The entertainment giant closes its Singapore studio as part of a global consolidation.
Lucasfilm, the American entertainment company known for its production of iconic films, is winding down its operations in Singapore, ending nearly 20 years of presence in the country. This move is attributed to challenges within the global media industry, including disruptions caused by technological advancements and issues surrounding profitability and talent management.
The company’s visual effects and animation division, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), has been operating in Singapore since 2005, employing more than 300 people. ILM has played a significant role in shaping the country’s digital animation talent, with Singaporean employees contributing to major Hollywood projects like Jurassic World Dominion and Marvel’s The Eternals.
In 2021, Lucasfilm sold its iconic Sandcrawler building in Buona Vista to Blackstone Group for US$132 million, signaling the start of its exit from Singapore. The company had previously used the building as its Southeast Asia headquarters, and it housed state-of-the-art production facilities for ILM.
Disney, which owns Lucasfilm, confirmed the move as part of a global consolidation of ILM’s studios, citing economic factors affecting the industry. Employees are being given the option to relocate to other ILM studios in Vancouver, London, Sydney, and Mumbai.
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) expressed that while the closure marks the end of a significant chapter, Singapore remains an attractive hub for global media companies. The affected employees are receiving assistance from both Lucasfilm and the relevant agencies in finding new roles, with their technical and creative skill sets in high demand across various industries.
