AI Dubbing Pioneer Flawless Sells Technology In Deal That Raises Questions About Its Future
Flawless has sold its TrueSync dubbing technology and DeepEditor post-production tool to TBellScout, a startup owned by Dutch technology billionaire Steven Schuurman. The sale follows the British company entering administration, leaving its future uncertain despite its technology’s use in Hollywood and an approach to AI based on obtaining consent.
Flawless spent about $100 million developing its tools, which have been used on hundreds of productions. Its UK trading company, Flawless Holdings Limited, filed for administration earlier this month; administrator BTG sold the intellectual property after being appointed by lender Sprk Capital. Flawless co-founders Scott Mann and Nick Lynes retain control of the US business and are reportedly exploring a new venture.
In short
- TBellScout bought Flawless’ TrueSync and DeepEditor technology.
- Flawless’ UK trading company entered administration.
- Its US co-founders reportedly plan to explore a new venture.
Explained simply
AI dubbing uses software to alter actors’ speech and lip movements so performances can appear in another language. Flawless developed TrueSync for this work and DeepEditor for post-production, with its tools used on hundreds of productions.
The company was founded by Scott Mann and Nick Lynes and took an approach that sought actors’ consent for changes to their performances. Its technology attracted attention in Hollywood, while developing the tools reportedly cost about $100 million.
Flawless Holdings Limited is the UK trading company; its administration puts that part of the business under an administrator, who can sell company assets. Flawless also has a US business, which the founders continue to control, so the UK company’s difficulties do not by themselves settle the technology’s longer-term future.
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