A fast-growing ecosystem, international opportunities, and a strong industry mindset: in a new Maddyness podcast series produced with the British Embassy in Paris, Laurens Ehrmann, founder of The Yard VFX, shares why the UK has become a strategic hub for creative industries looking to scale internationally.
As part of the podcast series “Cap sur le Royaume-Uni”, produced by Maddyness in partnership with the British Embassy in Paris, Laurens Ehrmann, founder and Creative Director of The Yard VFX, joined Charles Chorein, Head of ARTFX London, to discuss what French creative companies should know before expanding into the UK market.
Selected by the British Embassy in Paris as representatives of French creative industry players establishing themselves in London, both guests highlighted why the UK remains one of the world’s leading ecosystems for visual effects, animation, film production, and creative technologies.
You will find below key takeways from the podcast, available in French only here.
For Laurens Ehrmann, London had long been part of The Yard’s international ambitions, but recent UK tax incentives for visual effects accelerated the decision to establish locally. Combined with the country’s ability to attract major international productions, the incentives contributed to a recentralization of the VFX industry around the UK.
The UK has always been a global hub for our industry. Being able to offer both French and British tax incentives gives our clients greater flexibility in where they choose to spend their budgets.
But beyond tax advantages, both speakers emphasized the importance of the local ecosystem itself. London concentrates international studios, production companies, streaming platforms, experienced artists, schools, and decision-makers within a highly structured market. Laurens Ehrmann notably pointed to the long-term impact of the Harry Potter era, during which the British industry collectively structured itself around collaboration and large-scale productions, helping attract global talent and projects over time.
For ARTFX, opening in London also responds to concrete recruitment challenges faced by local studios after Brexit. According to Charles Chorein, companies increasingly struggled to recruit French talent in the UK and encouraged ARTFX to establish locally to help train the next generation of artists directly within the ecosystem.
The discussion also highlighted cultural differences between the French and British industries. Charles Chorein noted that the UK market places a particularly strong emphasis on teamwork and collective production culture—an essential mindset when working on large international productions.
Laurens Ehrmann also shared practical lessons from The Yard’s expansion journey. Establishing in London required anticipation, long-term commitment, and the willingness to invest ahead of securing initial contracts. For The Yard, having a real physical presence in the UK strengthened both recruitment opportunities of experienced professionals such as Kim Phelan, VFX Executive Producer and business credibility with international clients and studios.
Today, the UK creative industries generate more than £120 billion for the British economy and continue to grow faster than many other sectors. For ambitious creative companies looking to scale internationally, the UK remains a strategic gateway — provided they approach the market with preparation, resilience, and a clear long-term vision.