Netflix Acquires German VFX Studio | Stranger Things Effects

Netflix Acquires Scanline VFX

Netflix has announced the acquisition of Scanline VFX, a visual effects studio based in Munich. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

The completion of this acquisition is anticipated during the first quarter of 2022, contingent upon the fulfillment of customary closing conditions and the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals.

Scanline's Extensive Project Portfolio

Scanline VFX has previously collaborated with Netflix on numerous original series and films, including popular titles such as “Stranger Things” and “Cowboy Bebop.”

Beyond its work with Netflix, the studio has also contributed significant visual effects to a wide range of prominent productions from Marvel and DC.

Global Presence and Key Locations

Established in 1989, Scanline maintains a global footprint with offices strategically located in several major cities.

These locations include Vancouver, Montreal, Los Angeles, London, Munich, Stuttgart, and Seoul, enabling the studio to serve a diverse international clientele.

Recent Collaborations with Netflix

Specifically for Netflix, Scanline has recently provided its expertise to projects like “Stranger Things 4,” “Blood Red Sky,” “Slumberland,” “The Gray Man,” “The Adam Project,” and “Don’t Look Up.”

The studio’s contributions extend to other well-known productions such as “Game of Thrones,” “Black Widow,” “Black Panther,” “Captain Marvel,” “Iron Man 3,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” and “Joker.”

Upcoming Projects and Continued Operations

Currently, Scanline is actively involved in upcoming films including “The Batman,” “The Flash,” “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” “Black Adam,” and “Moonfall.”

Netflix has affirmed that Scanline will continue to function as an independent entity, serving its existing client base.

Netflix's Investment and Future Plans

Amy Reinhard, Netflix’s Vice President of Studio Operations, highlighted Scanline’s reputation for delivering complex and photorealistic visual effects, alongside its proficiency in virtual production techniques.

Netflix intends to invest in Scanline’s technological infrastructure, pipeline, and workforce, while also supporting the advancements being made by Scanline’s Eyeline Studios in the realm of virtual production.

Netflix will continue to collaborate with a variety of other studios globally to ensure creators have access to cutting-edge technology and innovative storytelling capabilities.

Expanding In-House Production Capabilities

This acquisition aligns with Netflix’s broader strategy of expanding its in-house production capabilities.

In 2018, Netflix acquired Albuquerque Studios and announced plans to invest $1 billion in expanding the studio, adding 300 acres of land.

This expansion will include 10 new stages, post-production facilities, mills, backlots, training facilities, wardrobe suites, and a commissary.

Recent Acquisition of Night School Studio

The acquisition of Scanline VFX follows Netflix’s recent purchase of Night School Studio, a game development studio, in September for an undisclosed sum.

Night School Studio is known for its narrative-focused games, such as “Oxenfree,” and was founded in 2014 by Sean Krankel and Adam Hines.

Krankel previously held a senior game designer role at Disney Interactive, while Hines served as a lead writer at Telltale Games.