The Company
In 2000, a team of computer scientists founded Image Metrics to create breakthrough technologies based on computer vision, facial analysis and facial recognition. Eleven patents and 60 man-years of research later, Image Metrics today delivers powerful and easy-to-use software to digital media, consumer electronics, interactive entertainment and other software companies whose goal is to give their users the most compelling interactive experiences possible.
Image Metrics proprietary algorithms make the recognition and realtime animation of nuanced expressions and emotion possible with nothing more than a camera on a laptop, tablet or smartphone. The opportunities for self-representation and personalized content control are endless. Image Metrics technology can be integrated into computers, tablets, smartphones, interactive television and other digital devices, and strategically leveraged in game or apps. The company has operational offices in El Segundo, CA and Las Vegas, NV; with continental headquarters and research centers in Puerto Rico and Manchester UK.
Management Team
Dr. Kevin Walker
Founder and Chief Technical Officer
Kevin has worked in the field of computer vision and machine learning for nearly 20 years, much of this time specializing in the application of these fields to the human face. He is the author of over 20 publications and patents.
Kevin gained his PhD from the University of Manchester, working in the field of computer vision and its application to the human face. He won a national award for the research undertaken in his PhD. Kevin founded Image Metrics 14 years ago and in that time has overseen the creation and deployment of computer vision technologies into multiple industries including the entertainment, medical and cosmetics.
In the entertainment industry, software and hardware solutions were created to produce 2D and 3D facial animation. These solutions were adopted by some of the most recognized brands in the industry such as “Grand Theft Auto“ and have won multiple industry awards. The technology was featured in the Hollywood blockbuster film “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” which won an Academy Award for visual effects based on IM technology.
More recently Kevin has overseen the transition of Image Metrics technology to consumer applications resulting in several successful mobile applications including L’Oreal’s “Makeup Genius.”
Nick Ramsay
Chief Product Officer
Nick is Chief Product Officer at Image Metrics, managing and directing product strategy and overseeing product management and design functions at Image Metrics.
Nick led the productization shift from animation production to commercialization of user-focused applications in the entertainment business. More recently he oversaw the transition from professional-focused software to mass consumer applications on mobile devices. He is instrumental to the Company’s ongoing operations and movement into new markets, managing change throughout the UK and US teams, directing daily development operations and acting as the primary external client liaison.
Nick has more than 15 years of experience in technology, animation and software industries. Prior to Image Metrics, he held product roles in software and systems at Autodesk Media & Entertainment focused on user experience, product design and pipeline integration. His past experience also includes 3D animation for video games.
Dr. Mike Rogers
Chief Research Officer
Mike is an experienced computer vision and machine-learning specialist with a decade spent in the field of high-accuracy facial analysis. He leads Image Metrics’ research team in creating industry-leading real-time facial tracking, animation and virtual try-on technology. Mike is one of the leading experts in deploying cutting-edge computer vision technology into mass-market products.
Prior to Image Metrics, Mike gained his PhD from University of Manchester, one of the UK’s premier research universities, and worked for almost a decade applying computer vision techniques in the biotechnology/medical research field. He has authored over 15 academic journals and top-level peer-reviewed conference papers. Mike manages Image Metrics’ IP strategy and patent portfolio, and presents his work at leading academic and industry conferences.
Alex Udrescu
VP of Development
Alex Udrescu is VP of Development at Image Metrics where he oversees the development and QA teams for mobile, desktop, and web applications. He is also responsible for developing our cloud strategy and architecting scalable services for high volume brands such as L’Oreal Paris and the NFL.
Prior to joining Image Metrics, Alex held senior engineering roles at a variety of organizations within the entertainment vertical. Most recently, he led the initial development operations for payment solutions and design of the billing platform for media buying pioneer, US International Media.
Anthony Severini
Chief Financial Officer
Anthony is CFO at Image Metrics with over 20 years of finance and accounting experience spanning a breadth of industries and with companies large and small.
He is an Ernst & Young alumnus and has a strong track record of leading companies in a variety of industries including, high-tech, web based, software, biotech, banking and manufacturing. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Southern California and is a CPA.
OUR HISTORY
October 9, 2019
Image Metrics Launches LUNAR
LUNAR is a scalable augmented reality (AR) platform that gives innovative companies and brands the ability to easily add jaw-dropping AR effects to their marketing initiatives, heightening engagement with their customers and reaching massive audiences.
April 7, 2019
Game of Thrones Fan Engagement
Image Metrics beta-tested LUNAR technologies in an exciting user engagement for the AT&T Fan Cam at Final Four.
February 6, 2018
Partnership with Baidu Announced
Image Metrics licenses its core technology to one of the largest AI and internet companies in the world.
September 9, 2017
Bears Launch Augmented Reality Game Face
The Chicago Bears partner with Faceware Interactive and Image Metrics to provide a virtual face-painting experience for fans in the team’s official app.
September 6, 2017
BALTIMORE RAVENS LAUNCH AUGMENTED REALITY FACE PAINT APP
The Baltimore Ravens, in partnership with Faceware Interactive and Image Metrics technology, have developed a photo real, virtual, face painting experience that seamlessly integrates into the team’s mobile app. This experience, along with other new, in-stadium, augmented reality activations for the 2017 and 2018 seasons, is aimed at increasing fan engagement and excitement.
September 1, 2017
VIRTUAL EYEWARE EXPERIENCE
Image Metrics & Speqs launch virtual try-on for eyewear into the Australian market. Available on both iOS and Android, users can try-on any pair of optical eyewear or sunglasses instantly and purchase directly within the experience.
August 4, 2017
FOIP IS A GAME CHANGER: REAL-TIME CHARACTER-TO-CHARACTER CHAT
Image Metrics, in conjunction with Faceware Technologies and Cloud Imperium, launch FOIP, a system by which your webcam captures your facial expressions and mimics them on your character in-game, in real time. Coupled with VOIP, it is intended to enhance a player’s sense of immersion in Star Citizen.
February 15, 2017
MAKEUP GENIUS RELEASES NEW DESIGN / INTERFACE, PLUS VKONTAKTE
Makeup Genius releases new design/interface, plus Vkontakte. In addition to the new interface, Makeup Genius now allows social registration with Vkontakte, the largest European online social media and social networking service.
October 28, 2016
HOOYA RELEASES INTEGRATION WITH IOS MESSAGES
Hooya now has integration with Messages! You can now send snapshots and live video selfies with special effects, all directly within the Messages app!
September 27, 2016
MAKEUP GENIUS RELEASES UI/UX REDESIGN
This redesign is an impressive upgrade with a whole new look and feel, selfie filters, before/after tools, and a moderate adjustment to makeup product intensity.
September 13, 2016
HOOYA RELEASED FOR IOS
Social Messaging Platform, Hooya, is released for iOS. Hooya gives you live video selfie special effects that move with your facial features. Record and send videos to social media.
September 1, 2016
DIEHARD FAN 2 IS RELEASED
DieHard Fan is such a success, we wanted to up our game. New features include Animated Rally Cries, a Public Gallery, and 4 Additional College Sports Teams.
July 25, 2016
CLIO SPORTS AWARD FOR NISSAN DIEHARD FAN APP
CLIO Sports awards a Silver in the Digital/Mobile category for the creation of the Nissan Diehard Fan App.
July 14, 2016
DIEHARD FAN NATIONS IS RELEASED FOR THE RIO SUMMER OLYMPICS
Scan, Paint, Share. Wear your heart on your sleeve and your national pride on your face. DieHard Fan — Nations has colors and designs for every country under the sun, so pick your favorite, paint your game face, and share it with a pic or a video.
July 10, 2016
BRONZE LION IN DIGITAL CRAFT AWARDED TO DIEHARD FAN
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity awards a Bronze Lion in Digital Craft for the Nissan DieHard Fan App.
June 1, 2016
D & AD AWARDS WOOD PENCIL TO NISSAN DIEHARD FAN APP
D&AD awards the Nissan Diehard Fan App with a Wood Pencil in the Digital Design, Apps category.
March 9, 2016
L’OREAL SIGNS NEW EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH IMAGE METRICS FOR NEW MAKEUP SERVICES
L’Oréal Paris and Image Metrics are very proud to announce they have entered into a new phase of their partnership regarding the augmented reality app Makeup Genius.
February 1, 2016
NISSAN AND IMAGE METRICS PARTNER
Nissan and Image Metrics partner for NCAA and the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics
November 2, 2015
NISSAN’S DIE HARD FAN APP UNLEASHES INNER FANATICS
Unleash your inner fanatic anywhere, anytime! Choose your college team and favorite design and instantly “paint” your game face with this augmented reality app.
September 18, 2015
BRINGING HOME THE PRESTIGIOUS GOLD CLIO AWARD
Prestigious GOLD CLIO awarded to Image Metrics CTO Kevin Walker and CEO Ron Ryder, for their vision in digital technology with L’Oreal’s Makeup Genius
August 7, 2015
TURNED ZOMBIE APP LAUNCHED
New zombie app delivers first-ever real-time zombie augmented reality experience
June 24, 2015
MAKEUP GENIUS IS HONORED WITH 8 PRESTIGIOUS CANNES LIONS AWARDS
Image Metrics’ Makeup Genius, designed for L’Oreal Paris, slayed the competition at the 2015 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity with a staggering eight Cannes Lion Awards. Receiving 4 for Mobile, 2 for Promo & Activation, and 2 for Direct.
February 19, 2015
FAST COMPANY AWARD FOR INNOVATION
In their annual World’s Most Innovative Companies published March, 2015, Fast Company applauded L’Oréal for their business acumen in “turning screens into applicator brushes.” This “inspirational” technology is reliant on the Image Metrics facial recognition sciences.
May 22, 2013
MAKEUP GENIUS APP DEBUTS
In partnership with L’Oreal, Image Metrics’ facial image mapping technology takes the cosmetic world by storm.
March 11, 2013
MOJO MASKS GO GREEN FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Wish your friends “top o’ the morning” or a little luck
January 23, 2013
MOJO MASKS RELEASES CHINESE NEW YEAR EDITION
Celebrate Year of the Snake for Chinese New Year
January 23, 2013
MOJO MASKS SPREADS THE LOVE WITH VALENTINE VIDEOGRAM
Send your sweetie a Valentines Day videogram!
October 17, 2012
MOJO MASKS DEBUTS
Mojo Masks iOS debuts
March 1, 2012
LIVE DRIVER SHOWCASED AT CES
Live Driver showcased with Intel Sandy Bridge at CES
February 8, 2012
LIVE DRIVER RELEASED
The Live Driver™ software development kit is rolled out, enabling developers to easily incorporate real-time facial animation for digital characters into games, apps and devices.
January 19, 2012
FACEWARE TECHNOLOGIES LICENSE
Image Metrics licenses technology to professional animation software business, Faceware Technologies Inc.
June 1, 2011
PORTABLEYOU LAUNCHED
Image Metrics combines their core analysis technology with the BigStage technology to release the PortableYou Avatar Creation Platform to develoopers.
April 14, 2011
GDC BEST OF SHOW AWARDS
February 24, 2011
FACEWARE 3.0 LAUNCHED
February 17, 2011
IMAGE METRICS ACQUIRES BIGSTAGE TECHNOLOGY
August 3, 2009
SIGGRAPH OFFERS DIGITAL EMILY PROJECT
World Famous SIGGRAPH Tradeshow offers a course called “The Digital Emily Project: Photoreal Facial Modeling and Animation”
March 9, 2009
DIGITAL EMILY PRESENTED AT TED X USC TALK
Digital Emily is presented in a TED x USC Talk.
January 1, 2009
CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is released, featuring Image Metrics digital animation for the reverse-aging of Brad Pitt. The film goes on to win a 2009 Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
January 1, 2009
EMILY APPEARS IN REAL-TIME
January 1, 2008
DIGITAL EMILY
Working in collaboration with the University of California’s ICT Graphics Lab, Image Metrics unveils an unprecedented photo-realistic demo at SIGGRAPH called “The Emily Project.” It is immediately hailed worldwide as the new bar in believable computer graphics and to this day is considered the gold standard of human animation.
January 1, 2006
IMAGE METRICS OPENS SANTA MONICA OFFICE
The Company moves its headquarters to Santa Monica, Calif., to better facilitate partnerships in the entertainment industry. Image Metrics continues to push the boundaries of photorealistic animation in digital characters in music videos, television and film. The company is issued its first patent in the area of computer vision.
anuary 1, 2004
OPTASIA SPUN OUT
Optasia Medical, a new medical imaging company, is spun out of Image Metrics. Using Image Metrics core computer vision technology, Optasia Medical aids physicians in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
January 1, 2002
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Sony Computer Entertainment of America is the first to use Image Metrics’ facial animation technology in the launch of its acclaimed action-adventure video game, The Getaway. The technology has since been used in more than 40 AAA gaming titles, including such titles as Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto IV (2008), Red Dead Redemption (2010) and Bungie’s Halo: Reach (2010).