sand crawler
February 03, 2024

the Silver Lining

For decades, ILM Singapore has remained one of the most stable oasis of the global VFX industry. While other studios fluctuated, this branch remained largely untouched by the industry's upheavals. Rumors of upocoming closure had circulated for years, dismissed as mere speculation. This year, however, the reaper reached here too: the announcement of our shutdown. Reactions varied—some cried, some panicked, others despaired. Yet amidst the gloom, a few perceived an opportunity where others saw only a bleak future.

When Lucasfilm decided to close its Singapore operations, it felt like the end of an era. But for a group of former ILM employees, it was the dawn of a new beginning. They saw a golden opportunity in the newly opened void and decided to create a new, small but nimble company specializing in asset development, called Studio Ulu.

The name "Ulu" is a tongue-in-cheek play on the Malay word for "remote" and reflects our base in the tropical paradise. It also signifies our commitment to being a remote work-from-home friendly studio, embracing the flexibility and innovation that the modern digital landscape offers.

Studio Ulu is built on the immense talent and experience of its founders, who have worked on some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge in digital animation and VFX, honed by years of working alongside global top talent on films like Jurassic World, Indiana Jones, Lord of The Rings, Transformers.

Our mission is simple: to provide top-shelf 3D asset development. We harness the core expertise and values cultivated at Lucasfilm, utilizing the finest creative and technical talent from its former team to provide exceptional quality, all while maintaining the agility and personalized approach of a smaller studio.

The closure of ILM Singapore left a significant void, but it also paved the way for fresh ideas and new ventures. Studio Ulu is ready to fill that gap, offering innovative solutions and fostering a creative environment where exceptional work can flourish.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we extend our gratitude to all who have supported us and believed in our vision. Here’s to creating, delivering, and protecting amazing content and assets in the global marketplace, all from our little corner of paradise.

For more information about Studio Ulu and our services, please visit our website. Join us as we turn challenges into opportunities and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in asset development.