Sony, Virtual x Reality Studio No Location Needed Opened in Japan and the United States
The Sony Group is focusing on "virtual production," which shoots images by combining real subjects with virtual space backgrounds. At "CEATEC 2022", we communicated the environmental benefits of eliminating the need for filming locations. In the United States, following the one in Japan, we have established a second permanent studio. Take this as an opportunity to promote your brand in terms of both business and environmental contributions.
Camera movement and background interlock
Virtual production combines real objects such as people, LED displays with virtual backgrounds, and cinematographic cameras. When the camera moves, the background image moves with it.
The new coronavirus pandemic that started in 2020 triggered the virtual production to attract attention. As a result of the lockdowns (city blockades) that have made conventional filming overseas difficult, it is spreading mainly in the United States as an alternative method.
The big advantage is that the shooting can be completed indoors without the need for a location. Airplanes and automobiles generate carbon dioxide (CO2) when moving staff and equipment overseas. In addition, the continuous operation of the power supply vehicle to cover the electricity required at the shooting site also has an environmental impact.
Keiko Shiga, General Manager of the Sony Group's Sustainability Promotion Department, emphasizes, "Virtual production is highly effective in reducing CO2 emissions." According to Sony's calculations, the CO2 emissions associated with video production can be reduced by 75-80% if virtual production does not require location.
Promote use in Hollywood
An environment has been put in place that encourages the active use of virtual production. In February, the first permanent studio was established at "Kiyosumi Shirakawa BASE" (Koto, Tokyo). In October, a shooting base similar to that of Kiyosumi Shirakawa was set up at Sony Innovation Studios of the US film business company Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Sony Pictures Studios Introduced Virtual Production
Innovation Studio has been researching and developing virtual production since 2018. With the completion of this new studio, we will promote full-fledged commercial use of virtual production for the Hollywood film industry.
Kenichiro Yoshida, chairman and president of the Sony Group, describes virtual production as "one of the most important areas where we can provide new value to creators."
In addition to Toho, which already has its own studio, Toei has announced that it will start operating one of Japan's largest studios from January 2011. If virtual production becomes common both in Japan and overseas, the possibilities of video production will expand in terms of sustainability as well.
