Digital effects specialist to create 50 new jobs in the North West

A digital animation and cinematics studio is to create 50 jobs after working with the BBC on its sci-fi blockbuster The War of the Worlds.

Realtime has announced is to take on the extra staff over the next two years.

Twenty-five jobs will be in Westby near Lytham in Lancashire with a further 25 new positions in Manchester.

The recruitment campaign will see the studio become one of the largest in the North West.

The firm will employ a mix of up to 100 full-time staff and freelance digital artists by the end of 2021.

The studio’s growth has coincided with its work on a major new three-part BBC adaptation of the The War of the Worlds.

Realtime was a key video effects partner for the production, creating visual effects for the adaptation.

Chief executive Tony Prosser said: “The work we created for War of the Worlds is a direct result of the Government’s recent focus on regional creative talent.

“The project represents the very best of Realtime’s technical knowledge, artistic flair and proven expertise; the on-screen results speak for themselves.

“The new roles we’re creating here at Realtime represent a significant growth phase for the studio.

“The talent recruitment will align Realtime even more closely with the specialised demands of increased TV work.

“The North West is home to some of the most skilled and imaginative digital storytellers in the world. At Realtime, we can help them share their skills with as wide an audience as possible. We craft belief. And that goes for everyone who works with us too!.”

Jane Forsyth, head of production at Realtime, added: “It was an honour to be involved in such a prestigious BBC drama adaptation.

“As well as being part of British literary history, War of the Worlds includes all the fun sci-fi elements our team of artists love to create. We produced key digital sequences in the production which completely aligned with our skillset.

“The broadcast coincides with a time of significant growth for our cinematic arm and our latest recruitment drive reflects that growth. This is an inspiring time to be part of the North West creative sector so we are looking forward to welcoming more talented and creative artists into the Realtime family in the coming months.”

Realtime was set up in 1996 and creates digital effects for online, TV and cinema.

It has recruited more than ten permanent creative and production staff over the last two months.