Today, London-based nmatic.ai, one of the world’s first Hybrid AI creative production studios and technology companies, and Alibi Studios, a collective of award-winning VFX artists and creative leaders behind some of the world’s most celebrated film, advertising and immersive experiences, have launched one of the world’s first dedicated Hybrid AI VFX studios.
London remains one of the world’s leading centres for film, advertising and creative technology, with growing investment in AI-driven production tools reshaping how content is developed and delivered. From post-production houses to immersive media studios, businesses across the capital are increasingly exploring how automation and generative technologies can support traditional creative workflows.
“The Next Valley” has been established to meet the evolving demands of global brands, film studios and content creators who are turning to AI to unlock new creative workflows, enhance visual storytelling and reduce the time and cost of high-end content production.
It will provide clients with the highest levels of creative excellence, value and guarantees of delivery. The partnership harnesses nmatic.ai’s Hybrid AI capabilities – the fusion of human-led creative disciplines, including live action, CGI, photography and Generative AI – alongside Alibi Studios’ heritage in high-end VFX.
nmatic.ai’s Hybrid AI approach is grounded in enhancing human craft rather than replacing it. The company enables filmmakers and brands to produce premium content up to 30% faster and up to 30% more cost-effectively than traditional production techniques.
The partnership, led by nmatic.ai CEO Nick Price and Alibi Studios CEO Nicolas Cotta, will be run under the umbrella of a new jointly owned company – The Next Valley.
At the centre of the partnership is Mark Benson, Chair of Alibi Studios and former CEO of MPC and President of The Mill – global leaders in VFX, creative production, design and immersive experiences for the advertising and entertainment industries.
The creative vision for the partnership will be spearheaded by Nathalie Girard, Executive VFX Supervisor (Alibi Studios), Carl Lyttle, Chief Digital Officer (nmatic.ai), and Chris Catchpole, Chief Creative Officer (nmatic.ai).
Nick Price, Founder and CEO of nmatic.ai, commented:
“Hybrid AI integrated with VFX represents one of the largest shifts in content production in a generation. By building it into the workflow from the ground up, The Next Valley can deliver work of the highest visual quality, faster and more cost-effectively, at a time when budgets are squeezed and craft has felt threatened. We believe the model not only solves a real issue in the entertainment and advertising industries today, but also helps forge a new path for how AI can work as an effective part of a craft-led culture in the future.”
Nicolas Cotta, Founder and CEO of Alibi Studios, commented: “Whilst Alibi will continue to use a traditional approach to VFX, our commitment to The Next Valley will take our collaborations to another level, where we will have a dedicated team that not only uses what AI offers us today, but leverages AI alongside Unreal Engine and other tech platforms to proactively develop new workflows for our clients and partners in the future.”