Sony opens Virtual Production Space at Pinewood Studios

Sony has opened a Virtual Production Space at Pinewood Studios. The facility has become part of its Digital Media Production Centre (DMPC), which has grown into a leading destination for makers of film, television and commercials. The space is available to anyone, be they directors of photography or actors, to walk in, test out Sony equipment and speak to experts about the best ways to use the technology. No appointment is needed.

“Virtual Production is set to be the next technological step change for cinematographers, and we were keen to provide them with a space where they can learn and experiment with the opportunities offered by Virtual Production”, said Will Newman, DMPC Manager at Sony.

“There’s nothing really like getting hands on, and we know that the combination of our VENICE cameras and Crystal-LED screens are the perfect way to achieve excellent quality images.”

The Digital Media Production Centre at Pinewood Studios allows broadcasters, production companies, and technicians time with Sony experts in cinematography, and access to tutor groups and individuals on how to use the latest Sony technology.

Filmmakers are invited to learn how to use virtual production as it becomes a critical part of the production ecosystem, and explore Sony’s Cinema line and CineAlta cameras, including the hugely popular VENICE and VENICE 2.

Sony has also announced Virtual Production updates at NAB 2023 in Las Vegas. These include the introduction of the Virtual Production Tool Set, designed to tackle common problems with virtual production and to support quality In-Camera VFX.

The key feature of the Tool Set is its Camera and Display Plugin feature, which uses Unreal Engine to connect the real and virtual worlds, achieving synergy between hardware and software to design, visualise and refine the virtual production shots before going into the Virtual Production stage.