Reliance MediaWorks is gearing up for “aggressive” UK expansion following its deal with Digital Domain, including building a new VFX studio.

Earlier this month, Reliance announced a partnership with the US-based VFX giant to co-locate a VFX team at Poland Street, where it will expand its premises.

The London facility will be connected to Reliance’s India base and Digital Domain in Los Angeles via a fibre-optic network.

Reliance executive producer Tom Horton said it would make a “significant investment” in London in the shape of the VFX studio and new hires, with plans to recruit senior artists across a range of disciplines, including CG animation and ‘look development’.

At present, India-headquartered Reliance and its film-processing firm iLab have a combined head-count of 28 in London, with 13 involved in VFX work, but under the Digital Domain deal, it will make 400 VFX and 250 3D conversion artists available for film, TV and commercial projects across both Mumbai and London.

“The partnership gives Digital Domain a more global offering and allows it to work 24 hours a day and seven days a week in London, LA and Mumbai” said Horton.

“It will bring work to the UK that would not otherwise have come here.”

Reliance recently completed 156 VFX shots and 300 3D conversion shots for the new Conan The Barbarian film, as well as VFX work for Secret Diary Of A Call Girl.

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