Netflix will Acquire Scanline VFX

Netflix has revealed plans to acquire Scanline VFX, whose work for the streaming service has included Cowboy Bebop and Stranger Things 3, along with the show’s upcoming fourth season. The value of the deal wasn’t disclosed. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.

Scanline is responsible (among other) for VFX of Eternals, Shang-Chi, Godzilla vs. Kong and the upcoming films The Batman and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

According to a Netflix blog post by vp studio operations Amy Reinhard announcing the deal, the streaming service intends to invest in Scanline and Eyeline Studios’ infrastructure. Scanline will continue to operate as a stand-alone VFX business to support a range of clients, and similarly, Netflix plans to work with additional VFX vendors.

 Founded in 1989 in Munich, Scanline VFX also operates locations in Los Angeles, London, Vancouver, Montreal, Stuttgart and Seoul.

It’s the second major M&A deal in the VFX space this month, after game-development software vendor Unity said it will buy Peter Jackson’s Weta Digital technology and tools business for $1.625 billion.