Pier59 Studios is excited to share an incredible project we had the privilege to work on – Vogue's September cover story, featuring Blake Lively, Hugh Jackman, and photographed by the visionary director Baz Luhrmann. This shoot, captured entirely on our LED MegaWall, represents a major milestone for virtual production as a technique for still photography.
A Cinematic Heist in 1950s Monaco
In just one shooting day, we brought Baz's vision of a mid-century Monaco to life, with ten stunning locations recreated on our NYC virtual production stage. Deploying our state-of-the-art LED volume, we were able to instantly transport the cast and crew to far-flung locations, from a luxurious casino to a charming sidewalk cafe. This project is a perfect example of how virtual production can enhance the art of storytelling greatly reducing the time, distance, and cost of shooting.
Transforming Our NYC Studio
By combining high-resolution backdrops and advanced content mapping, we transformed our studio into diverse locations that would otherwise be impossible to reach in a single day. As Baz Luhrmann put it, "We’re in Monte Carlo, we’re in a period, we’re going to all around locations we could never get to if we had to do it without the power of the [LED] Volume.”
Virtual Production for Photography
While virtual production is often used for motion campaigns, this shoot proved it’s just as powerful for still photography. "The September issue of Vogue is the gold standard for fashion photography,” said Steve Baum, Pier59 Studios Chief Innovation Officer. “Hosting such a significant stills production with Baz at the helm showcases the incredible potential of virtual production for high-resolution photography."
Alterations on the Day
During the shoot, we rendered the backgrounds in layers, giving us the flexibility to adjust elements like scale, color, and brightness on the fly. This allowed us to create the perfect illusion, blending physical and digital elements seamlessly.
Selling the Illusion
The series' concluding image deploys a "soft blend" - seamlessly merging the practical floor into the digital world. At this angle, the physical and digital cobblestones are indistinguishable.
What's Next?
With the success of our Megawall LED Volume,we have just completed the installation of our second LED environment, now available for bookings. This new 1.9mm 12’x20’ wall is perfect for product shoots, ecommerce and social media productions. Whether you're planning a stills shoot or a motion project, our team is ready to help you bring your vision to life.