Troubadour Studios has acquired the trademark and branding rights for a new VFX house from Jellyfish

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Studios and theatre company Troubadour has launched JFX (Jellyfish FX), a boutique visual effects studio formed by the former leadership team behind Jellyfish Pictures’ VFX division.

Troubadour Studios has acquired the trademark and branding rights from Jellyfish. The company insignia incorporates the recognised Jellyfish name, with full support from Phil Dobree, original Jellyfish Pictures founder.

In March, VFX and animation house Jellyfish Pictures appointed administrators, and the company was wound down, with the majority of its 69 employees being made redundant

JFX reunites Phil Greenlow (managing director), Luke Dodd (creative director), Amber Ducker (head of production), Paul Baaske (head of technology), Jamie Wood (head of 2D) and Pete Seager (head of CG) as its founders and leadership team.

The company operates from production offices on Shaftesbury Avenue, where it focuses on film and episodic VFX.

Greenlow said: “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to join forces with Troubadour Studios to launch JFX. There’s a great sense of legacy having come from Jellyfish Pictures, coupled with a getting-the-band-back-together excitement, so we’re highly motivated at the opportunity to build upon the values and working relationships we all enjoyed before. After a tough period for the industry, it’s a tonic to be collaborating again with our community of artists, as well as welcoming new faces, and working with some amazing clients to sculpt a VFX company designed for our fast-evolving industry.”

Vince Woods, head of studios at Troubadour, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome JFX into the Troubadour family. The incredible legacy and talent behind Jellyfish is well storied, and we’re excited to support this outstanding team as they chart a bold, innovative path in visual effects. Their energy, creativity, and commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering creativity and excellence across all areas of storytelling”.

Neil Hatton MBE, CEO of UK Screen Alliance, said: “It’s great to see the Jellyfish name back again with a new company backed with investment from Troubadour. This will generate new jobs after a difficult time for the sector. I look forward to seeing the talented and experienced team continuing to produce excellent and exciting work”.

Adrian Wootton OBE, chief executive of the British Film Commission, added: “It’s fantastic to see the launch of Jellyfish FX (JFX). Following a challenging period for the industry globally, the UK has made changes to ensure we’re in a stronger position than ever to accommodate VFX work on projects of all scales and sizes. Complementing our world-class VFX infrastructure and talent pool, our tax credit has been increased for VFX spend in the UK on features and HETV, and a nearly 40% credit for lower budget features introduced.”

JFX is currently working on feature films for Netflix, with work on three series on order. Prior to the launch, the team delivered VFX for BAFTA-nominated Lee, Black Mirror Season 7, Gangs of London Season 3, The Rig Season 2, and upcoming series for Apple TV and Amazon MGM.