In a concerning development for the visual effects industry, Technicolor-owned Moving Picture Company (MPC) may shut down operations as early as Monday, February 24, 2025. The company, which owns The Mill, Mikros Animation, and Technicolor Games, faces uncertainty. Stay tuned for updates on the MPC shutdown.

Financial Crisis and WARN Notices

On Friday, Technicolor issued WARN notices to U.S. employees, signaling potential mass layoffs. The notice stated:

“Technicolor has been facing severe financial challenges. Despite exhaustive efforts — including restructuring initiatives, discussions with potential investors, and exploring acquisition opportunities — we have been unable to secure a viable path forward. Unfortunately, this leaves us with no alternative but to acknowledge that the Company may be forced to foreclose.”

If no resolution is found, U.S. operations could cease as early as Monday.

Acquisition Talks to Save MPC

Paris-based Technicolor is actively engaging with potential investors and buyers in an attempt to secure deals for the full company or its individual brands. A source revealed, “People are rushing to see if they can do a deal.”

MPC Shutdown: Impact on Major VFX Projects

MPC is currently working on high-profile projects, including:

  • Disney’s “Snow White” and “Lilo & Stitch”
  • Paramount’s “Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning”
  • Mikros Animation’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2”

If MPC shuts down, it’s unclear whether these projects will be completed in-house or reassigned to other VFX vendors.

MPC’s Legacy in the VFX Industry

Founded in 1970 in London, MPC became a dominant force in the VFX industry, delivering groundbreaking work on films like The Jungle Book, The Lion King, and Mufasa: The Lion King. Their recent projects include Kraven the Hunter, Young Woman and the Sea, and Emilia Perez.

Technicolor’s Troubled History

Technicolor has undergone multiple restructurings, including a Chapter 15 bankruptcy filing in 2020. In 2021, Technicolor Post was sold to Streamland Media for $36.5 million. By 2022, the company rebranded its creative divisions under Technicolor Creative Services, while its connected home and supply chain businesses became Vantiva.

Industry Reactions and Employee Concerns

Employees across MPC’s global offices are grappling with uncertainty on MPC Shutdown news. Many artists have taken to social media to express their concerns, with some already seeking new job opportunities. Industry professionals fear that the loss of a major VFX house like MPC could further consolidate work among fewer vendors, reducing competition and job availability.

Uncertain Future for MPC and Technicolor

With thousands of artists employed across the U.S., UK, Canada, and India, the potential MPC shutdown would significantly impact the global VFX industry. The coming days will determine whether Technicolor can secure a financial lifeline or face imminent closure.