In a UK first, Manchester based studio Pathway recently partnered with Sony to showcase their full frame Cinema Line cameras for LED wall Virtual Production.
Hosted by Pathway, the event was presented by Director of Photography Alister Chapman and offered the audience a 3-hour experience in which Producers, Directors and Cinematographers could go behind the scenes of a fashion themed LED virtual production shoot and get hands-on with the Sony Venice 2 8k camera.
Pathway co-founder Nathan Newman commented, “It’s an honour to have welcomed a prestigious partner such as Sony to Manchester to talk about virtual production filmmaking. The prevalence of LED wall based production shoots in the UK is continuing to rise and Manchester is set to be an important competitor in the space.”
Chris Couzens, UK Channel & European Business Manager added, “From a Sony perspective it was a real pleasure to be in Manchester with the Pathway Team, to meet influential people with an interest in Virtual Production technology and to demonstrate how this meshes with the Sony Cinema Line of Cameras. Ultimately it’s in the Sony DNA to celebrate the creators and visual storytellers by creating the best tools for Film Makers and Cinematographers to help capture emotion.”
The event was also supported locally by Panavision, Drop City, Tokina Cinema, Prolycht, Chris Davis Studio and audio visual company Neuron.
Until now, the use of LED wall technology as a replacement to greenscreen studios has mostly been associated with science fiction television shows and celebrity filmmakers. In working with specialist studios such as Pathway, LED Virtual Production film-grade technology is now more readily available to agencies and brands who want to produce high-end content at a cost effective scale.
In December, in partnership with HP Inc, Pathway launched their 6,000 square foot facility dedicated to the development and production of in-camera visual effects that utilise real-time technology. The company’s work spans bleeding edge moving image R&D and digital cinema production for filmmakers. Pathway have already completed client work for automotive manufacturer Mclaren, broadcaster ITV Studios and production powerhouse Arrow International.
On Pathway launching, Amanda Nevill CBE, Advisory Board member and former BFI Chief Executive, stated that “Pathway’s contribution to the industry will make it possible for more filmmakers to produce content with the very latest technology and to chase down new ideas for LED wall produced cinematography. During this time of industry growth and change, Pathway’s plans will be a big win for Manchester.” Nevill’s impressive career spans helming the British Film Institute as Chief Executive for 17 years, and she is currently a strategic advisor to the international screen business.
