Overview:
Marvel Studios, renowned for its blockbuster films and iconic characters, relies on state-of-the-art technology to deliver high-quality productions to global audiences. In recent years, the need for a robust, seamless IT infrastructure on set has become critical to managing the complex technical demands of modern filmmaking.
We Solve Problems was hired to manage the on-set IT infrastructure for several major Marvel/Disney productions, including Thor: The Dark World (Thor 2), Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and The Mandalorian. Our role involved overseeing essential aspects such as WiFi connectivity, internet access, motion capture software, data processing, data backups, networking, server management, and cabling. However, early in the process, it became clear that Marvel needed more than just standard IT management—they required a cutting-edge, customized infrastructure solution to ensure smooth and efficient production processes. This case study explores how our team designed and implemented a new infrastructure that transformed Marvel’s production experience.
The Challenge: Complex Production Demands
Filming large-scale productions like Marvel’s requires a meticulous orchestration of technology to support a high-paced, data-driven environment. Productions such as Thor 2 and the Infinity War films demanded an IT infrastructure capable of:
- Managing high-bandwidth WiFi connectivity: With hundreds of crew members relying on secure, stable internet access for communication, video streaming, and on-set collaboration, uninterrupted connectivity was non-negotiable.
- Ensuring real-time data processing: Motion capture technology played a central role in these films, generating enormous amounts of data that had to be processed quickly and reliably.
- Protecting critical data with robust backups: As with any production, the risk of data loss was a significant concern, particularly given the high volume of visual effects (VFX) and footage being produced daily.
- Providing seamless server and network management: Servers had to handle the processing load of massive files and VFX assets, while the networking infrastructure needed to keep the production team connected and operational at all times.
Initially, Marvel experienced intermittent connectivity issues and some delays due to data bottlenecks during post-production. As these obstacles posed risks to production schedules, we saw an opportunity to enhance the overall infrastructure.
The Solution: Designing a Custom IT Infrastructure for Marvel
After assessing the challenges, our team decided to build a new, advanced IT infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of Marvel’s productions. This proactive decision allowed us to address the core issues of connectivity, data management, and scalability. Our solution included:
- Optimized Networking and WiFi Connectivity We deployed a scalable, high-bandwidth WiFi network that ensured secure, fast internet access across the entire production set. The new infrastructure supported all departments—from camera operators to post-production teams—without lag or downtime, ensuring that communication and file sharing happened in real time.
- Advanced Data Processing and Motion Capture Software Support Given the sheer volume of data created during motion capture sessions, our new infrastructure significantly sped up the data processing pipeline. This allowed the VFX teams to work more efficiently, reducing waiting times and enabling quicker iteration on digital effects, ultimately shortening production times.
- Robust Backup and Data Security Systems We implemented an automatic, real-time backup system that continuously secured all production data. This protected against data loss and enabled fast recovery in case of hardware failure, which gave Marvel peace of mind knowing that no footage or VFX assets would ever be at risk.
- Scalable Server and Network Infrastructure To handle the heavy data loads and complex network demands, we built a server infrastructure that scaled with the production’s needs. This eliminated bottlenecks, improved file transfer speeds, and ensured that Marvel’s technical teams could access the resources they needed whenever they needed them.
The Impact: Zero Outages, Smoother Productions
As a result of our efforts, Marvel’s production teams experienced a dramatic improvement in on-set operations, which directly translated to reduced downtime and cost savings.
- Zero Downtime Over the course of four major productions—Thor 2, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and The Mandalorian—the new infrastructure performed flawlessly, delivering 100% uptime. With no interruptions in WiFi or server access, the production teams could focus on creating without worrying about technical glitches or delays.
- Faster, More Efficient VFX Workflows The real-time data processing capabilities of our infrastructure allowed for faster motion capture editing and post-production work, which was crucial given the complex special effects required for films like Infinity War. This efficiency meant that Marvel’s creative teams could iterate more quickly, accelerating the overall production schedule.
- Adoption of Our Infrastructure for Future Productions Perhaps the biggest testament to the success of this project was Marvel’s decision to adopt the infrastructure we designed as their standard for future productions. By integrating this system into their ongoing technical strategy, Marvel ensured that their teams would continue to benefit from the same level of performance and reliability for years to come.
- No Data Loss or Security Breaches Our robust data backup systems safeguarded the high-stakes production environment from the risks of data loss, ensuring that every piece of footage and VFX asset was preserved and protected. Marvel’s team could operate with confidence, knowing that their critical data was always secure.
Conclusion: A Long-Term Partnership Built on Trust and Results
The success of this project has strengthened our partnership with Marvel Studios, leading to ongoing collaborations on future productions. Our MSP is proud to have played a key role in enhancing the technical backbone behind some of the world’s most beloved films and series. By delivering an infrastructure solution that prioritized reliability, scalability, and performance, we not only met Marvel’s immediate needs but also set them up for sustained success in future projects.
This case study exemplifies our ability to go beyond traditional IT services, offering tailored solutions that drive real-world results. Our expertise in designing, deploying, and managing mission-critical IT infrastructure ensures that productions—whether in Hollywood or beyond—can operate smoothly and efficiently, no matter the scale.