BANQUET: Scaling a new post-production studio with CETA Software
In March 2025, BANQUET launched: “a stubbornly small visual effects studio founded by a trio of serious yet sociable VFX professionals dedicated to reviving the vanishing art of truly excellent creative service.” Within months, it was already delivering commercial projects for Microsoft, Mike’s Amazing, DraftKings, and other leading brands – proof that its founders’ reputation carried immediate weight in a competitive industry.
But starting a new post-production studio involves more than creative delivery. From attracting clients to managing budgets and resources, success depends on building operational credibility from day one. That’s why BANQUET turned to CETA Software.
Operational oversight from day one
Taking on high-profile work straight out of the gate meant the BANQUET team had no margin for error. Quotes had to be accurate, schedules realistic, and financial tracking watertight.
“Starting any new studio comes with a thousand moving parts, especially when getting started on major projects,” says Justin Brukman, Managing Director and Co-Founder of BANQUET. “Margins for error are slim, deadlines are tight, and expectations are high. Having a reliable system in place enabled us to establish credibility with clients right away.”
With CETA, every stage – from bidding to billing – could be managed in one place. A tailored onboarding process and intuitive interface meant the team could get up and running immediately, creating a transparent workflow that reassured both staff and clients.
“Having CETA has freed us to focus on what matters most: serving our clients and pushing the bar higher.”
Justin Brukman, Managing Director and Co-Founder, BANQUET
Framework built for growth
For new studios, workload fluctuations are inevitable due to smaller team headcounts and varying amounts of client demands. And as BANQUET grows, the team is preparing to take on more – and fast.
“CETA offered a proven framework for quoting, scheduling, finance, and project management,” continues Justin. “That’s why we chose it. As a growing studio, operational aspects should be the last thing we need to be worrying about. With CETA, we can focus on the work, knowing the platform scales with us.”
By standardising processes and providing real-time financial visibility, CETA allowed BANQUET to build stability early on while preparing for rapid expansion.
BANQUET VFX’s work for Little Caesars.
Freeing time for creativity
For BANQUET, the ultimate goal was never just efficiency – it was freeing up time and headspace for the creative process. With project progress and financials captured in one place, the founders could concentrate on ideation, client relationships, and pushing creative boundaries.
“Having CETA has freed us to focus on what matters most: serving our clients and pushing the bar higher,” Justin says. “For any studio serious about delivering top-tier work, it offers the kind of structure that enables creativity to flourish.”
A trusted long-term partner
CETA isn’t new to BANQUET’s leadership.
“I worked with CETA when I first started in the industry 20 years ago,” adds Justin. “It’s long been part of the visual effects ecosystem. Many of us have used the platform across different studios over the years, so when it came time to launch Banquet, it was a natural choice.”
As BANQUET continues to grow its footprint in the VFX industry, CETA remains a partner in the background, evolving alongside the studio, releasing new features, and refining workflows to match changing client demands.
See how CETA can support your post-production studio.