Factory Transmedia, a renowned animation firm based in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, recently announced its closure after 24 years of operation. The company has been responsible for producing animation for major global companies such as Disney, Milkshake, Nick Jr, CBBC, and CBeebies. Some of its notable works include a £5 million revamp of the children’s show The Clangers in 2015, with Monty Python star Michael Palin as the narrator, as well as titles like Scream Street and Strange Hill High.
According to reports, Factory Transmedia’s closure is a result of “challenging conditions” in TV commissioning, which ultimately led to the firm being put into a creditors’ voluntary arrangement. The company’s assets, including props and studio equipment, will be sold off via online auction. The decline in the number of projects being green-lit by broadcasters around the world has been attributed to changes in the global economy and shifts in audience behaviors.
The closure of Factory Transmedia has had a significant impact on its employees, with reports stating that eight staff members have already been made redundant. The company, which was incorporated in 2000, had several offices in the north of England and employed hundreds of people in the creative industry. The spokesperson for the firm expressed regret over the situation, highlighting the reputation the company had built for production and creative excellence over the years.
The downfall of Factory Transmedia serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of the creative industry and the importance of adapting to changing market conditions. As the global economy continues to evolve, businesses in the creative sector must remain agile and innovative to survive. The closure of Factory Transmedia is a testament to the challenges faced by companies in the animation industry, and serves as a cautionary tale for others in the field.
The liquidation of Factory Transmedia marks the end of an era for the UK animation firm. Despite its long history and impressive portfolio of work, the company was unable to weather the storm of shifting market dynamics. The closure serves as a wake-up call for the creative industry as a whole, highlighting the need for resilience, flexibility, and innovation in the face of uncertainty.
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