Mill Film To Hire 500 VFX Crew At New Australia Studio

Technicolor announced this week that it will launch Mill Film, a new vfx studio located in Adelaide, Australia. The company has promised the local South Australia government that it will staff up to 500 employees at the facility within five years.

Technicolor has no shortage of vfx houses. They also own MPC, The Mill, Mikros, and Mr. X. The new facility will work with clients not currently serviced by those other studios, with a focus on creating film visual effects for major studios and streaming services. The studio also intends to work on immersive media projects such as virtual and augmented reality.

“The move will allow Technicolor to access vfx talent that is already in Australia and provides another hub from which to service our global clients,” said Frederic Rose, CEO of Technicolor. “The Technicolor facility in Adelaide expands our footprint in the region, while enhancing the support we can provide clients who require world-class talent to work on productions around the globe – and around the clock.”

The 32,000-square-foot facility is estimated to cost around $20 million (A$26 million), and will open before the end of 2018. Government officials project that it will generate an overall economic benefit of $197 million (A$253 million) over 10 years. The initial production hub could grow into other locations as well, Technicolor says, as the company continues its expansion into the Asia Pacific region.

The financial support of Australia’s government played a big role in Technicolor’s decision to set up shop there. Technicolor was awarded a $4.7 million (A$6 million) grant from Australia’s Economic Investment Fund.

The regional South Australia government also recently unveiled a newly expanded Post Production, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) rebate. Between Australia’s state and federal incentives, Technicolor will recoup up to 40% of its operational costs.

“The Australian tax credits are quite attractive,” Rose told Australian broadcaster ABC. “We believe that… you’re at the point where South Australia is going to be very attractive to our clients.”