The leading VFX and animation studio’s deal with parent company Prime Focus Limited for India-based integrated film and TV studio assets includes PF Studios, Digital Intermediate, Equipment Rental Services (EQR), and PFL’s Advertising post-production business.
Leading VFX and animation studio DNEG has announced the acquisition of various production and post-production services assets, including a film and TV production studio complex comprising eight soundstages, from its parent company, Prime Focus Limited (PFL). The move expands the studio’s offerings as an integrated production services provider to its global client base.
The news follows the company’s recent expansion announcement of its Sydney Studio, to be helmed by award-winning Australian VFX Supervisor Andrew Jackson. The studio will lead the visual effects production on George Miller’s highly anticipated Mad Max prequel Furiosa - coming in 2024.
Following the transaction with PFL, DNEG now offers eight Hollywood-designed soundstages from a studio complex in Film City, Mumbai, as well as a full suite of film and TV production and post-production services in India, including digital intermediate, camera equipment rental, sound and picture editing, and associated support and technology services.
The acquisition added 240 staff members, pushing the company’s employee rosters to over 10,000. In addition, the deal includes PFL’s key divisions, including Prime Focus Studios (PF Studios), Digital Intermediate (DI), Equipment Rental Services (EQR), and PFL’s Advertising post-production business.
“Having achieved a distinctive leadership position across visual effects and animation, with the capabilities and scale to be a preferred partner to our clients, DNEG’s next logical step is to extend our filmmaker-focused services into the production ecosystem,” said DNEG’s Chairman and CEO Namit Malhotra. “Adding these new services to DNEG’s portfolio allows us to bring India’s proud 100-year history of film heritage and its industry talent to the global market. It also presents our clients with the benefits of an integrated solution across the entire production chain, unlocking greater efficiencies and savings, with the reassurance of working with a trusted filmmaking partner.”
DNEG’s new services now include:
Production Studios
India-based integrated film and TV studio facility PF Studios is spread across a 200,000-square-foot complex in Mumbai’s Film City with eight sync soundstages. Designed by Wylie Carter Architects in Los Angeles, the facility also features a Film Processing Lab, Film Image Enhancement facilities, production offices, makeup rooms, workshop areas, cafeteria facilities, and an extensive choice of backlot locations within a 520-acre property.
Digital Intermediate (DI)
The company’s DI division provides color grading services, accumulating over 500 feature film credits since opening in 2003. Equipped with Baselight grading systems and the latest digital projectors in an integrated network of six dedicated DI suites, the team also provides IMAX mastering services and recently delivered DI services for Bollywood blockbuster Brahmāstra.
Equipment Rental Services (EQR)
The EQR division has over 40 high-end feature film cameras and associated kits. With a full range of ARRI, Sony, and RED cameras, the division’s client base includes film and TV production houses and studios, independent filmmakers, and the advertising market, as well as sporting events such as the Abu Dhabi T10 Premier League and the Maharashtra Premier League.
Advertising Services
The Mumbai-based Advertising division operates from a 10,000-square-foot HD post facility. It boasts 12 Smoke/Flame edit suites, Baselight color grading suites, Telecine color correction, and a CGI / VFX team. The team delivers more than 1,500 commercials each year, working with directors, production houses, and advertising agencies.
Source: DNEG
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
