Lipsync Saved: Playhouse Studios Rescues Iconic UK Post House From Collapse

Ireland’s Playhouse Studios steps in to revive legendary Soho post-production house Lipsync, saving jobs and industry legacy amid a tough year for film finishing.

Saumya S. June 19, 2025Last Updated: June 19, 2025

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Reviewed & Published by HH Entertaintment Desk

London, June 19: In a plot twist worthy of one of its own Oscar-contending films, Lipsync, the iconic Soho-based post-production house behind The Father and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, has been pulled back from the brink—thanks to a last-minute rescue by Ireland’s rising media player, Playhouse Studios.

And yes, it’s the kind of story that feels straight out of the industry’s own behind-the-scenes docu-series: legacy studio hits hard times, creditors circle, layoffs loom—and then, boom—an unexpected hero steps in to save the day. Cue the dramatic music.

The Great Soho Save

Just a few weeks ago, things looked dire for Lipsync. The studio—founded way back in 1986, when post was still all reels and razors—had quietly entered the UK’s version of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A brutal mix of COVID hangover, delayed productions, and the double whammy of Hollywood strikes had frozen the kind of prestige projects Lipsync thrives on. And unlike the streamers, they couldn’t just jack up subscription prices to ride it out.

With its future hanging by a thread, enter stage left: Playhouse Studios, a Dublin outfit that’s been quietly scaling up across Europe with a mission to build “the most agile and advanced production, post and content financing group” on the continent. (Translation: they’re playing long ball—and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty doing it.)

Playhouse swooped in, sealed a deal for an undisclosed sum with administrators Oury Clark, and just like that, Lipsync dodged the same fate as Technicolor, which spectacularly imploded earlier this year. So no, we won’t be pouring one out for Lipsync just yet.

Most Jobs Saved, But Some Cuts

According to Deadline, Playhouse has managed to keep most of Lipsync’s roughly 70 staff in place. That’s a major win in a year where post-production layoffs have been sweeping the UK faster than a Marvel VFX timeline.

“In an industry where jobs are disappearing every week, we are glad that we were able to keep the majority of people in jobs at Lipsync,” said Peggy Cafferty, Playhouse’s COO. But she didn’t sugarcoat it—some roles were still cut. It’s the kind of necessary triage even the most heartfelt save can’t fully avoid.

From The Queen To The Brutalist

For those just tuning in: Lipsync isn’t just another edit suite in Soho. This studio’s fingerprints are all over some of modern cinema’s most emotionally resonant work. They handled post for The Father, The Queen, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and even the 2025 Oscar-nominated The Brutalist. They’ve also backed several films as financiers, putting skin in the game beyond the cutting room.

It was run for years by Peter Hampden and Norman Merry, the latter of whom tragically passed away earlier this month after a battle with cancer. Merry was a beloved figure in the UK film finance world, and his passing adds an undeniably emotional layer to this whole saga.

The New Crew Steering The Ship

So what happens now? Playhouse is bringing in a new leadership trio: Mark Foligno, the former Molinare Managing Director, is stepping up as CEO. He knows this world inside out. Alongside him, Lorcan Kavanagh and Cafferty take up the Revenue and Operating Officer gigs, respectively. In short: the new regime has street cred.

Behind the scenes, Focus Capital Partners handled the corporate finance wizardry, even raising new capital to help bankroll Playhouse’s bigger European play. Legal eagles Wallace Corporate Counsel kept the deal tight.

And Playhouse? They’re thinking bigger than just Soho. They’ve got eyes on a cross-Europe empire of production, post, and content financing muscle. Lipsync, they say, is their new “cornerstone.”

Post-Production’s Wild Year

Let’s be real—2024-25 has been hell for post houses. Technicolor collapsed in dramatic fashion, DNEG laid off hundreds, and everyone’s waiting for the streamers to start spending like it’s 2019 again. Amid that chaos, Playhouse’s move stands out not just as a rescue, but as a flex.

Interestingly, there’s a bit of a post house phoenix trend happening. Some of the team from Technicolor’s The Mill teamed up with Dream Machine FX to launch ARC Creative. Over in Dublin, the closure of Windmill Lane Pictures sparked the creation of Elephant Goldfish, a new shop launched by ex-Windmill and Molinare execs.

There’s a message in the madness: while the old studio model may be wobbling, the talent and tech aren’t going anywhere. It’s all about how you pivot—and who’s willing to bankroll the vision.

A New Chapter For A Classic Brand

The Lipsync name will stay. The Dolby Atmos rooms will still hum. The Soho footprint remains intact. What’s changing is the strategy—less survival mode, more innovation lab.

That’s good news for filmmakers who value the mix of old-school craft and cutting-edge delivery. Because let’s face it, in a world of AI-generated temp dubs and overseas budget mixdowns, there’s still nothing like a seasoned British sound editor finessing that final reel of a tearjerking awards contender.

For now, the story ends on a hopeful note: the lights stay on at Lipsync, the jobs are mostly saved, and Playhouse gets the foothold it wanted in London. As for what comes next—well, the reel is still rolling.

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Author Profile

Saumya S.

Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald

Saumya Srivastava is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, focusing daily on captivating stories from the entertainment industry and evolving lifestyle segments. Currently pursuing her studies at BHU, Varanasi, Saumya combines her academic background with a passion for understanding and showcasing the diverse facets of modern living. Her daily articles aim to inform and inspire readers on everything from popular culture to personal well-being.