Kadokawa Daiei Studios unveiled its latest production studio, the No.C Stage. This cutting-edge virtual production studio uses Brompton’s 4K Tessera SX40 LED processor and Tessera XD 10G distribution unit to drive Sony’s Crystal LED VERONA.
This marks a significant investment in advanced LED display technology and is intended to advance the studio’s capabilities in the area of in-camera visual effects (VFX), an innovation that enables the creation of immersive, high-quality virtual environments for films, commercials and other creative projects.
Kadokawa Daiei Studios, a part of the KADOKAWA Group, plans to install a 15-meter-wide, 5-meter-high Sony Crystal LED VERONA LED wall to enhance its next-generation virtual production services.
The immersive LED panel is powered by Brompton’s 4K Tessera SX40 LED video processor and Tessera XD 10G data distribution unit, providing filmmakers with a dynamic and flexible platform for in-camera VFX capture that eliminates the need for green screens and enhances the realism of virtual environments.
Brompton’s LED video processor ensures seamless image control and colour accuracy for the large LED display, which also features an innovative motorised winch system that allows for vertical adjustment for greater flexibility in content creation. This adaptability is further enhanced by the studio’s award-winning creative arts department, expertly integrating real-world set design with virtual assets to create cohesive artistic environments.
How it works
The advanced virtual production environment also includes Mo-Sys StarTracker Max for high precision camera tracking, Unreal Engine 4.27 to 5.3 with Nvidia RTX 6000 Ada graphics cards for real-time rendering and complex simulations, and a Sony PCL ZOET 4 system for smooth, high-quality video playback to meet a variety of production needs.
Billy Rameau, technical director at Kadokawa Daiei Studios, commented:
“The combination of the 6K resolution Sony Crystal LED VERONA panel and the Brompton Tessera SX40 LED processor provides unparalleled color correction, accurate frame store functionality, and the ability to quickly adjust with custom presets via the StreamDeck controller. With an emphasis on reliability and stability, and with Brompton’s LED processor demonstrating outstanding performance across a range of LED panel providers, Kadokawa Daiei Studios has been able to meet the demands of high-end virtual production.”
In addition to technological innovation, Kadokawa Daiei Studios also places great importance on sustainability initiatives. By utilizing Sony Crystal LED VERONA panels for its virtual sets, the studio aims to reduce traditional art set waste by up to 50% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the KADOKAWA Group’s broader environmental goals. The introduction of these energy-saving systems reflects the studio’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting environmentally friendly production methods.
The studio has a floor area of 550 square metres and eight metre high ceilings, providing ample space for a variety of production needs, plus a powerful 180kW power supply that supports both 100V and 200V.
Currently, Kadokawa Daiei Studios is focused on producing high-quality commercial content such as promotional videos and commercials, but the studio also has its sights set on expanding into feature films and global OTT content, and aims to use its virtual production expertise to create compelling content for international audiences.
By blending the real and virtual worlds, Kadokawa Daiei Studios is redefining new forms of storytelling through innovative and visually compelling cinematic experiences.
Kadokawa Daiei director, Sosuke Kobayashi, commented as follows:
“We are excited to offer these new services and technologies to our clients. Leveraging our state-of-the-art facilities and reliable Brompton Tessera processors, we provide a platform for creativity and technical excellence. Our goal is to deliver unparalleled, high-quality productions that captivate audiences and set a new standard in virtual production.”
Elijah Ebo, APAC Operations Director at Brompton, said:
“We are honored to work with such a dynamic group of partners at Kadokawa Daiei Studios in Tokyo. It’s incredibly impressive to see how our LED processing technology is seamlessly integrated with the studio’s Sony Crystal LED VERONA panels and expertly deployed by the Kadokawa team, resulting in one of the most advanced virtual production environments of our time. We’re excited to contribute to Kadokawa Daiei Studios’ success as they continue to push the creative boundaries in the industry.”
