Trouble up at’ The Mill: Visual effects studio closes doors

A significant player in the world of visual effects, The Mill, is facing closure, a development that leaves a void in the industry.

For those who recall the 2005 revival of Doctor Who, you’ll remember the groundbreaking visual effects that brought the show into the modern era. While practical effects and models played their part, much of the show’s visual magic was crafted by The Mill.

This company, with its impressive history, has now gone into administration. The Mill’s credits span a vast range of productions, both before and after Doctor Who, showcasing their immense talent.

It’s difficult not to speculate whether the rise of generative AI in special effects has played a role in the company’s fortunes. The timing of these developments does raise questions.

Where you might have seen The Mill’s work

The Mill has been a creative force behind numerous iconic projects, including:

• Various Harry Potter films
• Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
• Black Hawk Down
• Bumblebee
• Detective Pikachu
• Television series like Merlin, Band of Brothers, and Severance
• Music videos for artists such as The Chemical Brothers, Dua Lipa, and Megan Thee Stallion
• Advertisements for major brands like PlayStation, John Lewis, Verizon, and Paramount+
• The Judge Dredd movie with Karl UrbanMill’s demise
• Doctor Who episodes such as The Fires of Pompeii, The Next Doctor, and A Christmas Carol.

Their work has garnered countless awards and nominations, and they will likely be most remembered for their contributions to Doctor Who.

Sadly, The Mill has been facing bankruptcy proceedings for some time. More recently, it has become apparent that the parent company, Technicolor Creative Studios, is also on the verge of closure, suggesting that the issues affecting the company are more widespread.

This would be a significant loss for the world of visual effects. However, there is a chance that The Mill may survive.