15 years of Factory Fifteen with Paul Nicholls

From Architecture to Animation: The Journey of Factory Fifteen

Factory Fifteen are a film and experience design studio led by Bafta and Emmy award winning directors. They help innovative brands, visionary architects, and cultural institutions build worlds and tell stories within them. Co-founded by Paul Nichols, this creative studio has redefined the boundaries of storytelling through immersive experiences. We’ll dive into the fascinating journey of Factory Fifteen, exploring how a background in architecture paved the way for innovation in the visual arts.

The Unique Transition from Architecture to Animation

Paul began his career in architecture, a field that initially drew him due to his technical skills and artistic inclinations (and perhaps influenced by his dad!). After completing his degree and masters, Paul found himself at a crossroads. The decision to leave a stable career in architecture for the unpredictable world of design and animation was not taken lightly, but forging friendships at Uni who would later become co-founders of the studio cemented the decision.

Discovering a Passion for Visual Effects

While working in architecture, Paul always had a fascination with visual effects and animation. “I think I kind of fell into architecture because I didn’t quite know what else to do,” Paul reflects. This passion for visual storytelling found its roots during his studies, where he and his co-founders, Jonathan Gales and Kibwe Taveres, created films instead of traditional architectural models. Their graduation films, which went viral online, acted as a catalyst for launching Factory Fifteen.

Their first major project, the short film “Jonah,” funded by the BFI and Film Four, set the tone for their future endeavours.

Learning and Growing Together

Starting a creative studio comes with its own set of challenges. Paul emphasises the importance of learning how to manage a team at a young age. “When you’re so young, you’ve only just realised how to manage your own time,” he explains. The transition from being students to running a business required flexibility and a willingness to adapt to new roles.

Celebrating 15 Years of Creativity

As Factory Fifteen celebrates its 15th anniversary, Paul reflects on the journey with a mix of nostalgia and pride. They hosted a grand celebration in the summer, recognising the achievements and challenges faced over the years. “It’s important to have moments where you take a beat and recognise what you’ve done,” says Paul.

The Secret to Longevity in the Industry

When asked about the formula for success in the tumultuous creative industry, Paul suggests adaptability is key. “Staying small, being able to expand and shrink quickly, never being complacent or too comfortable, these have all contributed to our resilience,” he explains. Their unique identity as a directing collective and design studio has allowed them to maintain creative control and manage projects sustainably.

The Future of Factory Fifteen

Embracing Immersive Experiences

As Factory Fifteen continues to evolve, they are now venturing into immersive arts and experiential storytelling. Paul highlights how their architectural background influences their approach to creating shared experiences. “We combine design skills with narrative to create something truly unique,” he asserts.

The studio also celebrated a new leadership hire with Kevin McCrae. Kevin brings a wealth of experience across entertainment, gaming, immersive experiences and branded storytelling, having delivered award-winning work for clients including Netflix, Riot Games, BBC, Oakley, Disney, National Geographic, ESA and Qiddiya

The Path Ahead

Looking forward, Factory Fifteen aims to leverage their artistic roots while embracing new technologies and storytelling methods. The foundation laid over the past 15 years positions them well to explore innovative projects in the immersive space, helping ensure they remain strong for the next 15 years, and beyond.

Visit Factory Fifteen’s website for more information:  https://factoryfifteen.com/