Manex Entertainment LLC, a visual effects and production complex in the Northern California town of Alameda, has bought feature effects facility Computer Film Company-LA, Culver City, Calif., from FrameStore Group, the London digital effects subsidiary of U.K. firm Megalomedia plc. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Manex Entertainment-with 2-D and 3-D effects talent and resources-gains a foothold in the Los Angeles market via CFC-LA, known primarily for its 2D effects capabilities. The L.A. operation will initially be known as CFC/MVFX for about six months. After this transition period, plans call for CFC/ MVFX to switch over to the Manex moniker. Don Fly of CFC-LA continues as general manager of CFC/MVFX.
While Manex expands into Southern California, Framestore Group-by selling CFC-LA-is now free to focus on its U.K. holdings: FrameStore, London, which provides digital visual effects for spots and TV programs; CFC-London, a shop specializing in effects for theatrical features; and CFCs Computer Film Tools, a software venture. FrameStore Group originally acquired CFC-LA in June 1997 in order to expand into the stateside effects biz. While earning a measure of success in that regard, effects/post group Megalomedia and FrameStore have since decided to concentrate instead on European operations encompassing commercials, TV and feature film effects.
This is a sound strategic move for both parties, said FrameStore Group joint chief exec. William Sargent. Importantly, we leave CFC-LA and its employees in good shape. At the time of the sale, CFC-LA is working on film projects for several major studios. Those assignments include effects shots for Bachelor from New Line Cinema, American Beauty via DreamWorks SKG and For Love of the Game from Universal.
Robert Bobo, managing director of Manex Entertainment, said the acquisition of CFC-LA was a key component of our long-range strategy. He cited the importance of an L.A. presence and the coterie of talent, including visual effects supervisors, who now become part of the Manex family. Bobo contended that CFC-LA complements what Manex has put in place in Northern California. The Alameda shop is currently producing effects for a pair of Warner Bros. theatrical releases, The Matrix and Deep Blue Sea.
Back in Oct. 1997, Manex, then primarily known as a Manchester, England-headquartered corporate finance firm, made its first entertainment acquisition, Mass. Illusion, a full-service visual effects house in Lenox, Mass. (SHOOT, 10/10/97, p. 7). The Mass. Illusion shop, now defunct, was the predecessor to what eventually became Manexs Alameda complex. That facility also includes soundstages which have played host to long-form and spots, the latter out of such companies as Industrial Light+Magic Commercial Productions, San Rafael and Los Angeles, (Colossal) Pictures, San Francisco, and Complete Pandemonium, San Francisco.
