Oh yes they did! Two Dorset companies are celebrating as special effects company The Twins FX signs a deal with the world’s largest pantomime producer.
Dorset solicitors Humphries Kirk, who have been working with Dorset firm The Twins FX for 18 years, have just facilitated their five-year contract to produce special effects for entertainments giant Qdos Entertainment.
The Twins FX, based in Poole and Wareham, are one of the U.K’s leading companies operating in the field of theatrical visual special effects, illusions and animatronics for the entertainment industry. From flying cars to roaring dinosaurs, they’ve worked on a glittering variety of shows including Doctor Who Live, War of the Worlds and ITV’s Take Me Out.
The firm was started by identical twins Gary and Paul Hardy-Brown and has a core staff of seven, swelling to around 15 in busy periods.
Humphries Kirk senior commercial partner, Darrell Stuart-Smith, has advised The Twins FX on all commercial aspects of their business, including contracts, debt, brand protection, staff, HR and more.
Darrell, who specialises in law for design businesses, says he’s been able to put this expertise into practise with The Twins FX, especially when it comes to intellectual property rights.
“When you’re creative, protecting your intellectual property is key because it applies to everything you produce,” he says.
“By putting the right legal structures in place, I’ve been able to free the twins up to get on with what they do best.”
He adds that he has really enjoyed working with the quirky twins and seeing them succeed, especially since they have a shared interest in collecting film and TV memorabilia. Among the assorted TV props the twins have collected are daleks and the original Thunderbird 4.
“I work with a lot of creative people, but The Twins FX is definitely one of my more unusual clients – it’s a treat visiting them because I never know what weird and wonderful creatures I’m going to find there.”
The Twins FX project manager Gary Hardy-Brown, says: “We love working with Darrell – he’s been an amazing support to us over the years.
“Plus, sometimes he brings us something he’s found at an antique sale to add to our collection, so it’s a win-win situation!”