Former Mill staff launch VFX firm

Fitzrovia-based Milk will specialise in 3D effects and character animation for TV and feature films.

One of the firm’s first projects will be the 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who for the BBC.

It will also work on the third series of Sherlock and an adaptation of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, also for the BBC.

The six founders of Milk previously made up the senior management and creative team of the Mill’s film and TV division.

The Mill closed down its TV department in March, citing a “volatile” and “challenging” market.

Will Cohen has taken on the role of chief executive and executive producer while Nick Drew is managing director and executive producer.

Cohen said: “The talented team that makes up Milk has a wealth of award-winning experience in creating film quality visual effects for TV and highly complex stand-alone sequences for feature films.

“Nine years of working together prior to Milk has allowed us to build an effective working methodology with the ability to achieve creative excellence. And the work all comes together with incredible team spirit and passion.

“Milk aims to be the most sought after visual effects team in what we believe is blossoming into a thriving industry for high-end TV visual effects.

“Our new venture is timed to enable us to capitalise on the new tax breaks in the UK as we expect to see an influx of TV work, as well as continued feature film work, coming to London over the next few months and beyond.”

Jean-Claude Deguara is VFX supervisor and joint head of 3D while Nico Hernandez is VFX supervisor and joint head of 3D. Sarah Bennett has taken on the role of VFX supervisor and head of 2D and Murray Barber is VFX supervisor.