The Next Valley
Category: AI in Media / Gaming / Entertainment
A dedicated Hybrid AI VFX studio combining generative AI with traditional VFX for film, advertising, and broadcast content. The Next Valley was founded in 2026. The company is led by Nick Price (CEO of nmatic.ai) and Nicolas Cotta (CEO of Alibi Studios) — joint venture leadership. Based in London, United Kingdom. Latest round: Undisclosed.
- Founded
- 2026
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdom
Value proposition
One of the world's first dedicated Hybrid AI VFX studios, merging nmatic.ai's AI-led production workflow with Alibi Studios' high-end VFX heritage to deliver premium content up to 30% faster and up to 30% more cost-effectively than traditional production techniques.
Products and solutions
Hybrid AI VFX production combining generative AI, CGI, live action, and photography; AI-enhanced visual effects for film, advertising, and broadcast; Unreal Engine integrated workflows; dedicated hybrid AI production services.
Unique value
One of the first dedicated studios purpose-built to integrate generative AI with traditional VFX craft from the ground up, led by industry veterans from MPC, The Mill, and BBDO Flare, offering guaranteed delivery with 30% faster and 30% more cost-effective production.
Target customer
Global brands, film studios, advertising agencies, and content creators seeking AI-enhanced visual storytelling for film, advertising, and broadcast content.
Industries served
Film & Entertainment; Advertising & Branded Content; Broadcast Media
Technology advantage
Hybrid AI pipeline fusing generative AI with traditional craft (live action, CGI, photography); platform-agnostic approach; leverages Unreal Engine alongside AI tools; backed by nmatic.ai's proven track record of 250K+ AI-powered images/videos produced.
How they differentiate
Purpose-built as a dedicated Hybrid AI VFX studio from inception (not a traditional VFX house adding AI tools); combines nmatic.ai's proven AI production methodology with Alibi Studios' high-end VFX pedigree; led by industry legends from MPC/The Mill; offers guaranteed delivery at 30% faster and 30% lower cost.
Main competitors
Luma + Wonder Project (AI production services company backed by AWS); MARZ (Monsters Aliens Robots Zombies); Traditional VFX houses transitioning to AI (MPC, The Mill, Framestore)
Key partnerships
Joint venture between nmatic.ai and Alibi Studios; Mark Benson (ex-CEO of MPC, ex-President of The Mill) as Chair; Unreal Engine integration partnership
Notable customers
Dyson; Warner Brothers; Unilever; Twinings; Investec; AB InBev; Merck & Co; Samsung
Major milestones
Launched May 2026 as a joint venture between nmatic.ai and Alibi Studios; one of the world's first dedicated Hybrid AI VFX studios; led by former MPC CEO and Mill President Mark Benson as Chair.
Growth metrics
nmatic.ai grew from £90K to £1.5M revenue in its first year (2024-2025); The Next Valley has produced over 250,000 AI-powered images and videos since launch.
Market positioning
First-mover positioning as one of the world's first dedicated Hybrid AI VFX studios, targeting the intersection of premium VFX quality and AI-driven efficiency for film, advertising, and broadcast clients.
Geographic focus
UK (London) headquarters; nmatic.ai also has offices in Chicago, Ho Chi Minh City, and Cape Town, with expansion plans into US and Asia.
About Nick Price (CEO of nmatic.ai) and Nicolas Cotta (CEO of Alibi Studios) — joint venture leadership
Nick Price: Ex-Founder of BBDO's Flare (built into $120M global operation across 20 markets); Ex-CPO at agency; University of Aberdeen. Nicolas Cotta: Founder & CEO of Alibi Studios, VFX industry veteran.
Official website: https://thenextvalley.com/