80six announce reopening of their virtual production studio in Slough

Leading video technology company, 80six, announces the reopening of their virtual production studio in Slough, following planned expansion. 

What started in March 2021 as a ‘pop-up’ LED Volume at the front of their technology warehouse, evolved into a purpose-built VP studio at a permanent location in Slough, doubling its current footprint.  

The brand-new 11,743 sq. ft virtual production facility features bespoke LED Volumes and the latest real-time technologies (camera tracking, game engines, media servers) for delivering in-camera VFX (ICVFX) or xR  (extended reality).  

The studio continues with their successful business model geared towards flexibility & adaptability by building to spec each LED Volume to match the production needs & budgets. This introduces a more a cost-effective & sustainable approach to LED virtual production by not wasting money and power on unnecessary equipment.   

Dan Hamill, co-founder & commercial director at 80six, said: “Our aim is to make virtual production more accessible to varying production budgets – and by now, we know, that you do not need a Mandalorian-sized LED Volume to shoot in-camera visual effects. Next door to our studio, we have 80six’s video technology warehouse, with a large inventory of industry-leading ROE Visual LED panels which gives us the chance to book in productions one after another, scaling the LED Volume accordingly, or to respond quickly to production changes without the need to outsource inventory.”

From 180-360-degree LED Volumes, that wrap around the talent, to four sided LED cubes to straight LED walls with 90 degree returns, the LED Volume can be configured in any shape and form, up to 8m in height. 

Jack James, co-founder & operations director at 80six, said: “Cinematographers and VFX teams embrace our flexible offering as it gives them the chance to work alongside our tech team to decide on the specs of the LED Volume in advance. The framing of the shot, the nature of the physical props required, and the camera movement help to determine the optimal solution.

“The general feedback we’ve had is that filmmakers have found shooting in a one size fits all stage to be limiting either physically or financially. We decided to offer an adaptable space to open access to productions with a range of budgets.”

To explore the creative possibilities of their new studio, join 80six at The Media Production & Technology Show from 11th-12th May at Olympia London where the company will showcase a virtual production stage (stand L560). 

Curating a sci-fi production, directed by Nick Jones and shot by Dave Tree DOP, attendees will have the chance to explore the behind-the-scenes of an ICVFX production & the real-time workflow driving LED Volumes.  

On Wed. 11th May (11am & 2pm) and on Thu. 12th May (11am & 2.30pm), 80six will run two interactive virtual production demos, in collaboration with award-winning specialist manufacturer of video processing products Brompton Technology, 80six’s partner for the show, and supported by ETC & 3LR lighting. Tickets can be booked via their website. 

For a deeper dive into LED Virtual Production, don’t miss out on the talk “Into the LED Volume: Virtual Production Insights from the Studio Floor” (Thu.12th May @12.45, Virtual Production Theatre), where Dan Hamill, co-founder & commercial director at 80six, alongside Unreal Engine technical artist, Kinga Kliss & ICVFX director Nick Jones will look at how to bring virtual worlds to life with the use of LED screens, game engines and tracked cameras.