WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, has launched The Studios at WWE, a 30,040 square foot state-of-the-art production facility equipped with five studios, highlighted by a state-of-the-art virtual production stage built in collaboration with AbelCine. and Meptik and equipped with the latest generation technology from Sony Electronics and Disguise.
Located in WWE’s newly constructed headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, WWE Studios is ideal in both size and function, with production technologies that will enable WWE to tell more dynamic and compelling stories. to improve its quality, versatility and production efficiency, and to serve a broad spectrum of customers in the fields of broadcasting, cinema and production. The full-service production facility features numerous equipment including a Cyclorama, two production control rooms, two live audio rooms, robotic camera control, two playback rooms, editing suites, seven post suites, audio, two green rooms, dressing rooms and office space.
Beyond the best production offerings, WWE Studios are equipped with a specially designed virtual production stage hosted within Studio 3. Equipment and service provider AbelCine, who provided design and camera and lighting installation for the studios, called upon virtual production specialists at Meptik who led the design, installation and integration of the virtual production stage which is positioned to redefine the audience engagement for WWE and customers. Meptik’s team of creative and technical experts have extensive experience in virtual production, having successfully integrated virtual production workflows for clients ranging from large broadcasters to educational institutions in the past.
The LED stage leverages Sony’s latest generation Crystal LED VERONA, a modular display that delivers quality and efficiency to in-camera VFX applications, and two movable LED carts that can be moved throughout the set. WWE is the first U.S. facility to install Crystal LED VERONA, implementing a total of 158 cabinets on its main wall and auxiliary carts.
Studio 3 will include Sony’s virtual production toolset, designed to solve common virtual production problems and support quality integrated visual effects, as well as Sony’s flagship full-frame digital cinema camera, VENICE 2. The combination of these products allows WWE to take advantage of an ecosystem of precise colors to bring quality and efficiency to its productions.
The next-generation production stage leverages Disguise, the Emmy Award-winning visual experience platform, the industry’s most advanced and integrated virtual workflow. Three Disguise VX 4+ media servers were chosen for their unmatched playback performance and flexibility to power content of any size, format and complexity, giving WWE the creative freedom to deliver next-generation storytelling.
The installation was supported by the collaborative efforts of Rogue Productions, Atlanta Rigging Systems and StYpe Tracking Systems.
“We are thrilled to unveil The Studios at WWE, a leap forward in production capacity and technological innovation. This facility will help set a new benchmark for WWE production,” said Joe Solari, Vice President of Studio Operations, WWE.
“WWE and Sony have a long history and passion for innovation, and The Studios at WWE forward-thinking technology is the latest example,” said John Studdert, Vice President, Imaging Solutions Sales, Sony Electronics. “When WWE presented its creative vision for a new production facility, we knew our versatile cinematic ecosystem would provide a visually impressive and integrated solution for virtual production. Our technologies help the organization stand out and create new forms of entertainment, engagement and immersion. As we jointly launch the first Crystal LED VERONA volume in the United States, we look forward to achieving many more milestones together.
“When we began talking with WWE about their uncompromising ambitions for their new studios, we quickly realized we had the opportunity to bring together a great team and be part of a truly unique project. Since the initial discussions through to final execution, this state-of-the-art facility sets a new standard for production excellence and is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation and expertise are harnessed at the highest level,” said Dawn Terranova, AbelCine Executive Director of Business Development.
“WWE has always been about pushing the boundaries of entertainment, and now with the integration of virtual production, their limitless creativity will reach a whole new level. We can’t wait to see how WWE leverages the latest cutting-edge technology to deliver even more breathtaking moments and unforgettable experiences to fans around the world – and we’re thrilled to be a part of it,” says Nick Rivero, co-founder of Meptik.
The capabilities of WWE Studios will be on display at the 2024 NAB Show beginning Sunday, April 14 in Las Vegas. WWE will partner with Sony Electronics, AbelCine and Meptik on various interactive exhibits to showcase production facilities at the event venue and participate in production-focused virtual expert panels with executives from each company, including included a Sony-sponsored panel with all four companies. 3:00 p.m. PT, Monday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 16 at the Sony booth (C8201).