As Technicolor Creative Studios shutters The Mill’s U.S. operations, a new chapter is unfolding for its former artists. Over 100 former Mill employees, including key creative leadership, have joined forces with Dream Machine FX to launch a new venture: Arc Creative.
The new leadership team of Arc Creative consists of The Mill U.S.’s former executive creative directors Robert Sethi and Gavin Wellsman, along with managing directors Angela Lupo and Anastasia von Rahl. Additional key team members include creative directors Ilya Abulkhavov, James Allen, Jimmy Bullard, David Lawson, John Leonti, Tom McCullough, and Thiago Porto.
In a joint statement, the artists shared their reflections on the abrupt closure of The Mill, acknowledging the emotions of “shock, anger, sorrow, concern, and ultimately, resolve.” Despite The Mill’s shutdown, they emphasized that its “spirit, passion, and legacy live on” through the talented individuals who helped define it. Below is the statement in full:
“This past Friday, we were collectively informed that after 35 years of groundbreaking artistry, The Mill would be closing its doors this Monday — a casualty of the many years of Technicolor’s well-publicized financial struggles. It was a moment that stopped us in our tracks. It goes without saying, the past few days have been filled with emotions: shock, anger, sorrow, concern, and ultimately, resolve. While The Mill as we know it has shut its doors, its spirit, its passion, and its legacy live on through its amazing and talented people. After all, it was always the people that made The Mill truly special.
Today, we are proud to introduce Arc Creative, a new creative venture born from the very heart of what made The Mill extraordinary.
We, the undersigned creative leadership team formerly of The Mill US, have joined forces under the Dream Machine FX umbrella to build something new — something worthy of the trust our clients have placed in us and worthy of being the kind of creative home that The Mill has long provided for the most talented artists in the industry. The Mill’s DNA was built on two core values: delivering creative excellence time and time again, and fostering an environment where creatives could thrive. We believe Dream Machine is the perfect partner for us to carry that forward, led by industry friends and collaborators we’ve known for decades.
The Mill US was an undeniable creative force, setting the gold standard in shortform VFX. That legacy will continue with Arc Creative, led by both of The Mill US’s Executive Creative Directors, both of its Managing Directors and guided by 7 of its Creative Directors, 9 of its Executive Producers, 10 of its Heads of Departments, and 6 of its VFX supervisors, and practically the entirety of its creative staff. While we say goodbye to one era, we are stepping boldly into the next—one where innovation, artistry, and excellence remain uncompromised.
With locations in New York and Los Angeles, we are working tirelessly to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for both our clients and our people. The complexities of Technicolor’s Chapter 7 proceedings may pose challenges, but alongside our partners at Dream Machine, we will do everything in our power to protect the talent and trust that have defined us for decades.
The Mill is gone, but the people who made it great are here and ready. The next chapter starts now.”
The new venture will primarily focus on high-end advertising, game cinematics, and trailers. The venture will be supported by Dream Machine FX, a collective of VFX companies that include Important Looking Pirates (Shōgun), Fin (The Creator), Zero VFX (Challengers), and Mavericks VFX (The Handmaid’s Tale).
The transition has not been without its challenges. Technicolor’s ongoing Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings pose hurdles, but the Arc Creative leadership team remains committed to ensuring stability for its artists and clients. “The complexities of Technicolor’s legal situation may create obstacles,” they stated, “but we are determined to protect the talent and trust that have defined us for decades.”
Dream Machine FX Chairman David Li expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, “We have always held The Mill in the highest regard and the shutting of its doors is a sad day for the entire industry. The Mill US has always stood as both a force of creativity and a bastion for some of the most creative minds in our industry. We are humbled that Robert, Gavin, Anastasia and Angela came to us to start this next chapter and we are excited to support all of the talented individuals who are working together to continue The Mill’s legacy and build Arc Creative. We enthusiastically welcome them to the Dream Machine family.”
Arc Creative will initially operate out of Los Angeles and New York, with efforts underway to secure permanent studio spaces in both cities. Chicago, where The Mill had a physical office until 2021, has not been mentioned.
The closure of The Mill U.S. marks the end of an era, but with Arc Creative stepping into the space, the talent and innovation that defined it are set to continue.
Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on Twitter at @colinthewriter1
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