Reel FX, a Dallas-headquartered design and CG animated content producer for feature films and commercials, finalized a deal last month to acquire digital effects studio Radium, according to the latter company’s cofounder/president Jonathan Keeton. Radium maintains studios in Santa Monica and San Francisco. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
The two companies–which maintain their respective identities in the marketplace–are in the process of merging their resources and capabilities, laying the groundwork for both to diversify. For example, Reel FX has been proactive in the development of intellectual property, particularly on the animation feature film front, noted Keeton. This represents new ground for Radium, which has provided digital effects services primarily to the commercial production business. Now as the ad industry goes beyond traditional spotmaking to encompass new forms of content, the intellectual property savvy of Reel FX could come into play for Radium, helping it to extend its reach beyond conventional work-for-hire scenarios when dealing with ad community clientele on new marketing/entertainment fare.
Conversely, Reel FX gains footholds in California, enabling its artists to tap into West Coast facilities that could open up new doors in Hollywood, for example. This breaking down of geographic barriers also applies to commercials as Radium can work more directly with Texas agencies, and Reel FX’s artisans can better liaison with agency creatives who are either based or shooting in California.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us,” said Keeton, who now becomes executive creative director of the services division of the combined organization. “Reel FX is a leader in technology and the development of intellectual properties. By combining our studios, we are creating a new entity capable of greater depth in all areas–a new entity where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Dale Carman, cofounder of Reel FX, described Radium as being “one of the best creative shops in the nation. We’ve long admired its work for clients like adidas, GMC and Target. It is a fantastic opportunity to bring together two like-minded organizations to build something very unique for the industry.”
That like-minded spirit is reflected in the fact that both companies were founded by artists, including Reel FX’s Carman and Radium’s Keeton and creative director Simon Mowbray. Reel FX opened in 1993 while Radium was launched three years later.
Combined the companies have an artists pool of some 130 individuals, with the lion’s share coming from Reel FX. The CEO of the combined operations is Reel FX’s Steve O’Brien.
“Further developments will be announced as the companies complete the integration plans,” stated O’Brien, adding that “the combination of both organizations’ broad capabilities in advertising and entertainment positions us as a leading player in emerging media such as branded entertainment, online and viral campaigns and mobile platform marketing/entertainment.”
Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher To Receive Harold Lloyd Award From The Advanced Imaging Society
Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher will be presented with the 2025 Harold Lloyd Award in recognition of their producing achievement in creating Gladiator II at The Advanced Imaging Society’s (AIS) 15th annual Lumiere Awards luncheon, which takes place Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Empowering their storytelling with groundbreaking technology and skill, Wick and Fisher have thrilled audiences and driven the film industry forward for three decades. Their steadfast dedication to the highest standards of cinematic excellence have resulted in epic films, including Memoirs of a Geisha, The Great Gatsby, the Stuart Little franchise, the Divergent Series and both Gladiator films. The first Gladiator earned Wick an Academy Award® for Best Picture. In light of their consistent and distinguished contributions over the years, as exemplified by this year’s Gladiator II, the Advanced Imaging Society wished to recognize the team with this year’s esteemed Harold Lloyd Award.
“Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher of Red Wagon Entertainment have revolutionized modern filmmaking with their bold storytelling and ability to elevate large-scale productions to epic levels,” remarked Jim Chabin, AIS president. “Their work has not only captivated audiences but also redefined filmmaking standards, leaving an indelible mark on the art of cinema. At AIS. we deeply admire their visionary contributions and enduring influence on the film industry.”
Suzanne Lloyd, granddaughter of the late, great Harold Lloyd, remarked, “Doug’s artistic vision and Lucy’s dynamic leadership have brought authenticity, beauty and profound emotion to some of our favorite epic films. Together, they are a... Read More