The main challenge of the project was the extremely short planning time. ARRI was approached in October 2020 to take over the integration of the stage. Knowing that the purchasing of the goods could not start before mid-December, and the stage build could only start in January 2021 (including 800 m² of new concrete floor), the team was aware that they would have a hard time setting everything up by the end of March 2021. Project Lead as well as Planning and On-Site Manager of the project, Stefan Soellner, Head of Technology Mixed Reality Production Solutions at the ARRI Solutions Group, sums up: “The five months of planning and installation have been a tough ride, but DARK BAY is very happy with the installation. That’s what counts.”

Currently, filming is taking place in the DARK BAY for the Netflix production “1899,” the new mystery series from the makers of “Dark.”

David Bermbach, Head of Global Technology at ARRI Rental, who was also Project Lead from the side of ARRI on the DARK BAY Virtual Production Stage, relays: “Visiting the studio now, I’m still left speechless watching the creative power it unleashes—and humbled by the faith and courage of the ‘1899’ team committing themselves to this endeavor. At the same time, it makes me proud to see all the different departments at ARRI working together and with all the dedicated partners passionately, joining forces, and delivering—despite the time pressure and all the technical challenges—this new creative tool to our industry.”

A project of this size and versatility cannot be done without great partners. Therefore, ARRI would like to thank especially Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese, Philipp Klausing, and Christina Caspers-Römer from DARK BAY for taking the risk and make the stage possible. And of course, all involved companies and suppliers (see below) for coping with the pressure and delivering perfectly in an extremely short amount of time.

Not only the teams from DARK BAY and ARRI are very happy with the outcome. In September 2021, Netflix founder and CEO Reed Hastings visited the DARK BAY and the “1899” set—and raved. Read the details on “Deadline” and “Head Topics.”