Television City, Orbital Studios open virtual production studio in L.A.’s Fairfax District
Television City and Orbital Studios are opening a virtual production studio in L.A.’s Fairfax District, using LED screens for real-time filming instead of green screens. This shift reduces costs, spee
Television City and Orbital Studios have officially joined forces to launch a state-of-the-art virtual production facility in Los Angeles’ vibrant Fai
Read Full Story at Variety →Why This Matters
The partnership between Television City and Orbital Studios marks a pivotal moment in L.A.’s entertainment ecosystem, signaling that virtual production is no longer a niche experiment but a mainstream necessity. For a city still grappling with the lingering effects of strikes and production delays, this studio could serve as a blueprint for how legacy infrastructure can adapt to the digital age without sacrificing the tactile magic of physical sets.
Background Context
Los Angeles’ Fairfax District has long been a hub for creative and cultural production, but its identity has historically been tied to traditional film and television. Meanwhile, Orbital Studios has quietly built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of LED volume technology, having worked with studios like Netflix on high-profile projects that blurred the line between physical and digital filmmaking.
What Happens Next
Expect a domino effect: if this venture succeeds, competitors like Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures may accelerate plans for their own virtual production hubs in the area. The real test will be whether the Fairfax District’s infrastructure—from power grids to permitting processes—can handle the increased demand for LED stages. Local policymakers will also need to weigh the environmental trade-offs of energy-intensive virtual sets versus the carbon footprint of traditional shoots.
Bigger Picture
This collaboration reflects a broader shift in Hollywood’s playbook, where virtual production isn’t just about cost-cutting—it’s about reclaiming creative control in an era of rising budgets and global competition. The Fairfax District’s move could redefine how L.A. positions itself not just as a filming location, but as a laboratory for the future of storytelling.
