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Netflix continues its run of acquisitions with a plan to buy Scanline VFX, the global effects house behind several of its shows.

Here are the details:

  • Scanline has worked on Netflix shows like Blood Red Sky, the live-action version of Cowboy Bebop, and Stranger Things 3 and the upcoming fourth season.
  • Its non-Netflix credits include Game of Thrones, Godzilla vs Kong, Eternals, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Joker, and the upcoming The Batman.
  • The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in Q1 2022. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
  • “Scanline is known for its complex, photorealistic effects and expertise in virtual production,” wrote Amy Reinhard, Netflix’s vp of studio operations, in a blog post announcing the deal.
  • Scanline is led by president Stephan Trojansky, who will remain with the company. Its proprietary fluid rendering system Flowline won a technical Academy Award in 2008. Netflix says it will invest in its pipeline, infrastructure, and workforce.
  • More than 1,000 employees work for Scanline across its Vancouver headquarters and other branches in Montreal, Los Angeles, London, Munich, Stuttgart, and Seoul.
  • Scanline will continue to operate as a standalone business and work with a range of clients. Netflix will still partner with other vfx vendors too.
  • Previously averse to splashy acquisitions, Netflix has recently gone on a shopping spree, snapping up the Roald Dahl catalogue and video game developer Night School Studio.

 

Read about the other major vfx acquisition of the month

Alex Dudok de Wit

Alex Dudok de Wit is Deputy Editor of Cartoon Brew.

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