Located in Randburg, the studio features a 64 square metre, LED Volume with a 1.9mm pixel pitch, audio systems, lighting infrastructure and a range of professional grade cameras, offering filmmakers, broadcasters, agencies, corporates and brands a world-class environment in which to create content, says the studio.
The Technology is Only Part of the Offering
The Motion Story Studio is operated by the same technical and creative team that has produced Netflix Originals and TV shows in the United States. They are able to collaborate with clients throughout the production process — from concept and scripting to pre-production, directing, virtual production, post-production and final delivery, adds the studio.
"What makes us different is that you're not simply hiring a virtual production studio — unless that's your preference, of course. You're working alongside top filmmakers who have successfully delivered premium productions to some of the world's biggest broadcasters and streaming platforms," says Gareth Crocker, Co-Owner and Creative Head of Motion Story. "From A to Z, we know exactly what it takes to put a production together."
The studio says it has been designed with the aim to support an extensive range of productions, including feature films, television series, commercials, music videos, micro-dramas, podcasts, product launches, corporate presentations, virtual events and live-streams.
By combining photorealistic digital environments with real-time virtual production technology (incorporating Unreal Engine and the Mo-Sys StarTracker system), filmmakers can create almost any location imaginable, adds the studio.
For brands and corporate clients, the facility aims to offer an opportunity to create visually striking campaigns and adverts, presentations and live events without the logistical complexity and expense traditionally associated with large-scale productions.
"Another reason why we built the studio is to create a safer environment for crews to work in. Over the years, so many production companies have fallen victim to crime while shooting out on location," says Fred Wolmarans and Nick Keulemans, Joint-Heads of Motion Story Studio. "It's reassuring to know that your team is safe while the cameras are rolling. It also means that exhausting and freezing late night shoots can be a thing of the past."
"In the virtual world, the difference between night and day is a few mouse clicks away. Digital environments are also fully customisable. Want the moon bigger? Extra trees on the horizon? Shooting stars? It's all possible on the Volume," adds the duo.
"In essence, we've created a highly imaginative production hub in the heart of Johannesburg where filmmakers, companies and agencies can collaborate with experienced storytellers to produce world-class content without breaking the bank," concludes Phillip Wolmarans, CEO of Motion Story Studio. "And hopefully have some real fun in the process."
For more information, visit www.motionstory.co.za.
*Image courtesy of contributor