The Saudi Film Commission has unveiled a new state-of-the-art virtual production soundstage at Jax Film Studios in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh.
Located in the heart of Riyadh, the expansive Jax Film Studio is equipped with a virtual production stage designed by renowned VFX company Pixomondo and Sony’s latest Verona LED screen technology. The LED stage’s volumetric dimensions are 23 meters (75 feet) in diameter, 27.5 meters (90 feet) deep, and 10 meters (32 feet) high, and uses Sony’s flagship 2.3 mm 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” show.
Jax Film Studios’ new virtual production stage marks the completion of the Saudi studio facility, which already included two operational 16,000 square foot soundstages. The new Saudi studio, which was unveiled during the Cannes Film Festival in May, also includes a private screening room, reception and meeting spaces, production prep areas, a dining zone and a dedicated VIP lounge.
“Jax Film Studios will be a new landmark for film production in Saudi Arabia,” Abdullah Al Qaftani, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, said in a statement. “Investing in world-class virtual production infrastructure is an important milestone in realizing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to build a dynamic and globally competitive film industry,” he added. “This reflects our commitment to providing Saudi and international filmmakers with the technology, equipment and partnerships they need to tell their stories to the highest standards.”
Pixomondo CEO Johnny Slow commented: “Sony and PXO’s unique combination of innovation and expertise will position Riyadh as the region’s virtual production hub. PXO and Sony will work together with the Saudi Film Commission to add significant value to all productions by empowering filmmakers to push their creative boundaries with confidence.”
The virtual production sound stage opening ceremony was attended by Sony Group President and CEO Hiroki Tokoki, who said, “Today’s opening of JAX Stage is the culmination of years of investment and innovation to deliver virtual production at scale, from the development of the extraordinary Sony LED panel to the integration of Pixomondo’s virtual production services and talent.”
“We would like to thank the teams at Pixomondo and Sony for their combination of technical expertise, engineering excellence and operational experience to provide creative freedom in virtual production, as well as the Saudi Film Commission and the Ministry of Culture for their commitment and partnership in building this incredible setting.”
Saudi Arabia offers cash rebates of over 40% on international film and television productions.
Since lifting a 35-year-old ban on religious films in 2017, Saudi Arabia has experienced a boom in all aspects of film industry activity, and has become the Middle East and North Africa’s top-grossing region in terms of theatrical box office receipts. It is clear that attracting international film and television production is an important part of this government-led initiative.
