'Won't be able to give February salaries': Top US film production company's revelation leaves the future of India unit employees uncertain

Technicolor, a renowned visual effects (VFX) and animation company, has started winding down its operations in the US, signaling major disruptions across its global network.

The company, which owns prominent brands like MPC, The Mill, Mikros Animation, and Technicolor Games, has contributed to major films such as Mufasa: The Lion King and is involved in upcoming projects like Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action remake and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

The company’s Indian operations, which employed approximately 3,370 people as of February 2024, are now facing an uncertain future. Biren Ghosh, head of Technicolor India, addressed employees in a town hall meeting, revealing the details of a possibly uncertain future with the firm.


“Technicolor is clearly financially and operationally not moving forward, and we’ve reached a stage where unfortunately we are unable to function as an organization.” He went on to reveal that the company “does not have funds to send to Technicolor India,” which has led to the suspension of salary payments and other dues for employees for the month of February.

According to Ghosh, Technicolor India functions as a production hub for the company’s international sites, with Paris headquarters retaining control over all critical operations such as finance, HR, and technology.

He further clarified that India’s role in servicing global clients would remain integral, but without financial support from headquarters, they would not be able to meet their financial commitments, including salaries.

“Unless headquarters releases these funds, we will not be able to pay salaries or other dues,” Ghosh said, adding, “We have all been impacted by this like everyone else on this call.”

The shutdown of operations has left many workers in India without their February salaries and uncertain about their statutory benefits, including provident fund contributions.

Although Technicolor CEO Caroline Parot assured employees that the company is exploring ways to sustain operations in each country, the uncertainty remains, leaving employees in a precarious position.

(With inputs from ToI)