Lucasfilm Is Shutting Down its ILM Singapore Studio
Lucasfilm is winding down its operations in Singapore and closing its Industrial Light & Magic Singapore studio.
After almost two decades of doing business in the country, the Disney-owned studio is leaving due to economic factors, and changes in the industry.
Photo: Lucasfilm
“Over the next several months, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) will be consolidating its global footprint and winding down its Singapore studio due to economic factors affecting the industry,” said Disney, in response to media queries.
Disney Continues To Cut Jobs
Last February, Disney announced that it would be cutting 7,000 jobs across its global workforce in an effort to save $5.5 billion.
In response to the news, the Economic Development Board (EDB) and InfoComm Media Development Authority (IMDA) released a joint statement.
“Lucasfilm’s decision to wind down its Singapore operations is in response to changes in the industry and business conditions,” they began.
The organizations then went on to note that the global media industry is “facing disruption from rapid technological advancements, while studios are coping with challenges relating to talent and profitability”.
What Happens Next
The joint statement also added that Lucasfilm and government agencies have agreed to help affected employees to find roles in other companies. Additionally, the employees will be given retraining and upskilling opportunities. These skills will help them take on roles in other media industries.
“The technical and creative skill sets of these employees – who are trained across roles such as designers, tech engineers and tech support staff – continue to be in high demand, both within the broader media industry and also in other industries that are going digital,” it said.
Photo: Lucasfilm
In 2006, ILM expanded its operations into Singapore, when it opened its first international studio there.
“We would like to thank the Singapore Government, industry, and community for their partnership over the past 17 years. And we have been able to train and employ a generation of production talent, visual effects artists, and animators. We are very proud of the incredible work the team in Singapore has accomplished and look forward to providing new opportunities for Singapore talent to continue the innovative work they are doing,” said Luke Hetherington, executive in charge of ILM’s Singapore and Sydney studios.
Source: Lucasfilm
A Long Legacy
A visual effects and animation arm of Lucasfilm, ILM Singapore has contributed to Marvel, Star Wars, and Jurassic Park franchises.
“Our Singaporean talent have worked alongside and learnt from experienced producers, enabling them to develop their skills and play on the world stage,” said IMDA and EDB.
“We are proud that Singaporeans have worked on Hollywood blockbusters such as Jurassic World: Dominion and Marvel’s The Eternals.”
Image: Star Wars
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