This month, we take a deep dive into our members based in Bristol and its visual effects and post-production sector. Learn more about these studios and take a look at some of their recent projects.
Films at 59
The Americas
Founded in 1990 by joint MDs Gina Fucci and Jeanne Thompson, Films at 59 has grown steadily in size with sites in both Bristol and Cardiff and collaborative working relationships worldwide. They offer kit rental and post-production facilities, with rolling new talent initiatives. In 2021, the company was transferred to an Employee Benefit Trust, transforming their team of expert collaborators were to shareholders.
They have delivered thousands of hours of content since launch and are approved suppliers for the major streaming platforms and channels worldwide, contributing to award-winning content filmed and broadcast across genres, at every scale, all over the world. On the post side, they have delivered across drama, entertainment, daytime, documentary and HETV, working on projects such as The Americas, Planet Earth III and The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer.
See more about Films at 59 on their website here.
Lux Aeterna
Solar System. Photo by Lux Aeterna and BBC Studios Science Unit.
Lux Aeterna is an award-winning studio that creates high-end VFX, specialising in simulation, environment, natural phenomena, crowds, and creative abstract FX. They offer services from pre to post-production, and a world-class pipeline and flexible shot management platform, with a dedicated R&D department. The studio is independently owned after more than 25 years in business, working across multiple territories, with an expansive and ever-growing foundation.
The team of artists produces content across television, film, brands, commercials, live events and digital media. They have worked on projects such as BAFTA and Emmy-winning The Surgeon’s Cut; Our Universe, which was nominated in the visual effects category at the 2023 Televisual Bulldog Awards; and Solar System, which won the RTS West of England award in the VFX & Digital Creativity category.
See more about Lux Aeterna on their website here.
Moonraker VFX
Established in 2013, Moonraker VFX is a studio set up and run by an experienced team of passionate and creative VFX specialists, led by Creative Director Simon Clarke and Managing Director Jon Grafton. It has built a strong local and international reputation with producers and broadcasters, creating award-winning visual effects content for television, film, commercials, museum and visitor attractions.
They have worked on projects such as Ancient Earth, Planet Earth III and Moonbase: The Next Step. In 2023, they were chosen as one of the Broadcast Best Places to Work in Television.
See more about Moonraker VFX on their website here.
Primary VFX
The Rig 2. Courtesy of Amazon Studios.
Founded in 2019 by four seasoned VFX supervisors, Joe Thornley-Heard, Jem Grimshaw, Steve Hawken and Mark Gregory, Primary VFX is an independent and creative-led visual effects studio, with extensive experience in film, television and commercials.
The purpose-built studio, now TPN Gold Shield certified, is designed for up to thirty in-house artists, with additional capacity for remote collaboration. The boutique setup fosters a vibrant and supportive environment where artists thrive, enabling close collaboration with clients to ensure every project receives top-quality service. They have worked on projects such as Damsel, Bodies and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.
See more about Primary VFX on their website here.
