Basilic Fly Studio Acquires Award-Winning VFX Company One of Us

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*Chennai, July 29, 2024 — A Game-Changing VFX Partnership!*

Exciting news from the VFX world: Chennai-based visual effects company Basilic Fly Studio (BFS) has taken a bold step forward by acquiring a 70% stake in the renowned London and Paris-based VFX house, One of Us (OOU). This merger marks the coming together of two industry heavyweights, combining their creative talents and technological expertise to form a cutting-edge VFX powerhouse ready to tackle the evolving demands of the film, streaming, and TV industries.

Both BFS and OOU are celebrated for their high-quality work and innovative approaches, and this partnership promises to push their offerings to the next level. The merged entity will now boast over 900 skilled artists spread across global locations, establishing an impressive creative hub.

*Basilic Fly Studio: From Local Startup to Global Player*

BFS started as a small Chennai team more than a decade ago, and today they’ve expanded into a global force with over 500 employees across Chennai, Pune, Vancouver, and London. They’ve worked on blockbuster projects like *Avatar*, *Avengers: Endgame*, and *The Last of Us*. This strategic investment in OOU follows their recent listing on the India Stock Exchange, a clear indicator of their rapid growth and ambitious future plans.

*One of Us: A Legacy of Excellence*

Founded in 2004 by Rachael Penfold, Dominic Parker, and Tom Debenham, One of Us operates from studios in London and Paris, with a team of 450+ artists. Their award-winning portfolio includes acclaimed projects like *The Crown*, *The Witcher*, and *The Alienist*. The two companies have already collaborated on high-profile projects such as *Bridgerton*, *Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore*, *Napoleon*, *The Zone of Interest*, and *Luther: The Fallen Sun*.

*What This Merger Means for the Future of VFX*

This new partnership brings a fresh injection of talent and creativity into the VFX industry. The combined teams will be able to tackle even more ambitious projects, delivering innovative visual effects for the world’s biggest films and TV shows. Despite the merger, both BFS and OOU will continue to operate independently, with their leadership teams maintaining control over their respective operations, ensuring a smooth transition.

*A Shared Vision for the Future*

Rachael Penfold, CEO and Co-Founder of One of Us, expressed her excitement about this new chapter, saying:  
“Teaming up with a fast-growing studio like BFS and working closely with Bala, Yoga, and their incredible leadership team is a huge opportunity for us. It’s going to open up doors we wouldn’t be able to on our own. Our combined teams of brilliant, talented artists will not only expand what we can offer but also bring fresh and diverse opportunities to the VFX world.”

Balakrishnan, CEO and Co-Founder of Basilic Fly Studios, echoed her enthusiasm, noting:  
“Since we founded Basilic Fly Studios back in 2013, our goal has always been to build an international VFX partner for the film, TV, and streaming industries. Today’s deal with One of Us is a huge step forward for that vision. I’ve been consistently amazed by the skill and creativity of the One of Us team, and now that we’re joining forces with the talent at BFS, I’m confident we’re going to accomplish great things together.”

*What’s Next?*

As AI and other tech advancements continue to reshape the entertainment industry, this partnership will allow BFS and OOU to stay at the cutting edge of the VFX landscape. By pooling resources and strengthening their IT infrastructure, the combined studios will not only enhance the quality of their VFX but also explore new ways to support and inspire their artists’ creativity.

With this merger, the future of VFX just got a lot more exciting. Fans can expect stunning, groundbreaking visuals in upcoming blockbusters and streaming series, as BFS and OOU continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of visual effects.

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This merger sets the stage for big things to come—stay tuned for the next wave of VFX magic!