New Expansion: FOLKS Opens London Studio with Former Technicolor CEO at the Helm
The visual effects company FOLKS has recently established a new studio in London, appointing ex-Technicolor CEO Christian Roberton as the head of its UK operations.
In his new role as Executive Vice President of Features, Roberton brings a wealth of experience from his previous work on major films such as Disney’s “The Jungle Book” and the critically acclaimed “1917”.
FOLKS announced that the London studio is fully operational. Sébastien Bergeron, CEO of FOLKS’s parent company Pitch Black, expressed his excitement about the firm’s expansion into the UK market. He noted, “I am thrilled about our new UK presence.”
Bergeron further elaborated on the strategic hire of Roberton, stating, “Bringing Christian into our creative leadership underscores our dedication to assembling a top-tier team. This move will significantly enhance our sophisticated VFX capabilities, marking a timely and deserved progression for FOLKS. It underscores the robustness of the Pitch Black platform, which we have carefully developed across our brand network by tapping into new markets and enhancing our ability to tackle the most demanding creative challenges in the industry. This expansion brings a fresh perspective to the evolving landscape of the industry.”
Amélie Poitras, President of FOLKS, also commented on the expansion: “Our move into London marks a pivotal moment for FOLKS. It bolsters our capacity to cater to the global industry. Under Christian’s leadership, we aim to provide top-notch VFX solutions, leveraging extensive VFX experience to foster a truly worldwide network. This will open up new avenues for our clients.”
Since its inception in 2012, FOLKS has developed a strong presence with offices in Montreal, Toronto, Bogota, Mumbai, Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Vancouver, and Saguenay. The launch in London comes at a challenging time for the local VFX industry. Just last month, UK-based Jellyfish Pictures halted operations to consider potential sales or significant investments and has since gone into administration. Earlier in the year, Technicolor also entered administration, with a global workforce of between 4,000 and 10,000 employees, where Roberton previously served as CEO.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
