Sony launches first UK Virtual Production unit at Pinewood Studios

Sony is marking the ten-year anniversary of its Digital Media Production Centre (DMPC) in Europe at Pinewood Studios with a first UK virtual production unit using Sony Crystal-LED technology.

The launch follows the opening of Sony's first virtual production studio in Europe in Paris in February. 

The space has become part of Pinewood's DMPC in Europe. The centre allows broadcasters, production companies, and technicians time with Sony’s experts in cinematography. At the opening (May 16-17), Sony experts demonstrated the cinematic potential of virtual production and explain the technology behind it.

The launch of the studio within the DMPC is a continuation of the centre’s commitment to developing cutting-edge technology. 4K cameras were the first products the DMPC showcased when it opened a decade ago, demonstrating both the advances in technology in the past ten years and the history the DMPC has of recognising revolutionary changes early.

“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”, commented 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.”

At Pinewood Studios, filmmakers can now learn how to use virtual production as it becomes a critical part of the cinema industry, as well as continuing to explore Sony’s Cinema line and CineAlta cameras, including the world-renowned VENICE and VENICE 2. The unit is available for anyone from directors of photography to actors to walk in, test out Sony’s equipment and speak to experts about the best ways to use Sony technology. 

Sony 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.

Click here more information about Sony Virtual Production solutions and VENICE cameras.