Polar Media
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2004
- Employees
- 11-50
- Offices
- 2
About Polar Media
Polar Media is a production, animation and visual effects studio founded in London in 2004. It specialises in communicating complex science, technology and engineering through live-action films, CGI and interactive experiences. Its work spans scientific research, energy, aerospace, maritime engineering, healthcare and broadcast entertainment, combining technical subject matter with visual storytelling for public, commercial and specialist audiences.
The studio brings together three integrated disciplines: Film, Animation & VFX, and Interactive. Its film work includes corporate productions, branded content and factual documentaries, with services covering directing, producing, cinematography, editing and colour grading. Production teams work internationally on projects involving industrial processes, emerging technologies and scientific developments.
Animation and visual effects capabilities include character and mechanical animation, photorealistic modelling and texturing, rigging, simulation and compositing. These techniques help depict subjects that are difficult to film directly, from microscopic phenomena and particle collisions to proposed infrastructure and large industrial systems. The studio also produces technical explainers, stakeholder communications and educational content.
Interactive science and technology
Polar Media develops virtual reality applications, mobile augmented reality exhibits, interactive installations and real-time visualisations. Its immersive work includes spatial computing applications, industrial digital twins and virtual medical training, with projects for platforms including Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.
For CERN, the studio developed the Code of the Universe augmented reality application for the Future Circular Collider travelling exhibition, alongside particle simulations and stakeholder film content. Other supplied projects include the European Space Agency’s Moonlight Explainer, the Centargo virtual reality training application, and Drive Me to the Moon, a documentary produced for Castrol and Lunar Outpost.
The company operates from London and Perth, with its Australian production studio established in 2013. The two studios collaborate on projects for Australian and international clients, bringing film, animation and interactive production together across different time zones. Its portfolio connects science communication with practical applications in industry, infrastructure and training.
More about Polar Media
Leadership
- Joe Kane is the founder, Creative Director and a company director.
- Rupert Roderick leads the Perth operation as Managing Director.
- Hannah Cutting is Head of Production; João Nóbrega is VFX & Animation Technical Director; Kathy Tsola is VFX & Animation Lead; and Joe Gess is Head of Interactive.
Production methods and facilities
The reported animation and compositing pipeline uses Maya, Houdini and Nuke. The London production facility includes three dedicated editing suites and a solar array. The company describes close daily collaboration between London and Perth as enabling round-the-clock production.
Project milestones
Drive Me to the Moon, directed by Joe Kane, premiered at Space Center Houston in January 2026. Version 1.1 of the studio's Centargo application was released in March 2025.
Notable credits
15 creditsOffices
Where Polar Media is based
- Units 11 & 19, Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, SW12 0NE, United KingdomLondon, England, United Kingdom
London Studio
HeadquartersGlobal headquarters housing Film, Animation/VFX and Interactive departments and primary creative management.
- Suite 6, 191 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000, AustraliaPerth, Western Australia, Australia
Perth Studio
Opened 2013
Australian regional production hub providing animation, 3D visualisation and film capabilities across Asia-Pacific time zones.
Open roles
Find your next role at Polar Media