Industry turns out as VRtuosus launches real-time virtual production studio in Joburg
South Africa’s film and advertising industry gathered in Johannesburg last week to celebrate the launch of VRtuosus, a real-time virtual production studio now available locally. Hyde Park on a Wednesday night and honestly, what a jol! Drinks in hand, familiar faces from every corner of the local industry catching up across a room that felt equal parts reunion and reveal. Directors, DPs, producers, agency creatives and marketers had all made the trip to experience the new VRtuosus studios and if the turnout was any indication, South Africa’s film and advertising world was paying attention.
“Congratulations to Khalik and his team for a fantastic launch and for bringing such high-powered tech to our industry. It was great to see the film and ad industry out in support.”
– Katherine Jones, Senior VP Production Practice, Publicis Groupe Africa.
Super talented industry friends, old and new Banana and even a Dr. Pepe Marais were spotted.
The evening kicked off with live demos of the VRtuosus technology in action where filmmakers were building and adjusting digital worlds in real time, environments and lighting responding instantly on set. Then Khalik Sherrif, CEO eMedia Holdings, took to the stage in an electrifying display of the full scope of the capabilities. For many attending, it was a first look at this kind of workflow operating locally and the reactions said plenty.
Real-Time Virtual Production
The immersive cyclorama at VRtuosus, where digital environments respond in real time to camera movement on set.
Models or directors? Can’t be sure, but they were having fun.
The system scales to fit the brief. Quick turnaround jobs can work with 2D image plates. Step up, and you’re into parallax-enabled 2.5D environments with real depth. Go further, and you’re inside full photorealistic 3D worlds detailed enough to pass for the real thing.
The VRtuosus team demonstrating how environments can shift in real time while filming.
In practical terms, it means creative teams can see and capture scenes live on set rather than building out the world in post and hoping it lands. What you see is, increasingly, what you get.
The studio isn’t pitching itself as a replacement for traditional film craft. Cinematographers, art directors and lighting teams still own the image. The difference is they can now see and adjust virtual environments in real time as framing and light shift around them. It’s less a disruption, more an upgrade to how sets actually function.
For a production industry that already draws international shoots thanks to its crews, locations and competitive pricing, adding this capability is a meaningful expansion of what’s possible, both for local work and for productions coming in from abroad.
Filmmakers and creatives getting a closer look at the virtual production workflow.
Industry friends coming together and Khalik Sherrif with an introduction to the VRtuosus virtual production system.
Spitfire director Hloni Ntsooa, who attended the launch, described the experience as a glimpse into how production in South Africa is evolving, “This is actually a game changer. Being here has opened my eyes to how South Africa’s film space is evolving, especially with AI and new technology being incorporated as tools that work with us rather than against us. It’s really exciting to see, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we start integrating these two worlds.”
CEO eMedia Holdings Khalik Sherrif onstage at the VRtuosus virtual production system.
With the studio now operational in Johannesburg, VRtuosus is positioning itself as a really innovative production resource for filmmakers, production companies, agencies and brands looking to experiment with real-time virtual environments.
And judging by the turnout on the night, the local industry is clearly curious to see what gets created with it next.
Wanna (s)talk some more? VRtuosus’ company website and email info@vrtuosus.com for more information.
Produced by the IDIDTHAT Content Studio
Credits: Anne Hirsch (Writer) / Julie Maunder
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This editorial was commissioned by VRtuosus.
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