How The Mill’s U.S. Team Launched ARC Creative
The collapse of Technicolor sent shockwaves through the industry, affecting thousands of employees and clients worldwide. The iconic century-old company, headquartered in Paris, was the parent company of VFX giant MPC, commercial VFX studio The Mill, Mikros Animation, and Technicolor Gaming. Despite not being headquartered in the U.S., all of these companies had domestic studio operations or points of contact.
The news of Technicolor’s financial troubles came suddenly on a Friday afternoon, leaving employees scrambling and uncertain about their future. Robert Sethi, executive creative director at The Mill’s Los Angeles base, described the feeling of losing their creative home in an instant. However, Sethi and other members of The Mill’s U.S. leadership team were determined not to give up on their team and their passion for creating top-notch commercial VFX.
A group of them joined forces with Dream Machine FX, a group holding company for VFX brands, to launch a new venture called ARC Creative. The decision to start anew came after a 72-hour period of chaos and emotional turmoil following Technicolor’s downfall. The team shared that they quickly reached out to David Li, chairman of Dream Machine FX, to explore a possible path forward.
The close-knit VFX community played a crucial role in facilitating the partnership between The Mill’s leadership team and Dream Machine. The shared history and connections between key individuals at both companies laid the foundation for a collaborative effort to salvage what they had built over the years.
The weekend following Technicolor’s shutdown was filled with uncertainty and challenges. The Mill’s clients learned of the company’s predicament through the press or industry colleagues, adding to the chaos. The team worked tirelessly to help clients retrieve their assets and finish ongoing projects, despite the looming uncertainty.
Gavin Wellsman, executive creative director at The Mill New York, described the shock and devastation of learning about the closure while on a family vacation. The immediate concern was for the staff and their families, as they were left without severance. The potential opportunity with Dream Machine provided a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, prompting Wellsman to return home and get to work.
By Saturday morning, Sethi and Anastasia von Rahl, managing director of The Mill L.A., were already back on the phone with Li, outlining a possible path forward. The collaboration with Dream Machine offered a lifeline for the displaced employees, giving them a chance to rebuild and continue their passion for creating exceptional visual effects.
The launch of ARC Creative was a testament to the resilience and determination of The Mill’s leadership team, who refused to let the downfall of Technicolor be the end of their creative journey. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, they embraced the opportunity to start anew and build something even greater than before. Amidst the sudden closure of Technicolor, a group of talented individuals from The Mill had to make a tough decision for the sake of their families and livelihoods. Angela Lupo, the New York managing director of The Mill, spearheaded the effort to transition the team to a new venture. With the green light from Li, the team quickly began to communicate the plan to the artists, gauging their interest and ensuring a smooth transition for those willing to join. Logistics such as securing insurance and setting up payroll were swiftly taken care of over the weekend.
The Mill had built a reputation for excellence over the years, winning prestigious awards like Cannes Lions and Clios. With the need for a new brand, the team chose ARC Creative as it symbolized a fresh start and the continued focus on creativity. The company logo was sketched by creative director Ilya Abulkhavov during the naming discussions.
The strong trust within the tight-knit team at The Mill played a crucial role in launching ARC Creative amidst the Technicolor closure. The team had seen the leadership push for change over the years, fostering a sense of unity and determination to support each other in this challenging time. Despite the sudden turn of events, the leaders felt a duty to keep the core team together and provide a new opportunity for them.
ARC Creative managed to hire around 100 full-time employees and provide freelance work to an additional 50 artists, maintaining their bicoastal operations. They are currently working in temporary spaces while searching for permanent locations in Los Angeles and New York. Thanks to existing relationships, the company already has 21 projects in progress, including collaborations with Electronic Arts and Amazon.
The closure of Technicolor was attributed to mismanagement and a challenging business model within the industry. Factors like low margins, tax credits, and recent industry disruptions have added to the difficulties faced by post-production companies. Despite the setbacks, the launch of ARC Creative brought a sense of optimism and support from the community, with offers of assistance and collaboration pouring in from various partners.
The swift response and overwhelming support from friends, clients, and colleagues following the launch of ARC Creative were a testament to the resilience and spirit of the team. While the initial shock and nerves lingered, there was also a sense of excitement and hope for the future. The journey from The Mill to ARC Creative may have been unexpected, but it showcased the power of unity, trust, and creativity in overcoming challenges and building a brighter tomorrow.
