Scottish animation and VFX studio Axis Studios has collapsed with more than 160 job losses.
Axis Studios created content for the BBC, Netflix and video games, including for gaming giants Blizzard and Activision, from its Glasgow HQ.
Administrators Interpath Advisory confirmed 162 members of staff have lost their jobs immediately, with four people retained to help wind up the business.
The business employed people around the world to make content for multimedia brands including Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Luther and Magic the Gathering.
It was a recipient of several awards for its work including a RTS award for its work on League of Legends and an Emmy for work on Amazon’s Lost in Oz.
Administrators said the company’s work was in high demand during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the need for animation and visual effects projects skyrocketed as live action production became increasingly challenging, but that projects have since declined.
Alistair McAlinden, the head of Interpath Advisory in Scotland and joint administrator, said: “Axis has more recently been impacted by a decline in customer projects, as well as increases in labour costs which have resulted in severe cash flow problems.
“The directors worked tirelessly to explore alternative solutions, but ultimately had to take the difficult decision to seek the appointment of administrators.” He added that it was a “great shame to see a creative business in Scotland close its doors.”
Axis was founded in 2000 by Richard Scott, in partnership with Dana Dorian, Stuart Aitken and Graham McKenna. Scott is listed at Comanies House as the sole director. By 2008 it had grown to become Scotland’s largest animation studio, with a second VFX arm in Bristol. Among its most recent projects was a high-profile campaign for the mobile game Clash of Clans, turning Manchester City footballer Erling Haaland into a character.
Production on all projects has now ceased, with the joint administrators now looking for operators to continue with work that was already live.
Geoff Jacobs, joint administrator, added: “Our priority is to give employees support in the first instance. We would encourage any party with an interest in Axis’ live projects to contact us immediately.”
(Image: League of Legends, Axis Studios/LinkedIn)
