First published on LinkedIn on February 12, 2025
Reprinted/reposted/reblogged here with the permission of the Author!
One of the most disheartening announcements in recent weeks: Netflix, the owner of Scanline VFX, is shutting down its German operations.
For many, just like for me, Scanline VFX Munich was more than just a workplace – it was a home. A space where visionary projects took shape, where artists pushed the boundaries of digital storytelling, and where deep, long-lasting friendships were formed. Now, a significant chapter of German VFX history is coming to an end – a company that has shaped the industry through the pioneering work of founder Thomas Zauner and VFX Supervisor Stephan Trojansky and set new standards in Germany and beyond.
The Bigger Picture: A Troubling Trend
Netflix’s decision to shut down Scanline Germany has sparked widespread discussion, particularly on Reddit, where many industry professionals have expressed frustration and concern. The news has resonated deeply with VFX artists, as it highlights the ongoing trend of major studios prioritizing cost-cutting over artistry, shifting production to cheaper markets while disregarding the long-term consequences.
Germany has consistently cultivated and nurtured some of the most skilled artists in film production. Yet, these talents are increasingly being reduced to mere numbers in a system that prioritizes efficiency over creativity and craftsmanship.
The Decline of Creative Collaboration
The shift to remote work and globally distributed teams has significantly altered the creative process. Meaningful in-person exchanges – spontaneous brainstorming sessions, shared artistic breakthroughs, and the organic evolution of ideas – have been replaced by rigid, digital communication. What truly fuels an artist is not just the craft itself but also the human connection, the shared enthusiasm, and the validation that comes from working closely with a team.
VFX artists pour endless hours, passion, and creativity into every detail – from shots and sequences to assets, animations, characters, textures, lighting, cinematography, layout, and conceptual design. Yet, their dedication is becoming increasingly invisible. Major studios continue to cut costs, often at the expense of the very people who bring these breathtaking visual narratives to life. The closure of Scanline Germany is a glaring reflection of this alarming trend.
Content Overload vs. Emotional Depth
This shift is already evident in the nature of the content being produced. Films and series are churned out at an ever-accelerating pace: One show ends, another begins – the previous one is quickly forgotten. The emotional depth that once defined cinematic storytelling is fading. Filmmaking was once an art, a craft that inspired generations to embark on a journey of storytelling and world-building. Today, it often feels like an efficiency-driven content factory, outwardly maintaining the illusion of quality while prioritizing relentless cost-cutting behind the scenes.
The Future of Film: A Call for Change
Oliver Koch
But this trajectory is unsustainable. Productions must return to their roots – to the artists who give them life. This is about more than just financial optimization. It is about respect, fairness, and the acknowledgment of the individuals who dedicate themselves to creating compelling visual experiences. The film industry continues to generate record-breaking revenues, whether in theaters or on streaming platforms. Yet, if artists are not valued and compensated fairly, there will come a time when no one is left to tell these stories. When that happens, automation will take over, and the VFX craft will fade into the abyss of technology-driven efficiency.
A Paradigm Shift Is Needed
Now is the time for a fundamental rethinking of industry priorities. We must refocus on the artists, the creatives who, through their talent, dedication, and vision, craft images that captivate, inspire, and endure. Without them, cinema loses its essence, its emotional depth and its soul – We should not let that happen!