Heckler expands into Europe with new Amsterdam studio led by Charu Menon
As reported in June, Heckler has expanded into Europe with the opening of a new studio in Amsterdam. The move marks the boutique VFX and post-production company’s third international base, joining Sydney and Singapore.
Heading the new office is former Singapore managing director Charu Menon, who relocated to the Netherlands earlier this year. The Amsterdam team will handle production, animation, design and VFX projects locally, while larger-scale work will continue to be supported by Heckler’s network across Asia-Pacific.
The launch comes as Europe’s post-production landscape undergoes major shifts, with the closure of long-running outfits such as Glassworks and the collapse of The Mill creating fresh opportunities for independents.
Says Menon: “Heckler has always been about people and artistry. Our studios in different markets have always operated with a healthy degree of autonomy, which makes each studio uniquely local and authentic. We are a challenger brand – an underdog consistently punching above our weight. Hardworking, grounded and Aussie in spirit. Amsterdam feels right as our next home.”
Heckler Amsterdam has already begun projects with London-based animation director Claire Pinegar and is also pitching for work in the UK. The studio builds on Heckler’s track record in Europe, which includes collaborations with Partizan Paris, P&G, Unilever and German directors Simon & Paul on a Fanta campaign. More recently, Heckler Singapore delivered Philips Rush Hour for MullenLowe, directed by Paul Middleditch.
The company has also strengthened its Asian operations, with Lily Li, formerly CEO of The Mill in Shanghai, stepping in as managing director of Heckler Singapore. At the time Li said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Heckler Singapore team. Charu and our team in Singapore have done such an amazing job of setting up Heckler Singapore as one of the best creative studios in the region.”
With Sydney servicing AUNZ, Singapore handling Asia and Amsterdam now dedicated to Europe, Menon believes Heckler is well positioned to compete in a market increasingly defined by independents: “We’ll be a different outfit.”