UStream Launches Cutting-Edge Virtual Production Studio in ARR Film City, Chennai !

UStream Launches Cutting-Edge Virtual Production Studio in ARR Film City, Chennai !

Chennai 21 September 2024 UStream, a technology-driven, full-service virtual production studio, is officially opening its doors at ARR Film City, Chennai on September 22nd 2024. The studio is the result of a groundbreaking joint venture between Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman and technopreneur Sridhar Santhanam, designed to usher in a new era of filmmaking in India.

With an impressive LED volume wall, the studio enables production creatives to interact with digital assets in real-time, mirroring live-action workflows. This cutting-edge setup supports digital world capture, real-time visualization, performance capture, simulcam integration, and in-camera visual effects (ICVFX), placing UStream at the forefront of global virtual production.

Advanced Features and Scalable Infrastructure

UStream’s flagship LED wall is a towering 1.9 Pixel pitch,40 feet by 20 feet, supported by an ultra-responsive render infrastructure designed for real-time 3D environments. The 7,000 square feet of studio space is optimized for flexibility, with camera tracking systems, image-based lighting, and high-end playback and color grading systems that bring creative visions to life faster than ever before. Additionally, the studio is prepared for expansion, with 20,000 square feet of additional production space in the pipeline.
For filmmakers, the studio provides an end-to-end production solution, including on-site post-production suites that streamline the transition from shoot to final edit. UStream’s scalable render nodes ensure that even the most complex projects can be handled seamlessly.
The studio is equipped with mobile LED side walls, a movable LED sky light, and a fully integrated camera-tracking system, offering unparalleled flexibility. The facility also includes an engineering workshop, production workspace, equipment storage to support every phase of production.

Cloud-Integrated Workflow for Instant Collaboration.

In keeping with its tech-forward approach, UStream is developing a groundbreaking camera-to-cloud workflow that allows filmmakers to access dailies instantly, no matter where they are in the world. This fully cloud-integrated system accelerates production timelines, enabling real-time collaboration between directors, editors, VFX teams, and post-production vendors.
Moreover, UStream’s cloud-based VFX and asset management system offers an advanced solution for cataloguing, searching, and previewing production assets. This system will dramatically reduce delays in transferring files and assets, improving overall production efficiency.
Versatile Production Spaces
Beyond the LED volume wall, UStream features several highly specialized production features. These include specialised virtual location-scouting area, tech-scouting area, advanced performance-capture volumes, and simulcam setup, each designed to accommodate a wide range of creative needs. The facility also offers a VIP viewing area, providing filmmakers, executives, and guests a front-row seat to the action during shoots.
UStream will soon be equipped with advanced miniature scanning, miniature 3D printing, and Gaussian splatting techniques for creating photorealistic 3D scenes from a limited set of images or videos.
A second, smaller LED stage in central Chennai offers the same high-tech capabilities but is designed for more boutique productions. This additional facility will cater to short-form content, music videos, and corporate shoots, ensuring that UStream can support projects of all scales.

Global Collaborations for Talent and Innovation.

To support its mission of raising the bar for virtual production in India, UStream has formed strategic partnerships with global leaders in visual effects and AI-driven technologies. Namely CG Pro who will assist in bringing global talent and offer cutting-edge training in VFX, while AI film tech companies like Vu, Dimension5 and Cuberic will provide AI-generated backgrounds, elevating the quality and creativity of local productions to meet international standards. UStream will also work closely with international studios and VFX artists around the world to further enhance the quality of Indian productions.
ARR Film City: A Creative Hub for Global Productions
Set on a sprawling 100-acre campus just outside Chennai, ARR Film City offers an ideal environment for both local and international productions. Alongside UStream’s high-tech virtual production stage, the film city boasts a world-class music recording studio personally designed by Musical Genius AR Rahman, a secondary stage ideal for traditional film making and set creation, along with private accommodations for production crews of various sizes. This creative haven allows filmmakers to focus entirely on their projects while having access to top-tier facilities, all in one location.
With its blend of technology, creativity, and collaborative spirit, UStream is set to become a beacon for filmmakers, not just in India but across the world.

*About uStream*

uStream is a full-service virtual production studio offering advanced XR solutions for filmmakers. The studio provides a range of services, including AI-enhanced Previz, art and design, virtual asset development, VFX, and DI (digital intermediate). uStream leverages the latest in LED wall technology, camera-to-cloud workflows, and scalable post-production solutions to create immersive, high-quality virtual environments for local and international productions. The studio also offers training programs through uStream Labs, aimed at nurturing the next generation of virtual production talent.