The rough economic times are being felt everywhere.  Even in an industry that has been said to be recession proof.  Layoffs, studios closing, and projects losing their funding, have all been recent indicators that we are just as vulnerable as anyone else.

The Orphanage, a studio up here in San Francisco has closed its doors.  These guys have been creating effects for both films and commercials for years.  I’m not privy to the exact reasoning for the shuttering, however, I have a feeling it is related to the same woes that has hit practically every industry in this country and beyond.

Face it, times are tough.  Freelancing and subcontract work has slowed down too.  Even for people that have been in the industry for a long time are feeling it.  The old supply and demand principle says that there is too much supply for the demand.  Hopefully things will turn around soon.  However, I wouldn’t  count on it.

Imagi, the studio that produced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and has been working on Astro Boy both in LA and in China has been hit as well.  While they haven’t closed their doors, they have basically run out of money.  Financing has fallen through and the LA office is pretty much shut down, while the Chinese studio is supposedly working for free (another topic in itself).

Tough times all around.  There is work available, you just have to look a little harder and be prepared to make less money or simply move to a new location.  Those that have jobs, don’t take it for granted!  If The Orphanage and Imagi are any indicators, we may see even more studios close shop and more artists and techs put to the streets.