Taking storytelling to a new level, virtual production is one of the most rapidly changing sectors of the film industry. For many years, ARRI has been helping studio owners, operators, and content producers embrace the full potential of virtual production. ARRI’s team of technical specialists designs and delivers tailored solutions for the next generation of media and entertainment, combining unrivalled film industry expertise in professional camera and lighting systems with efficient workflows, digital assets, and innovative studio design.
One of the latest examples of such an innovative and immersive production environment lies in the heart of Europe. Hungary already played a decisive role in the international film industry before United Illusions decided to open a modern VP studio on the outskirts of Budapest. Together with parent company, Visual Europe Group (VEG), United Illusions has established a world-class virtual production complex where industry professionals and MICE sector professionals alike can find innovative ways to elevate their own events and experiences.
The United Illusions complex is used for commercial shootings, as seen here for Aston Martin
VEG was one of the first companies in the region to pioneer visual technology and use LED walls on a large scale, later expanding into sound and lighting. They are currently the largest event production service provider in Central Europe. The studio’s Managing Director Zoltan Simon comments: “Innovation and cutting-edge visual technology solutions have always been key to the group’s growth and success. Building on its extensive expertise in LED wall operations, the company has now taken the next step by creating a Virtual Production Studio, ushering in a new era of filmmaking.”
In looking for a suitable partner to help achieve this first-class studio, United Illusions looked no further than ARRI for technical support, top-notch equipment, and industry expertise. Zoltan Simon, Managing Director of United Illusions recalls the initial days: “From the earliest stages of designing United Illusions, the primary objective was to achieve the highest technical quality. To reach this goal, we sought a partner who could not only provide cutting-edge technical elements but also bring unique professional credentials in filmmaking, recognized by filmmakers worldwide.” Simon continues: “Through extensive market research and a strategic collaboration with ARRI’s renowned expertise, we implemented a LED wall and support technology configuration that offers exceptional adaptability to meet the diverse needs of filmmakers.”
Visual Europe Group and ARRI were able to develop the project together from the very beginning. ARRI created the first drafts and concept ideas and was responsible for the technical planning, technical budget, and consultation of the installation.
The studio’s base setup includes a 28 x 6 m LED volume of ROE BP2V2 panels
The United Illusions studio is one of the largest VP complexes in Europe with almost 2,000 square metres of studio capacity across 3 stages, optimized for virtual productions and technical equipment that meet Hollywood standards. The studio’s base setup includes a 28 x 6 m LED volume of ROE BP2V2 panels with an additional 30 square meters ceiling and 16 square meters mobile wall that can be configured and expanded as needed. The company also has vast experience in rigging LEDs which allows for quick turnaround times.
The United Illusions team also decided to equip the studio with ARRI ALEXA 35 cameras and ARRI Signature lenses in order to fully utilize the ARRI color pipeline that was set up for the volume. ARRI’s Signature Zoom lenses in 24–75 mm focal lengths were chosen for their versatility, zoom capability, and lens data tracking capabilities. The Stype tracking system allows accurate camera tracking with lens data allowing for use of the zoom capabilities on ARRI Signature lenses in real time with Unreal engine. The complex also utilizes an array of ARRI lighting equipment consisting of 48 S60 SkyPanels and ten Orbiters controlled by a GrandMA 3 compact XT.
ARRI ALEXA 35 cameras and ARRI Signature lenses were chosen to fully utilize the ARRI color pipeline that was set up for the volume
The United Illusions complex is also one of the very few facilities worldwide to have received an ARRI Stage Accreditation. This accreditation is awarded as recognition only to facilities that meet ARRI’s strict criteria for delivering consistent, high-quality content. After a rigorous evaluation process, which also included stringent training for ARRI Color Management for Virtual Production and ARRI Live Link Metadata integration, United Illusions was able to call their studio ARRI Accredited.
The complex also utilizes an array of ARRI lighting equipment: 48 S60 SkyPanels and ten Orbiters
Recently, United Illusions celebrated the opening of the virtual production stage by hosting a grand opening ceremony. Guests from around the world traveled to Fòt, 20 minutes from the center of Budapest, to witness the stunning VP complex in person. Since the grand opening, United Illusions has been consistently busy hosting a range of exciting projects. The team has proudly reported that the facilities have attracted not only major film productions but also one of the world’s most renowned international TV shows.
United Illusions celebrated the opening of the virtual production stage by hosting a grand opening ceremony
Opening Image: At the grand opening ceremony, ARRI’s André Rittner (l.) presented the ARRI Stage Accreditation to United Illusions’ Zoltan Simon and Szabolcs Botond
