From Jellyfish to JFX: The Rebirth of an Animation and VFX Studio with a New Identity
In the world of visual effects, sometimes more than a good render is needed to survive. The veteran British studio Jellyfish Pictures, responsible for work on Star Wars and Stranger Things, closed in March... only to rise like a phoenix (or rather, like a digital jellyfish) under the name JFX. 🐙➡️✨
"In this industry, you either adapt like an octopus or go extinct like a dinosaur" - anonymous comment from a studio artist
From Creative Crisis to Strategic Rescue
The road wasn't easy:
- 20+ years of history in animation and VFX
- Participation in top-tier global franchises
- Financial pressure from industry changes
JFX: Same Essence, New Skin
The relaunch brings:
- Hybrid workflows (remote/on-site)
- Intensive use of Maya, Houdini, and Nuke
- Integration of AI-based tools
- A more flexible and scalable model
Lessons for the VFX Ecosystem
This case demonstrates that:
- Prestige does not immunize against financial crises
- Traditional models need reinvention
- Adaptation is key to survival
So while JFX prepares its next projects, the industry celebrates that, at least in this case, it wasn't a "game over" but a "continue?" with three extra lives. And who knows, perhaps this digital jellyfish will end up being more resilient in its new form. 😉
PS: The artists confirmed that, although the name changed, the impossible deadlines remain the same... some traditions never die.