This technique is gaining traction globally, with Milan, Italy, emerging as a key player in this domain. Utilized across a variety of platforms including movies, commercials, fashion shows, and product launches, virtual production is setting a new standard for immersive content in Milan.

Milan’s Hub for Virtual Production: STS Communication

Milan boasts a rich talent pool of filmmakers, positioning the city as a central hub for virtual production. STS Communication, established in 1984 as a rental and event staging company, has significantly contributed to this development. The company, known for its specialization in lighting, sound, and video technology, aims to provide high-quality solutions to its clients. In a natural progression of its services, STS Communication has expanded into offering virtual production within a specially designed studio, highlighted by an impressive curved Absen LED display.

The Visionary Project Led by Alessandro Rosani

Under the guidance of Alessandro Rosani, CTO, and a skilled team of technicians and creatives, STS embarked on a project to create a bespoke, curved LED screen tailored to their specific needs. The project’s requirements were precise: a curved, circular LED system with a matte surface to reduce reflections, high refresh rates, and advanced control for camera matching and precise color adjustments.

Overcoming Challenges with Innovative Solutions

The project encountered several challenges, particularly with aligning the LED panels to achieve the desired curvature. This was overcome by developing special aluminium CNC plates through extensive testing, ensuring a smooth curve. Selecting Absen as the LED display partner was a strategic choice, building on a relationship that began in 2018. Absen’s screens are renowned for their brightness, color accuracy, and low latency, making them ideal for virtual production.

STS Communication chose the Absen PL 2.5 series for its superior qualities for virtual production and camera applications, alongside Brompton processing. The investment in around 500 square meters of panels allowed for the expansion of their studio capabilities and the ability to meet client demands for LED installations at various venues.

Expanding Virtual Production Capabilities

With support from Absen and regional distributor Prase Media Technologies, STS has leveraged this collaboration to enhance their virtual production offerings. The facility now supports the creation of realistic environments for films and TV shows, virtual sets for commercials and music videos, and the development of new VP technologies. This access to advanced resources positions STS at the forefront of virtual production innovation.

Client Approval and Project Success

The project has received positive feedback from clients, directors of photography, and the project team, with new clients particularly impressed by the video quality and installation precision. This success is attributed to the collaborative effort, the trust from STS management, and the strategic partnerships formed.

Conclusion

The collaboration between STS Communication and Absen on the virtual production studio demonstrates STS’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge and high-quality solutions. The project’s success underscores the value of long-term partnerships, innovative technology selections, and a talented team, marking a significant advancement in the field of virtual production in Milan.

News source: https://www.stscommunication.it/en/