We’re thrilled to finally share that we partnered with AVentPro to launch AVRO XR Studio: Manitoba’s first and only ground-level virtual production studio, purpose-built for car processing, commercials, indie films, and projects of all sizes. With tier-based pricing and a ground-level garage door entrance, AVRO XR is making virtual production a viable option for both local and international productions in Manitoba.
Virtual production is a filmmaking technique that blends physical and digital elements in real-time using LED walls and game engine technology. This allows production teams to see the near-final shots in-camera, while also reducing time and production costs.
We’ve been preaching the benefits of virtual production for years now, with most people pointing to amazing scenes in Tier-A Hollywood movies and shows like The Mandalorian and Fallout, but we think there’s untapped potential with the technology for small to medium productions in Manitoba that need flexibility, control, and quick turnaround times.
In 2024, Manitoba generated a record-breaking $434.9 million in estimated production volume, due in large part to the province’s generous film & video production tax credit. Before AVRO XR, Manitoba didn’t have a ground-level virtual production facility. Directors, producers, and production companies looking for studios that can accommodate car plates and large set pieces had to look elsewhere. Having a purpose-built, ground-level virtual production studio in Manitoba will help our local productions become more competitive and make the province a more attractive filming destination for international productions.
Unlike virtual production studios with massive, 80-100 ft LED volumes and bloated studio day rates, AVRO XR is the perfect size for shooting car processing scenes for film, as well as corporate, commercial, and indie productions, with a moderate 30 ft x 16 ft LED volume and accessible, tier-based pricing.
Car processing is a technique that uses driving plates — background videos that simulate environments whizzing past moving cars — and a vehicle placed in front of an LED wall to create the illusion of a car in motion. This saves crews time, money, and logistical headaches compared to filming driving scenes practically on a road.
Situated in AVentPro’s new warehouse space, AVRO XR provides ample space for cars and large set pieces, with accessible ground-level garage doors that make it easy to load large equipment into the studio.
Besides our ground-level garage doors, the studio features:
- 30ft x 16ft LED wall with 2.6mm pixel pitch
- leading virtual production technologies (Mo-Sys StarTracker Max camera tracking system, Novastar MX40 Pro Processor)
- load-rated lighting grid with integrated power spanning the entire studio
- green screen & motion caption area
- dedicated production support spaces (accessible washrooms, kitchenette with refrigerator, sink, and dishwasher, production office)
- soundproofing
We also provide additional virtual production support, including 2D & 3D environment creation & optimization, virtual production supervision, and consulting through our CoPilotXR team.
“I think the beauty of this partnership is in the synergies we find between our respective expertise,” said Garry Hale, owner and president of AVentPro. “We are a live event, audiovisual company that produces events throughout Manitoba as well as content for those events via our green screen studio. CoPilot Co. produces content on a grand scale and we both saw an opportunity to take our technology, our knowhow and our experience to the next level to better serve both our customers.”
You can learn more about AVRO XR Studio at avroxr.com and book a tour here.
Hope to see you in the studio soon!
Related reads
.jpg)
