Red Vision, the Manchester-based vfx company behind ITV’s Headcases, is closing its Red Vision Studios operation, a move that will result in approximately 35 people losing their jobs.

A change of business model will now see the company working like a ‘CG Indie’ by staffing up with freelancers once work has been greenlit.

Managing director and co-owner Dave Mousley told Broadcast that the erratic nature of the production cycle had become a problem.

He said: “Because of regular delays in making commissioning decisions, it was decided that we couldn’t sustain a huge number of staff anymore. There is lots of work out there but it never comes when you want it to. We are looking to the future by creating a business model that better suits us and our clients.”

Red Vision will continue to provide its core sales, IP development, facilities and software along with a team of pipeline specialists.

A statement from the company read: “The existing Red Vision Studio model is no longer viable in the new environment, and we have had to recognise this and react accordingly.

“As such, the board of Red Vision Studios, in consultation with Red Vision Vfx’s Board has decided to close down that side of the operation but plans to find ways to continue to work with the unrivalled experience and expertise of the current production team, as independents or collectively as small companies. 

“We have some very exciting projects on the go and want the very best people to be available to continue to be involved on them.”

Mousley said that his company was also pressing ahead with developments in stereo 3D, including a dedicated unit being set up at East Manchester media hub The Sharp Project.