SINGAPORE: Beneath the soaring ceilings of what was a power station in a previous life is a pioneering studio that seeks to draw out Singapore’s potential to meet the high-tech production needs of global film makers.

Karen Seah, co-founder of X3D Studio, had those lofty ambitions in mind when she launched the virtual production studio on June 19 following an S$8mil refurbishment of 25 Pasir Panjang Road.

At 40,000 sq ft, the facility is the largest of its type in South-East Asia.

It employs the same virtual production technology used to create the immersive settings seen in visually arresting blockbusters such as The Mandalorian and South Korean-language Netflix hit Queen Of Tears.

Virtual production involves specialised screens, cameras, lighting rigs and virtual objects working in concert to create dynamic and realistic visual effects displayed on camera in real time, rather than created after filming, Seah said.

By changing the backdrops displayed, filming can be done in the studio instead of on location. This can save costs and reduce the complexity of the project.

“This industry is nascent enough on this side of the world for Singapore to potentially be an early adopter, and hence lead,” she added, noting that Singapore, as a developed economy, is not unaccustomed to advanced technology.

“Singapore, being a place with fewer filming spaces, is the ideal city to support and be one of the leaders for virtual production,” Seah said.

X3D Studio is the first virtual production studio in South-east Asia to be accredited by studio equipment manufacturer Arri, after 10 months of evaluation.

“The Arri stage accreditation immediately indicates to clients and prospects that X3D Studio meets our strict criteria to deliver consistent, high-quality virtual production content,” said Kevin Schwutke, senior vice-president of business unit solutions at Arri Group.

The studio will also be releasing in end-June two science fiction short films on its website and YouTube channel as a demonstration of the technology.

Local actors Qi Yuwu and Andrew Lua star in Dead End, which is about two friends surviving in a barren post-apocalyptic Singapore.

Trap, which stars Oon Shu An, chronicles a scientist who gets entangled with artificial intelligence.

“Virtual production is an immersive experience immediately visible to everyone on set, allowing me to react directly to the environment,” Qi said.

Oon added: “Being transported into these wonderful sets that meld these incredible virtual worlds seamlessly with the physical ones was such a treat.”

There is already interest in X3D Studio’s work from a major regional player, though Seah declined to share more, citing confidentiality of ongoing negotiations.

It is also hoped that the studio will create 30 to 60 new gigs for freelancers at a time, and build up Singapore’s talent pool in this segment through a training academy.

While talent with the chops to work in virtual production remains scarce in Singapore, Seah said her business partner Myke Brown has trained staff in Vietnam and Thailand to support the new studio, while X3D Studio seeks out local talent to groom in tandem.

X3D Studio has also tied up with Nanyang Polytechnic to teach two courses in virtual production. The venue will also be available for event rental.

 - ANN