Celtx

Celtx offers a cloud-based software suite designed to manage the pre-production and production phases of media creation, targeting a market that spans from individual creators and film schools to large production studios. The company was founded in 2000 in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, by Mark Kennedy and Chad House. Kennedy, who serves as CEO, has a diverse background that includes co-founding a law practice and working as a high school chemistry teacher before venturing into the internet technology space. He and House, a software developer, initially took on various coding projects before identifying a need for streamlined workflow tools in the early stages of media production, which Kennedy described as being in the "horse-and-buggy era".

The business operates on a subscription-based model, offering tiered plans with varying levels of functionality. Celtx provides an all-in-one platform that integrates tools for scriptwriting, storyboarding, shot planning, scheduling, and budgeting. This consolidation of features addresses the inefficiencies of using multiple disparate applications, enabling users to manage projects from concept through to production within a single environment. The platform supports a variety of formats, including screenplays, stage plays, video games, and commercials. For collaborative work, the software includes features such as real-time co-editing, script-anchored comments, and permission-based sharing. Key product components include industry-standard script editors with auto-formatting, story development tools like beat sheets, and production planning modules for script breakdowns, cataloging assets, and creating call sheets. The company has also developed specific tools for the gaming and virtual reality markets, such as an interactive story map and narrative design tools.

Initially launched as a desktop service, Celtx transitioned to a predominantly cloud-based SaaS model around 2012, which led to significant growth. A major milestone in the company's history was its acquisition in 2021 by Backlight, a global media technology holding company backed by the growth equity firm PSG. The acquisition was part of Backlight's strategy to build a portfolio of companies that improve the media content lifecycle, and it provided Celtx with resources to further scale its operations. Following the acquisition, Celtx continues to operate as a distinct business unit, with Mark Kennedy remaining as CEO.

Keywords: media production software, pre-production tools, scriptwriting software, screenwriting, storyboarding, film production, video production, game development, production management, collaborative writing, shot list, call sheet, film budgeting, production scheduling, narrative design, virtual reality production, Backlight, Mark Kennedy, Chad House, SaaS