Founded in 2007 by CEO and Senior Colourist Thomas Urbye, The Look has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading post-production houses, delivering work on household favourites for both UK and global streamers such as Rivals, Gangs of London, Man Vs Baby, Hijack 2, Day of the Jackal, Top Boy, Sex Education and The Gold. The expansion, which adds an extra floor to its Margaret Street studio, is being driven by a surge in high-profile film projects and long-term TV drama contracts, creating the need for more space and cutting-edge facilities.
Allica Bank’s investment is funding new grading suites for the team, alongside screening rooms and a high-spec cinema space for clients to preview and sign off finished projects.
The UK’s post-production sector has seen strong long-term demand driven by the continued growth of streaming platforms and international investment in film and television. Despite recent industry disruption, including the impact of US production strikes, the outlook remains positive, with increasing volumes of content being produced and post-produced in the UK.
Thomas Urbye, CEO of The Look, said: “Over the years, we’ve worked hard to build a reputation for delivering exceptional creative and technical work on some of the industry’s most exciting projects - from dynamic TV series to successful films such as We Live in Time and Ballad of a Small Player. As demand - both at home and internationally - shows no sign of slowing down, it’s vital that we continue to invest in our facilities and high spec environment. After all, with the global situation as it is, staying in to watch TV is an affordable evening's entertainment!”
“This expansion ultimately allows us to take on more ambitious projects while maintaining the high standards and collaborative bespoke experience our clients - and everyone watching at home - expects. It’s an exciting step forward for the business as we continue to grow and evolve.”
Duncan Payne, director of finance broker firm, Adamantean, introduced The Look to Allica Bank, which provided asset finance to support the company’s investment in new specialist equipment and fit-out.
Duncan commented: “The Look is a standout business with a clear vision for growth and a strong position within the UK’s post-production sector. As the company continues to take on larger and more complex projects, having the right funding in place is crucial. Allica understood both the business and the opportunity from the outset, making them a natural fit to support this next phase of expansion.”
Tracy Millsom, Business Development Manager at Allica Bank, said: “The Look is a fantastic example of a highly specialised UK business operating at the very top of its field. With a strong reputation, impressive client base and clear growth trajectory, the team is well positioned to take advantage of increasing demand across the film and television industry. It’s exactly the kind of business Allica is here to support.”
