Longstanding UK VFX house Glassworks shuts down

Longstanding VFX house Glassworks is closing down.

Glassworks was founded in 1995 in London, and also had studios in Amsterdam and Barcelona.

The company, which primarily focused on commercials but also had a film and TV division, has struggled in challenging market conditions.

Its film and TV division’s credits include series Kaos (Netflix) and The Rig (Amazon Prime), plus JA Bayona features Society Of The Snow (Netflix) and A Monster Calls (Focus Features).

The business recently closed its Amsterdam office, citing “the exceptionally challenging market conditions that have affected so many in our industry.” At that point, it said “our London office remains fully operational. The team continues to deliver world-class VFX across commercials, feature films, and HETV, with several major projects currently in production.”

However, Glassworks has now closed its London office, and shut down the business.

In a statement issued by the company, it said: “The past 15 months have been a turbulent period in both the commercial and narrative spheres, with decreased opportunities exacerbated by the increased pressure of global competition. For a studio that has given so much to the world of visual artistry, to be forced to close its doors under such circumstances is truly heartbreaking.

“Glassworks wasn’t just a company; it was a vanguard of creativity. It fostered an environment where artistic boundaries were constantly pushed, and where the most complex visions were brought to breathtaking life. The name became synonymous with uncompromising quality, audacious innovation, and a deeply personalized service.”

“Our thoughts are with every single individual who was part of the Glassworks family. Their talent and craft have enriched our screens and imaginations, etched into the history of visual effects and continuing to inspire generations of artists to come.”

Castle Hill Insolvency is to manage the process of Glassworks entering liquidation.

Glassworks is the latest casualty in a run of VFX companies that have faced immense difficulties in recent years. MPC and its parent company Technicolor wound down earlier this year, as did Dublin-based post house Windmill Lane Pictures. London-based animation and VFX specialist Jellyfish Pictures halted operations in March, only to be revived with backing from Troubadour Studios in June. 

A version of this story first appeared on SGP's sister site, Broadcast Tech