Basilic Fly Studios takes stake in VFX house One of Us

Both companies deliver VFX for film, streaming and TV, and the deal gives them a combined capacity of over 900 artists.

BFS started with a small team of artists in Chennai over a decade ago and has grown into a more than 500-strong workforce with studios in Chennai, Pune, Vancouver, and London. BFS, which is listed on the India Stock Exchange, has credits including Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, and The Last of Us.

One of Us (OOU)’s studios in London and Paris have a capacity for more than 450 artists. Founded in 2004 by Rachael Penfold, Dominic Parker and Tom Debenham, One of Us has won two BAFTA TV awards for its work on both The Crown and The Witcher, and an Emmy for The Alienist.

Over the last five years, BFS has worked with OOU on projects including Bridgerton (Season 1 and 2); Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore; Napoleon; The Zone of Interest; and Luther: The Fallen Sun.

The companies said the deal will allow them to pool talent, creativity, and resources to enhance their client service offerings.

One of Us’s existing leadership will continue to lead the company on a day-to-day basis.

Balakrishnan, CEO and Co-Founder of Basilic Fly Studios, said: “Since founding Basilic Fly Studios with my colleagues back in 2013, we have always wanted to create an international partner for film, TV and streaming industry and today’s deal with One of Us is an important milestone in this vision.”

Rachael Penfold, CEO and Co-Founder of One of Us, said: “The film industry is full of challenges, and VFX is often front line – inventing new ways to realise the creative appetites and imaginations of filmmakers and creators alike. The opportunity to combine with a fast-growing studio like BFS – working closely with Bala, Yoga and their fantastic leadership is very exciting for us. It allows us to expand in ways we would not easily achieve on our own.”