“Conformalizer was a really old codebase, was Mac-only, and used old 32-bit tech that Apple was killing off (in particular, QuickTime).

Instead of simply updating their Emmy-winning Conformalizer software, The Cargo Cult’s Founder & CEO Justin Webster decided on a fresh start. It was nominated for a 2021 AMPS “Excellence in a Post-Production Audio Product” Award, and two CAS Awards for “Outstanding Product – Post-Production” in 20.

In August 2020, The Cargo Cult released Matchbox, a reconform tool that has become a favorite in the post-production industry. Here we check out three options - The Cargo Cult’s Matchbox, Nuendo 11’s built-in ReConform tool, and mfChangeNote. With the picture, sound, and VFX teams working concurrently, the need for robust reconform tools is on the rise. A reconform also happens when changes in the picture (such as updated VFX) require additional sound work. (There are even rare instances - such as on “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” - when VFX changes came in after the printmaster was complete, according to sound designer John Marquis).Įach new picture cut requires a reconform of the sound and/or VFX sessions - to take what was already created and realign it to match the new picture cut before beginning work on that new version. Also, it’s not uncommon to have updated VFX or new picture cuts making their way onto the dub stage during the final mix. When talking about their recent sound work on “The Batman,” supervising sound editors Doug Murray and Will Files discussed the creative benefits of having the sound and picture departments working in tandem. Screen captures from The Cargo Cult’s Matchbox, Nuendo 11’s built in ReConform tool, and mfChangeNote.įilmmaking is evolving into a parallel editing process.

Nuendo 11 review