WWE launches state-of-the-art production facility in Stamford, Connecticut
Extended Reality
WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), today launched The Studios at WWE, a 30,040-square-foot, state-of-the-art production facility equipped with five studios, highlighted by a cutting-edge virtual production stage built in collaboration with AbelCine and Meptik and featuring the latest generation technology from Sony Electronics and Disguise.
Located within the recently constructed WWE headquarters in Stamford, Conn., The Studios at WWE is ideal in both size and function, with production technologies that will enable WWE to tell more dynamic stories and enhance its production quality, versatility and efficiency, and serve a broad spectrum of clientele across broadcast, film and production. The full-service production facility features wide-ranging amenities, including a Cyclorama, two production control rooms, two live audio rooms, robotic camera control, two playback rooms, editing suites, seven post-audio suites, two green rooms, dressing rooms and office space.
Beyond the best-in-class production offerings, The Studios at WWE is equipped with a purpose-built virtual production stage housed within Studio 3. Equipment and service provider AbelCine, who provided design and installation of camera and lighting for the studios, brought in virtual production specialists at Meptik who spearheaded the design, installation, and integration of the virtual production stage that is positioned to redefine audience engagement for WWE and clients alike. Meptik’s team of creative and technical experts boasts extensive experience in virtual production, having successfully integrated virtual production workflows for clients ranging from major broadcasters to educational facilities in the past.
WWE has always been about pushing the limits of entertainment, and now, with the integration of virtual production, their boundless creativity will reach a whole new level. We can't wait to see how WWE harnesses the latest cutting-edge technology to bring even more jaw-dropping moments and unforgettable experiences to fans everywhere – and we’re excited to be a part of it.
Co-founder, Meptik
The LED stage leverages Sony’s latest generation Crystal LED VERONA, a modular display that provides quality and efficiency to in-camera VFX applications, and two mobile LED carts that can be moved around the set. WWE is the first U.S. facility to install Crystal LED VERONA, implementing a total of 158 cabinets across its main wall and auxiliary carts.
"We're excited to unveil The Studios at WWE, a leap forward in production capability and technological innovation. This facility will help set a new benchmark for WWE production,” said Joe Solari, VP, Studio Operations, WWE.
The next-generation production stage is powered by the Emmy-award-winning visual experience platform Disguise, the industry’s most advanced and integrated virtual production workflow. Three Disguise VX 4+ media, three RX II servers, and RenderStream were chosen for their unrivaled playback performance and flexibility to power content of any size, format and complexity, providing WWE with the creative freedom to deliver next-generation storytelling.
Studio 3 will feature Sony’s Virtual Production Tool Set, which is designed to tackle common problems with virtual production and to support quality in-camera VFX, as well as Sony’s flagship full-frame digital cinema camera, VENICE 2. The combination of these products will allow WWE to leverage a color-accurate ecosystem to bring quality and efficiencies to their productions.
“WWE and Sony have a longstanding history and a passion for innovation, and the tech-forward The Studios at WWE is the latest example,” said John Studdert, Vice President, Imaging Solutions Sales, Sony Electronics. “When WWE outlined their creative vision for a new production facility, we knew our versatile cinematic ecosystem would provide a visually awe-inspiring and integrated solution for virtual production. Our technologies are helping the organization stand apart and create new forms of entertainment, engagement, and immersion. As we jointly launch the first Crystal LED VERONA volume in the U.S., we look forward to many more milestones together.”
The installation was supported by the collaborative efforts of Rogue Productions, Atlanta Rigging Systems, and StYpe tracking systems.
The capabilities of The Studios at WWE 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 the production facility on the event show floor and participate in virtual production-focused expert panels with executives from each company including a Sony-sponsored panel with all four companies at 3 p.m. PT, Monday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 16 on the Sony booth (C8201).