Copyright Variety
The Saudi Film Commission has unveiled a new a state-of-the-art virtual production soundstage at JAX Film Studios in Saudi Arabia‘s capital city of Riyadh. The sprawling Jax Film Studios – located in the heart of Riyadh – are now equipped with a virtual production stage designed by prominent VFX outfit Pixomondo and equipped with Sony’s latest Verona LED screen technology. The LED stage has volume dimensions of 23 meters (75 feet) in diameter, 27.5 meters (90 feet) in depth, and 10 meters (32 feet) in height and uses Sony’s flagship 2.3mm pixel pitch technology. Pixomondo is an Oscar-winning VFX and virtual production studio whose recent work includes HBO’s “House of the Dragon” and Apple TV’s “Chief of War” shows. Jax Film Studios’ new virtual production stage marks the completion of the Saudi studio facility which already had two operational 16,000-square-foot sound stages, The new Saudi studios, that were unveiled in May during the Cannes Film Festival, also include a private screening room, reception and meeting spaces, production prep areas, dining zones, and a dedicated VIP lounge. “Jax Film Studios represents a new landmark for film production in Saudi Arabia,” said Saudi Film Commission CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani, in a statement. “The investment in world-class virtual production infrastructure is a key milestone in realizing the Kingdom’s ambition to build a dynamic, globally competitive film industry,” he added. “It reflects our commitment to empowering Saudi and international filmmakers with the technology, facilities, and partnerships they need to tell their stories at the highest standard.” Commented Jonny Slow, CEO of Pixomondo: “The unique combination of Sony and PXO’s innovations and expertise will make Riyadh a focal point for virtual production in the region. Together with the Saudi Film Commission, PXO and Sony add significant value to all productions by enabling filmmakers to push creative boundaries with confidence.” The virtual production soundstage’s opening ceremony was attended by Sony Group president and CEO Hiroki Tokoki, who said: “Today’s JAX Stage opening is the result of years of investment and innovation to deliver virtual production at scale – from the development of extraordinary Sony LED panels to the integration of Pixomondo’s virtual production services and talent.” “I would like to thank our teams at Pixomondo and Sony, who combine the technical expertise, engineering excellence, and operational experience to deliver creative freedom in virtual production, and the Saudi Film Commission and the Ministry of Culture for their commitment and partnership in building this remarkable stage.” Saudi Arabia offers a 40%-plus cash rebate on international film and TV productions. Ever since it lifted its 35-year-old religion-related ban on cinema in 2017, Saudi has been experiencing a boom in all aspects of film industry activity, becoming the Middle East and North Africa’s top-grossing territory in terms of theatrical box office returns. Attracting international film and TV productions is clearly a key part of this government-driven effort.
