The epic software group is a multimedia production
company located in The Woodlands, (Houston) Texas. Founded in 1990, the company
operates from a state-of-the-art production facility filled with an incredible
team of Artists, Animators and Programmers. Epic has the experience,
knowledge and creativity to tell your story or showcase your products and services
using all of the latest interactive technologies.
Vic Cherubini, the president of epic says: "Our mission is straightforward:
epic creates awesome web sites, 3D animations, multimedia presentations, video
productions and commercial photography all at affordable prices. We get
the job done on time, on budget and try our best to delight every one of our
clients with work we can all be proud of."
Our specialty is developing multimedia presentations,
3D animations, and dynamic Web sites. Before we can create anything of value
for you, we must first understand your company, your products and services
as well as your market. We will take the time to learn, and in the process
we will help you understand the new media options that are available to best
tell your story. By adding 2D and 3D animation, video clips, sound, custom
photography and music, our multimedia presentations will help your company
stand out from the competition.
We work with a wide variety of production tools. We have a video editing suite
so we can add special effects, animation, music, sound effects and titles to
your presentation. We can deliver the finished presentation online, on CD/DVD,
or on a kiosk for use in a lobby or at a trade show.
The epic software group helps its clients communicate
by creating stunning 3D graphics, broadcast quality animations, dynamic multimedia
presentations, commercial photography and captivating Web Sites. Our goal is
to consistently deliver superior value to our customers, while not compromising
our creative standards. We have a team of very talented artists, animators
and programmers and a proven production process. We work in a very unique state-of-the-art
studio service. We have seen a dramatic growth in our Internet business, and
have invested in a fiber optic cable network and offsite servers we own and
manage.
Our goals are simple: Create awesome work, and strive to make you happy before,
during, and after the sale while having fun doing it. Our projects are delivered
on time and in budget, and we guarantee your satisfaction. These core principals
have served us well and allowed us to grow and prosper.
The epic software group was founded in 1990 by
Vic Cherubini. It came as a result of a business plan he submitted while completing
his MBA at the University of Houston in 1987. His Professor, Dr. Jon Goodman
(who was also the Director of the Houston Small Business Development Council)
challenged him to turn the plan into a business which he did. The Small Business
Development Council played an instrumental role in taking the company from
a concept to a real entity.
Trying to convince companies to invest in multimedia applications was difficult
in the early years. As computers increased in both power and graphics capability,
more companies began to see the possibilities of using the computer to boost
sales. With the advent of the internet in the mid-1990's, epic saw a huge surge
in business, and used these revenues to buy property and build its dream studio
in 1999. On January 1, 2000, epic moved into the their new home at 701 Sawdust
Road where they reside today.
In early 2000, the Internet bubble burst, followed by a downturn in the energy
industry and a recession brought on by the attacks of 9/11. Epic used these
years to write a number of books on computer graphics, programming, and software
applications. Those books include:
Flash
5 Design - From Concept to Creation - published by Prima
Publishing in 2001, this was one of the first Flash 5 books on the market. This
guide offers an introductory section to provide a foundation for
understanding Flash. The rest of the book demonstrates the creation
of more than 20 sample Web sites that use Flash to solve specific
graphics challenges, such as designing a multimedia game. The CD-ROM
contains the source code and numerous interactive multimedia sample
applications.
Director
8.5 Interface Design - Published in 2003 by the New Riders
division of Pearson Press, the book was written for programmers
and designers to get the most out of using Macromedia's Shockwave
Studio and Lingo. Over 15 interface samples are included
along with step-by-step instructions on how to create them for
yourself. The CD-ROM at the back of the book contains the
source code along with digital versions of each interface.
Microsoft
Excel 2002 Plain and Simple - Microsoft Press contracted
with the epic software group, inc. to both write and package this
book for distribution around the world. Written by Curtis Frye and edited by Rod Afshar, this no-nonsense
guide uses numbered steps and concise, straightforward language
to show the most expedient ways to learn a new skill or solve a
problem. Over 80,000 copies of the book have been sold to date.
The
Best of 3D Graphics - Published in 2004 by Rockport Press,
this book contains over 250 cutting-edge images designed by 3D
masters from around the world. This book celebrates the revolutionary
achievements in 3D computer art and continues to inspire both artists
and fans of this genre. Over 2000 entries were submitted
for consideration. There were far more high quality entries than
the printed book would allow, so a companion CD is included with
the book that contains all of the entries sent to epic for review.
Lightwave
Applied 6/5 - 7.0 - This book was written for users of
all skill levels and was designed to teach animators how to master
LightWave 6.5 through the development of actual projects. With
more than 600 images, users will be treated to in-depth tutorials
on using the software's features to build detailed and realistic
objects like buildings, cars, and mountains. epic software group
authored several chapters in the book along with developing the
interactive CD-ROM which include objects, figures, and bonus material.
Advergaming
Developers Guide - In 2004, Charles River Media, publisher
of many of the world's best game development books, had epic write
the first book on Advergaming, also known as "in-game advertising".
Advergames immerse the user into a game environment for long periods
of time and one that they may return to again and again. Companies
such as Chrysler, Miller Brewing Company, Sony Pictures, and Mattel
are using Advergames to reinforce their brand image and build a
database of information about their customers.
In November 2002, AV Video & Multimedia Producer Magazine named Vic Cherubini
as one of the top 100 Producers in the United States. Although the award went
to Cherubini, he was quick to share the spotlight with his team. "When
I launched the epic software group in 1990, the selection of the word "group" was
most important. The large multimedia projects we worked on over the years required
a variety of skills, and teamwork has always been a critical component of everything
we have done."
In 2003, epic software group was named as an Honoree for the 7th Annual Pulmonary
Hypertension Association Dinner. Jack Stibbs, Chairman for the event said, "Vic
and his team at the epic software group have helped the parents, families,
doctors, sponsors, caregivers, and the PH Association by creating a series
of interactive CD-ROMs that are truly the Encarta of information about this
disease. For their efforts we are truly grateful."
In 2004, epic software group partnered with Human Kinetics (North America's
largest sports book publisher) to create a series of interactive training lessons
for High School officials. At the same time, epic created similar training
materials for the NCAA and other regional sports organizations.
In October of 2006, Vic Cherubini received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from
the Houston Chapter of the Business Marketing Association; their highest achievement
yet. Vic has worked on the BMA Houston Board of Directors and served as a volunteer
for the organization for over 14 years. He started the BMA Houston Student
Assistance Program which has awarded out over $80,000 in scholarships since
1993, and was recognized by BMA National as the most innovative program among
the organizations 26 regional chapters.
In 2006, epic was named as a finalist for the Small Business of the Year Award
by The Small Business Development Council - the organization that helped him
launch the company. Although epic did not win the award, it was selected as
one of the top three among 147 peer companies.
From the start, the epic software group worked with student interns to help
create the software and graphics needed for the work at hand. Many of these
interns have become business owners, and highly valued employees. At epic,
we take internships seriously, and are proud of our students and of the program
which has grown stronger over the years.
As epic approaches its 20th anniversary in 2010, it would like to thank all
of the employees, customers, interns, and friends who have helped us grow and
prosper. Our goal is to do business with our friends, or those who will soon
be friends. We think our best days are ahead of us.