Phantom Digital Effects is to acquire leading European VFX studios Milk Visual Effects and Lola Post.
Phantom Digital Effects, the parent company of VFX studios Phantom FX, Spectre Post and Tippett Studio, has bases in India, the UK, China, Canada and the US.
Milk, founded in 2013 by VFX Supervisors Sara Bennett, Neil Roche and Jean-Claude Deguara, specialises in visual effects for high-end episodic television and feature films. It has offices in London, Barcelona, Bordeaux and Dublin.
Lola Post, founded in 2000 by VFX Supervisor Rob Harvey, focuses on documentary, specialist factual, and original drama.
Both studios have received multiple accolades for their work, including an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for Ex Machina, four BAFTA TV Craft Awards for Troy: Fall of a City and the BBC dramas Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and Doctor Who, and a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Sherlock.
Following the acquisition, the studios will continue to operate under the Milk and Lola Post names.
Chris Burn will remain Group Managing Director, Sara Bennett, Neil Roche and Jean-Claude Deguara will maintain their positions as Chief Creative Officer, Deputy Chief Creative Officer and Production VFX Supervisor respectively at Milk, and Rob Harvey as Creative Director of Lola.
Current and upcoming projects across the Phantom group include The Mandalorian and Grogu (Tippett Studio – Disney), The Toxic Avenger (Tippett Studio – Legendary, Cineverse), The Revolutionaries (PhantomFX – Prime), The Witcher Season 4 (Milk – Netflix), Surviving Earth (Milk – NBC) and Good Omens Season 3 (Milk – Prime).
Chris Burn, Group Managing Director of Milk and Lola Post, said: “We are excited to join forces with the talented teams at Phantom group... This next chapter will allow us to scale our creative ambition, extend our global reach, and continue delivering outstanding VFX to our clients.”
“Milk and Lola Post’s strong pedigree of award-winning work, strategic locations across Europe and innovative spirit, further ensures Phantom’s global reach in producing the very best work and excellence in customer experience,” said Ian Unterreiner, Executive Vice President of Phantom Digital Effects.
Bejoy Arputharaj, CEO and Founder of Phantom Digital Effects, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Milk and Lola into the Phantom group. Their proven creative excellence and distinctive storytelling further strengthen our position as a leading force in the industry. This strategic move deepens the integration of our studio ecosystem and reinforces our commitment to supporting filmmakers, content creators and production companies around the world as a trusted partner in delivering high-quality visual storytelling.”
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