Globo has unveiled the largest permanent virtual production studio in Latin America, marking a significant advancement for the television industry in the region. This studio, inaugurated on December 12 at Globo Studios located in Curicica, West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, spans over 1,500 square meters, integrating state-of-the-art technologies.
The new facility includes high-precision tracking cameras, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality, alongside expansive LED screens covering more than 300 square meters. This combination is set to transform the way stories are told on screen, with Globo executives emphasizing the limitless possibilities the studio provides.
"A inauguração desse estúdio vai nos abrir um caminho enorme de possibilidades. Ele junta o melhor da tecnologia com a nossa capacidade de reconstituir ambientes físicos, unindo talento humano e tecnologia para quebrar barreiras," stated Amauri Soares, Director of Estúdios Globo and TV Globo, during the inauguration.
This innovative approach is particularly timely as Globo is celebrating significant anniversaries—100 years of its newspaper O Globo, 60 years of TV Globo, and 30 years of Estúdios Globo. Soares emphasized the studio’s role in reuniting advanced technology with the art of storytelling, which has defined Globo's history.
Fernando Alonso, Director of Post-Production and Design at Globo, revealed the studio's development timeline: "Fomos para Los Angeles, fizemos alguns estudos, mas trouxemos a ideia para cá e fizemos do nosso jeito" (We went to Los Angeles, conducted some studies, but brought the idea back here and made it our own). The planning phase began approximately one and a half years ago, and substantial investments of 2 to 3 million reais were made to equate the capabilities of this facility with those of leading Hollywood studios.
Alonso detailed how the technology utilized within the studio is on par with productions such as Disney's series The Mandalorian, showcasing Globo's commitment to innovation. The aim is to create immersive experiences for viewers, which align with global standards.
One of the primary projects utilizing the new studio is the documentary titled 'The Century of Globo,' which chronicles the history of the publication across three distinct eras: the 1930s, 1960s/70s, and 1980s. Gian Carlo Bellotti, artistic director of the documentary, articulated the challenges his team faced. "Essa ferramenta é extremamente versátil. Nosso desafio foi recriar lugares que não existem mais, como a redação do O Globo em seus primeiros anos, usando apenas fotos de arquivo como referência" (This tool is extremely versatile. Our challenge was to recreate places no longer existing, such as O Globo's newsroom during its early years, using only archival photos as references).
The documentary aims to reproduce these environments with high realism, striving to evoke emotions as interviewees walk onto the set, which is entirely conceived and produced within Globo Studios.
Beyond these immediate projects, the vision for the future is expansive. Marcelo Bossoni, Director of Technology for Content at Globo, noted, "Essa tecnologia pode começar a fazer parte de outros estúdios de um formato completamente diferente" (This technology can begin to be part of other studios of completely different formats). The rapid evolution of technology means Globo can explore narratives and formats previously deemed unfeasible.
With the completion of this studio, Globo positions itself at the forefront of technological advancements in the Latin American television sector. By merging virtual capabilities with storytelling prowess, Globo not only continues its legacy of innovation but also paves the way for future explorations yet to come.
Overall, the inauguration of Globo's latest studio not only celebrates its rich history but also sets the stage for the next chapter of television production and storytelling, merging the best of technology with rich narrative experiences for audiences.
