Optic8 and Trilogy Studios have opened a virtual production facility in Dallas, Texas, powered by 32 Brompton Technology’s Tessera SX40 LED processors and Absen’s LED screens. This facility comprises three advanced production stages: a main cinematic volume designed for film and TV, a specialised car process stage, and a smaller stage tailored for commercials and music videos. The facility has a huge capacity of 324m pixels.
Founded in 2020 by Dan Kretz, Optic8 is a technology integrator specialising in immersive experiences, virtual production systems, and LED volumes. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Optic8 teams travel to clients worldwide to help with everything from film and commercial projects to corporate applications and immersive installations. Following the opening in Dallas, Optic8 and Trilogy Studios are vetting several North American cities as potential new sites in 2025.
At the heart of the Dallas stages are Absen’s PR series LED panels: the cinematic stage is equipped with 337.5sqm of PR2.5 for the backdrop, 303sqm of PR5.2 for the ceiling, and 32sqm of PR2.5 for the side walls.
The car process stage features 152sqm of PR1.9 for the backdrop and 45sqm of PR2.5 overhead, while the commercial stage utilises 75sqm of PR1.9 for the backdrop and 54sqm of PR2.5 for the ceiling.
Kretz said: “We’ve had an incredible experience with the various Absen panels so far. Virtual production demands a lot from an LED panel, and Absen holds up nicely to those demands. The PR series is consistent, super light, easy to assemble, and the communication between the panels and the Brompton processors is seamless.”
He added: “We test and re-test so many products out there, and we bring those results to our clients. Trilogy Studios was impressed with everything from the ease of use, the customisation capabilities and colour accuracy, to the ability to do Genlock and multi-camera virtual production shoots – Trilogy Studios was very excited to go with Brompton.”
Neil Morrison, VP of Rental & Staging for AbsenLive, commented: “Absen’s PR series panels were designed to meet the demands of high-performance virtual production, and this facility showcases their full potential. The seamless integration with Brompton’s processors will ensure a flawless production environment for filmmakers and producers alike.”
Webster Moyle, technical sales manager, Brompton Technology, said: “We’re thrilled that Optic8 and Trilogy Studios have opted to utilize Brompton processing in their new Dallas virtual production studio. We created the Tessera SX40 to be the industry’s gold standard for virtual production, and we believe its wide array of features and customisation will be great for any type of project that comes through the studio.”
