Netflix To Enter VFX Industry With Scanline Acquisition

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.