Colour and Finishing Studio CHEAT Acquired by Harbor

Premium colour and finishing studio CHEAT today announces it has been acquired by US-based production and post production outfit Harbor.

Clients will benefit from having access to the artist rosters of both Cheat and Harbor for their post-production projects across entertainment and advertising. Dan Bennett has been appointed as managing director, advertising, UK, to oversee the division. With over 15 years of experience in the VFX industry - including high profile projects including Prometheus (2012), Maniac (2018), and American Animals (2018) - His exceptional work and dedication earned him a promotion to managing director of leading VFX and animation studio Absolute Post in 2015. Dan brings a wealth of strategic thinking, entrepreneurial leadership, and a proven track record of success to his new role.

Already settled in the purpose-built Turnmills studio in Farringdon, together they offer scaled solutions for premium content while maintaining a boutique feel, servicing UK-based global studios and agency clients across advertising and entertainment.

Zak Tucker stated: “Bringing Cheat and its team into the fold extends our ability to locally serve our global Entertainment and Advertising clients from Los Angeles to Chicago and Atlanta, to New York, and now the United Kingdom. Moreover, it adds very special, sought-after artists and producers to our crew, affording multi-geographical opportunities and creative collaborations, both centrepieces of Harbor’s promise to clients and ourselves.”

CHEAT founder and senior colourist Toby Tomkins stated, “I'm delighted to join the Harbor team and be part of such a creative and forward-thinking company. The combined strength of our artistry will continue to propel our teams and creativity forward. I can't wait to see what we will achieve together.”

James Corless, Harbor’s UK commercial director stated, “I’ve long admired CHEAT and what Toby has built with the team there. It’s an artist-led facility that has been at the forefront of identifying and supporting new talent both on the client side and in-house with its colourist roster. I look forward to working with the team there as both Harbor and CHEAT continue to expand in the UK.”

As managing director, advertising, United Kingdom, Dan Bennett will oversee creative operations of Harbor’s advertising business in the UK and EMEA region whilst working in tandem with Tony Robins, Managing Director, Advertising, North America, to continue bolstering the artistry offering for Harbor’s clients globally.