The Vitec Group has acquired SmallHD, the North Carolina company known for its high-definition, on-camera field monitors used by videographers, cinematographers, camera assistants and other creative professionals. SmallHD will be incorporated into the Vitec Group’s Videocom division, complementing its existing brands.
SmallHD designs and manufactures field monitors based on the company’s experience in production, collaborations with other filmmakers and from extensive customer feedback. SmallHD’s association with the Vitec Group will enable it to bring a new range of innovative monitors to customers.
“There is definite synergy between SmallHD and Vitec Videocom, especially given that their pioneering drive matches our own,” said Matt Danilowicz, Vitec Videocom CEO. “The acquisition enables us to offer another set of professional and innovative solutions for the production workflow, and takes us a step closer to fully addressing the needs of this expanding and exciting market.”
SmallHD was founded in 2009 by Wes Phillips and Dale Backus. The pair, along with a group of friends, had been creating spots for local businesses and entered the Doritos-sponsored Crash The Super Bowl contest with a spot entitled “Live the Flavor.” The resulting notoriety from winning brought national work in for the team. The demand to complete higher-calibre work made the SmallHD creatives and production crew aware of a need for better tools. When SmallHD won its second Doritos Crash The Super Bowl challenge in 2010, the company used the winnings to develop its product line and expand manufacturing operations.
“We are looking forward to joining the Vitec Group of companies,” said Phillips. “It’s exciting for SmallHD to be included among the great brands that they represent. We have aspirations to continue to build outstanding monitors, and Vitec not only encourages that entrepreneurial spirit but offers the support and expertise we need to move forward.”
