Inside TOEI’s virtual production studio

Japan’s largest virtual production studio uses Disguise, including ICVFX, xR and projection mapping, to produce cutting-edge content. 

TOEI Company, Ltd. is one of the leading Japanese film companies, with subsidiaries TOEI Animation, TOEI Television Productions and TOEI Lab-Tech all dedicated to developing state-of-the-art video technology, including TOEI’s Zukun Laboratory. One of their latest projects involves the construction of the TOEI VP Studio in their Tokyo Studio—the first independently operated film company in Japan. 

As of recently, TOEI started researching and investing in virtual production as a method of production. “In 2022 we established a Virtual Production Department specialising in virtual production, and built this large LED wall studio at our Tokyo studios.” commented Junichi Higuchi, VP producer, TOEI Tokyo Studios. 

TOEI’s studio, the largest in Japan, features a large curved LED wall, 5m high and 30m wide with a 1.56mm pitch, and high-density LED panels of 19,200 x 3,200 pixels, 12 m in diameter and 270° curved surface. It also features a large LED ceiling (3.75 mm pitch) for highly flexible and natural lighting effects. This also creates an  environment completely enclosed by the ceiling and 270° LEDs, with realistic reflections on surfaces.

“Disguise supports various styles of virtual production, including ICVFX, xR and projection mapping. 2D material can also be used flexibly alongside CG assets and can be combined with CG engines. We chose Disguise's system, including OmniCal, because we had high expectations in terms of  realising a variety of productions and various R&D." said Higuchi. “Regarding the material for the LED wall, we used CG backgrounds created in Unreal Engine and 2D backgrounds like videos and still images.” 

While many different types of filming take place in TOEI studios such as films, TV series and commercials, the team is also looking to expand its presence in virtual production. “TOEI aims to become the platform for virtual production, which includes investing in the right technical know-how,” adds Higuchi. “We will continue to take a variety of approaches to R&D, including collaborations with other Kyoto Studios and group companies.”

As Japan's largest virtual production studio, TOEI consistently pushes the boundaries of technology to create exceptional content. With high expectations to meet, TOEI embraces new challenges to ensure it remains at the forefront of innovation and continues delivering industry-leading productions.