url=https://hexus.net/ce/items/entertainment/3976-available-interactive-dvd-titles-jump-800-gaining-shelf-space/|title=Available interactive DVD titles jump by 800% – gaining own shelf space|website=HEXUS|date=26 November 2005 |access-date=2018-12-19}} In the same year, ZOO Digital Publishing won three awards at the DVD Association Excellence Awards ceremony in New York City: Guinness World Records 2005 won the DVD Video Game Excellence Award, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 2nd Edition won the Navigation Design and Implementation Excellence Award and Manchester United, The Official Interactive-DVD won the Technical Achievement Excellence Award.
=2006–2012: Refocus on technology for media and entertainment=
In 2006, Dr Stuart Green took over as Chief Executive Officer of ZOO Digital Group and Ian Stewart stepped down. ZOO Digital Group sold two of its subsidiaries. ZOO Digital Publishing, the division creating video games was sold following a decline in the traditional DVD market. ZOO Interactive Video, also formerly part of ZOO Digital Publishing, was sold.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/analysis/interactive-dvds-are-death-knell-for-zoo-digital-titles-1-2612111|title=Interactive DVDs are death knell for Zoo Digital titles|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/business/zoo-digital-in-decline-sell-off-1-326481|title=Zoo Digital in decline sell-off|website=www.thestar.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/zoo-digital-exits-pc-console-market|title=Zoo Digital exits PC, console market|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=6 April 2006 |access-date=2018-12-19}} The company adopted the operating name ZOO Digital. In the same year, ZOOtech won the Annual DVDA Excellence Award at Digital Hollywood for DVD EXTRA Studio.{{Cite web|url=http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/zootechs-dvd-extra-studio-powers-winners-annual-dvda-excellence-awards-digital-hollywood-lse-zoo.l-680697.htm|title=DVD EXTRA Studio Wins Annual DVDA Excellence Award}}
In 2007, ZOO Digital acquired Los Angeles-based Scope Seven, a media production and design company providing compression and authoring services to video publishers including a number of Hollywood studios.{{Cite web|url=http://www.hadleypartners.com/news_21.html|title=Hadley Partners, Inc. ® 2011|website=www.hadleypartners.com|access-date=2018-11-06}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/2642-disney-teams-up-with-zoo-to-create-digital-beast|title=Disney teams up with Zoo to create digital beast {{!}} TheBusinessDesk.com|date=2008-04-10|website=Yorkshire|access-date=2018-12-19}} ZOOtech announced a deal with Mattel Inc. (MAT) to develop DVD games, including the High School Musical 2 DVD Board Game and 1 vs. 100 DVD Game.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rttnews.com/311844/zootech-announces-deal-with-mattel-to-develop-several-high-profile-dvd-games-quick-facts.aspx|title=ZOOtech Announces Deal With Mattel To Develop Several High-profile DVD Games – Quick Facts|website=RTTNews|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mattel-High-School-Musical-Board/dp/B000S752CG|title=Mattel High School Musical DVD Board Game 2: Amazon.co.uk: Toys & Games|website=www.amazon.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mattel-Vs-100-Board-Game/dp/B000OC2W0U|title=Mattel 1 Vs. 100 DVD Board Game: Amazon.co.uk: Toys & Games|website=www.amazon.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}}
In 2008, ZOO Digital announced a 15-year contract with Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures International to deliver its software automation products to DVD film releases. Sony Pictures Entertainment also licensed ZOO's Templated Authoring System ("TAS") in order to produce standard definition DVD titles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foresightgroup.eu/news/portfolio-company-zoo-digital-wins-disney-contract/|title=Portfolio Company Zoo Digital Wins Disney Contract|website=www.foresightgroup.eu|access-date=2018-12-19}}
In 2010, ZOO Digital's new iTunes toolset was adopted by a major Hollywood studio. The iTunes toolkit was designed to automate the production of menus and bonus features.{{Cite web|url=https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/17424/zoo-digitals-new-itunes-toolset-adopted-by-major-hollywood-studio-20892.html|title=ZOO Digital's new iTunes toolset adopted by major Hollywood studio|date=2010-09-09|website=Proactiveinvestors UK|access-date=2018-12-19}} In the same year, Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS) partnered with ZOO Digital to use its software for managing brand identity and marketing for multinational brands. ZOO Digital's {{not a typo|artworking}} software was designed to integrate "language translation, localization, proofing, global collaboration, version control, and archiving."{{Cite press release|url=http://multipkg.com/news/29|title=Multi Packaging Solutions Partners with ZOO Digital Creates Turnkey Solution for Global Brands|date=July 7, 2010|website=multipkg.com|access-date=2019-04-03}}
In 2011, the decline in the DVD market saw ZOO Digital report a half-year loss.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/hollywood-decision-on-dvds-knocks-zoo-digital-figures-1-4035419|title=Hollywood decision on DVDs knocks Zoo Digital figures|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}}
= 2012–Present: Cloud localization services =
In 2012, ZOO Digital launched cloud subtitling services for TV and movie content with ZOOsubs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.investegate.co.uk/News/zoo-expands-product-suite/366077/|title=FE Investegate {{!}} Company News {{!}} Corporate, London Stock Exchange, Regulatory News Headlines ZOO expands product suite|website=www.investegate.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}} 2014 saw ZOO announced by Apple as one of four vendors selected to provide new iTunes packaging services to its Compressor users.{{Cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/docs/iTunes_Store_Package.pdf|title=iTunes Store Package|website=www.apple.com}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.definitionmagazine.com/journal/2015/4/16/zoo-digital-provides-new-itunes-store-package-delivery-servi.html|title=ZOO Digital provides new iTunes Store Package delivery services for Compressor users.|access-date=2018-11-07}} 2015 saw ZOO sign a deal with BBC Worldwide to provide it with a new subtitling and captioning platform.{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/bbc-worldwide-inks-zoo-digital-subtitling-deal/5083553.article|title=BBC Worldwide inks Zoo Digital subtitling deal|last=|date=2015-02-23|website=Broadcast|access-date=2018-12-19}} In 2016, ZOO became a Netflix Preferred Vendor; this changed to a Netflix Preferred Fulfilment Partner in 2018.
In 2017, ZOO launched the entertainment industry's first cloud dubbing service, powered by its proprietary ZOOdubs software platform{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvbeurope.com/production-post/zoo-digital-launch-cloud-based-dubbing-platform|title=Zoo Digital to launch cloud-based dubbing platform|last=Priestley|first=Jenny|website=TVBEurope|access-date=2018-12-19|date=2017-04-10}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/tag/zoodubs|title=Zoodubs|website=TvTechnology|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{Cite web|url=https://npfp.netflixstudios.com/zoo-digital|title=Netflix Preferred Fulfillment Partners|website=npfp.netflixstudios.com|access-date=2018-11-06}} and won a NewBay Media Best of Show Award at the NAB Show 2017{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/show-news/tv-technology-announces-2017-nab-best-of-show-award-winners|title=TV Technology Announces 2017 NAB Best of Show Award Winners|last=Staff|first=TV Technology|website=TvTechnology|date=May 2017 |access-date=2018-12-19}} and an award at IBC Show 2017 at the IABM Design & Innovation Awards in the Post Production category.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theiabm.org/news/iabm-announces-2017-design-innovation-awards-winners-at-ibc/|title=IABM announces 2017 Design & Innovation Awards winners at IBC|website=IABM|access-date=2018-12-19}}
In 2018, ZOO Digital's ZOOdubs cloud dubbing service won an IABM award in the ‘Publish’ category{{Cite web|url=https://www.theiabm.org/bam-awards-nab-show/|title=BAM Awards – NAB Show|website=IABM|access-date=2018-12-19}} and ZOO won the Best Performing Share Award at the AIM Awards 2018 and Company of the Year at the Small Cap UK Awards.{{Cite web|url=http://www.aim-awards.co.uk/winners/|title=AIM Awards Winners}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.smallcapnetwork.co.uk/awards-2018/|title=Awards 2018|website=Small Cap UK|access-date=2018-12-19}}
In March 2021, Zoo Digital has announced plans to boost its progress after a £7.4 million IPO on the London Stock Exchange.{{Cite web|last=Whitfield|first=Graeme|date=31 March 2021|title=Sheffield firm Zoo Digital raises £7.4m to accelerate growth|url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/technology/sheffield-firm-zoo-digital-raises-20295711|access-date=8 April 2021|website=Business Live}} It plans to collect funds from a placement by issuing 7.0 million shares at a price of 100 pence each, for a total of GBP7.0 million.{{Cite web|last=Bhunjun|first=Arvind|date=30 March 2021|title=Zoo Digital to raise GBP7.0 million to build balance sheet|url=https://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/AN_1617133008685004900/in-brief-zoo-digital-to-raise-gbp70-million-to-build-balance-sheet.aspx|access-date=8 April 2021|website=Alliance News Limited}}
In 2022, the company reported growth of 78% from the previous year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/technology/sheffields-zoo-digital-sees-huge-24422192|title=Sheffield's Zoo Digital sees huge leap in revenue in "outstanding" year - Business Live|date=July 7, 2022|website=Business Live|access-date=August 6, 2022}}
Software
- DVD Extra
- DVD Extra Studio
- eBook Builder{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/business/zoo-aims-at-ebooks-1-3507586|title=ZOO aims at eBooks|website=www.thestar.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}}
- Template Authoring System (TAS){{Cite web|url=http://www.dvd-and-beyond.com/features/feature.php?feature=56|title=DVD and beyond – Video title production 2.0|website=www.dvd-and-beyond.com|access-date=2018-12-19}}
- Media Adaptation Tool (MAT){{Cite web|url=https://www.investegate.co.uk/News/zoo-digital-in--apos-unexpected-apos--movie-trade-win/82864/|title=FE Investegate {{!}} Company News {{!}} Corporate, London Stock Exchange, Regulatory News Headlines ZOO Digital in 'unexpected' movie trade win|website=www.investegate.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}}
- ZOOcore{{Cite web|url=https://www.investegate.co.uk/News/zoo-digital-licences-workflow-solution-to-hachette/416133/|title=FE Investegate {{!}} Company News {{!}} Corporate, London Stock Exchange, Regulatory News Headlines Zoo Digital licences workflow solution to Hachette|website=www.investegate.co.uk|access-date=2018-12-19}}
- ZOOsubs{{Cite web|url=https://www.productionhub.com/press/48031/zoo-digital-to-present-revolutionary-cloud-based-zoosubs-subtitling-and-captioning-service-at-ibc-2014|title=ZOO Digital to present revolutionary cloud-based ZOOsubs subtitling and captioning service at IBC 2014 {{!}} ProductionHUB|website=ProductionHUB.com|access-date=2018-12-19}}
- ZOOdubs
Services (current)
Development grants
- Collaboration Systems for Digital Media Production{{cite web|url=https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=100477|website=gtr.ukri.org|title=Collaboration Systems for Digital Media Production|access-date=2018-12-19}} 8 Feb – 10 Oct, £711,570, Innovate UK award
- Commercialisation of Motion Pictures Archives (COMPA){{cite web|url=https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=120153|website=gtr.ukri.org|title=Commercialisation of Motion Pictures Archives (COMPA)|access-date=2018-12-19}} 10 Jan – 12 Dec, £765,366, Innovate UK award
- Persistent And Robust Tracking of Entertainment Content (PARTEC){{cite web|url=https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=100946|website=gtr.ukri.org|title=Persistent And Robust Tracking of Entertainment Content (PARTEC)|access-date=2018-12-19}} 11 Jun – 13 May, £338,754, Innovate UK award
- Optimising Production Through Implicit Metadata In Scripts for Television (OPTIMIST){{cite web|url=https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=101036|website=gtr.ukri.org|title=Optimising Production Through Implicit Metadata In Scripts for Television (OPTIMIST)|access-date=2018-12-19}} 11 Nov – 13 Apr, £267,813, Innovate UK award
- Process Automation for Localisation of Dialogue in Entertainment Media (PALODIEM){{cite web|url=https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=720472|website=gtr.ukri.org|title=Process Automation for Localisation of Dialogue in Entertainment Media (PALODIEM)|access-date=2018-12-19}} 14 Oct – 16 Sep, £250,000, Innovate UK award
- Multimedia Analysis for Unsupervised Dubbing In Entertainment (MAUDIE){{cite web|url=https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=104264|website=gtr.ukri.org|title=Multimedia Analysis for Unsupervised Dubbing In Entertainment (MAUDIE)|access-date=2018-12-19}} 18 May – 21 Apr, £823,460, Innovate UK award