The Mill's US leadership relaunch as Arc Creative

Following the recent news of Technicolor shuttering its iconic vfx houses, The Mill, MPC and Mikros, the US leadership of The Mill has announced a new venture, Arc Creative.

In an announcement on Linkedin, The Mill’s US leadership announced the birth of Arc Creative, “a new creative venture born from the very heart of what made The Mill extraordinary.”

The new venture has been set up under the Dream Machine FX umbrella

The post said: “This past Friday, we were collectively informed that after 35 years of groundbreaking artistry, The Mill would be closing its doors this Monday — a casualty of the many years of Technicolor’s well-publicized financial struggles. It was a moment that stopped us in our tracks. It goes without saying, the past few days have been filled with emotions: shock, anger, sorrow, concern, and ultimately, resolve. While The Mill as we know it has shut its doors, its spirit, its passion, and its legacy live on through its amazing and talented people. After all, it was always the people that made The Mill truly special.

“We, the undersigned creative leadership team formerly of The Mill US, have joined forces under the Dream Machine FX umbrella to build something new — something worthy of the trust our clients have placed in us and worthy of being the kind of creative home that The Mill has long provided for the most talented artists in the industry. The Mill’s DNA was built on two core values: delivering creative excellence time and time again, and fostering an environment where creatives could thrive. We believe Dream Machine is the perfect partner for us to carry that forward, led by industry friends and collaborators we’ve known for decades.

“The Mill US was an undeniable creative force, setting the gold standard in shortform VFX. That legacy will continue with Arc Creative, led by both of The Mill US’s Executive Creative Directors, both of its Managing Directors and guided by 7 of its Creative Directors, 8 of its Executive Producers, 10 of its Heads of Departments, and 6 of its VFX supervisors, and practically the entirety of its creative staff. While we say goodbye to one era, we are stepping boldly into the next—one where innovation, artistry, and excellence remain uncompromised.

“With locations in New York and Los Angeles, we are working tirelessly to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for both our clients and our people. The complexities of Technicolor’s Chapter 7 proceedings may pose challenges, but alongside our partners at Dream Machine, we will do everything in our power to protect the talent and trust that have defined us for decades.

“The Mill is gone, but the people who made it great are here and ready. The next chapter starts now.”

David Li, Chairman of Dream Machine, commented, “We have always held The Mill in the highest regard and the shutting of its doors is a sad day for the entire industry. The Mill US has always stood as both a force of creativity and a bastion for some of the most creative minds in our industry. We are humbled that Robert, Gavin, Anastasia and Angela came to us to start this next chapter and we are excited to support all of the talented individuals who are working together to continue The Mill’s legacy and build Arc Creative. We enthusiastically welcome them to the Dream Machine family.”

The creative leaders joining the new venture are

Robert Sethi, Executive Creative Director 2009-2025

Gavin Wellsman, Executive Creative Director 1999-2025

Angela Lupo, Managing Director, 2019-2025

Anastasia von Rahl, Managing Director, 2013-2025

Becky Porter, Creative Director 2007-2025

ilya v. abulkhanov, Creative Director 2014-2025

James Allen, Creative Director 2013-2025

Jimmy Bullard, Creative Director 2015-2025

David Lawson, Creative Director 2009-2025

John Leonti, Creative Director 2007-2025

Thomas McCullough, Creative Director 2019-2025