Mexico's Leading Virtual Production Studio Shifts to Brompton Technology
Simplemente, a virtual production studio based in Mexico City, marked the one-year anniversary of its cutting-edge LED stage located at Estudios Churubusco. The stage, equipped with high-density LED panels, has been a game-changer in the Mexican market, offering unparalleled photorealism and immersive experiences.
The LED stage boasts a 2,153-square-foot (200-square-meter) area, with 270-degree immersive screens consisting of 782 AOTO RM 2.3mm LED panels. This setup provides almost five times the resolution of a 4K screen, offering an unprecedented level of detail and realism.
The stage is powered by Brompton Technology's eight Tessera SX40 LED video processors, allowing for live color grading on the wall using 3D LUT, a significant creative benefit for the filmmakers. The integration of the art department and set builders to extend the volume with physical set pieces further enhances the realism of the virtual production.
Adam Callaway, global lead for virtual production and broadcast at Brompton Technology, expressed his support for Simplemente in bringing top-tier virtual production to the Mexican market.
The LED stage has been used for various projects, including the upcoming Amazon Prime original series Cada Minuto Cuenta (Every Minute Counts). This drama series, centred on the catastrophic 1985 earthquake that struck Mexico City, and the subsequent rescue attempts and survival stories, was recently filmed on the stage. Simplemente wrapped shooting two seasons back-to-back of the series.
The virtual production stage was also instrumental in recreating the city in the correct period and the large-scale destruction for the series. It was also used to film multiple commercials and a reality game show series Desafío India Club Cinépolis for theater chain Cinépolis.
Moreover, the stage was used to host Mexico's second presidential debate on April 28, 2024, drawing a record-breaking 16-plus million viewers.
Simplemente offers production services, integration, training, and rentals to clients ranging from independent artists to major television networks across Mexico and Latin America. The democratization of virtual production has been rewarding for Simplemente, allowing various people to try it for the first time and find it creative and collaborative.
The series Cada Minuto Cuenta (Every Minute Counts) is set to premiere in late 2024. Simplemente has always been early adopters of Pro AV technology, embracing digital film, live streaming, VR, and virtual production. The LED stage at Estudios Churubusco has become a significant resource for the broader filmmaking community.
Reina, who helped with rescue efforts during the actual 1985 earthquake, felt immersed in the virtual production, as stepping into the volume brought back memories of the actual location. The volume was intensely lifelike for the filmmakers, inspiring them and helping the actors and crew to feel like they were there during the intense storytelling.
The LED stage's integration of cutting-edge technology from companies like Brompton Technology and AOTO RM has revolutionized the Mexican film industry, offering a unique blend of features such as 270-degree immersive screens, photorealistic detail, and the ability for live color grading in filmmaking. This groundbreaking technology, along with Simplemente's production services, has attracted a wide range of clients, from independent artists to major networks, fostering creativity and collaboration in finance, lifestyle, and technology sectors.
