5 July, 2025

United Illusions Studio Elevates Central Europe’s Film Scene with ROE Visual LED Technology

ROE Visual has announced a significant partnership with United Illusions Studio, Central Europe’s first ARRI-accredited virtual production facility located in Hungary. The studio has chosen ROE Visual’s Black Pearl BP2V2 LED panels to power its newly launched LED volume, marking a pivotal development for Hungary and the broader Central European region as a burgeoning hub for next-generation film and television production.

Situated just 20 minutes from Budapest’s city center, United Illusions offers one of the largest virtual production studio complexes in Europe. This facility is purpose-built to meet the evolving needs of international filmmakers, producers, and creatives. As part of the Visual Europe Group (VEG), the studio leverages a legacy of expertise in professional AV, lighting, and broadcast solutions. This project signifies VEG’s bold leap into the future of filmmaking, integrating cutting-edge visual technology, sustainable operations, and international production standards under one roof.

State-of-the-Art LED Volume

The heart of United Illusions Studio is its LED volume, constructed entirely with ROE Visual’s acclaimed Black Pearl 2V2 panels. The volume features a 28-meter-wide curved main wall, a tiltable and height-adjustable LED ceiling, and a 4x4m mobile wild wall, all designed for maximum flexibility. The curved wall measures 28 m x 6 m, with a pixel count of 9856 x 2112; the LED ceiling measures 5.5 m x 5.5 m, with a pixel count of 1936 x 1936; and the wild walls measure 4 m x 4 m, with a pixel count of 1408 x 1408. This setup offers a pixel-perfect digital backdrop that meets the most demanding requirements of modern virtual production, whether for a Hollywood feature, a global TV franchise, or a high-end commercial.

“We are thrilled to support United Illusions in building Central Europe’s first ARRI-accredited VP stage,” says Olaf Sperwer, Business Development Virtual Production for ROE Visual. “The Black Pearl 2V2 panels are widely regarded as the gold standard in virtual production, offering unparalleled color accuracy, high refresh rates, and mechanical robustness.”

Strategic and Creative Decisions

For United Illusions, the decision to collaborate with ROE Visual was both strategic and creative. According to Zoltán Simon, Managing Director of United Illusions Studio, the choice was driven by a clear ambition to establish one of the best-equipped VP studios globally.

“From day one, our mission was to develop a studio that sets a new benchmark for quality in virtual production,” says Simon. “We chose ROE Visual because their products consistently deliver the performance and reliability needed for high-end cinematic production.”

In addition to ROE Visual’s LED infrastructure, the studio integrates an ecosystem of advanced technology, including ARRI Alexa 35 cameras, ARRI Signature Zoom lenses, StYpe’s RedSpy 4.0 camera tracking, and a comprehensive ARRI lighting package featuring 48 SkyPanels and 10 Orbiters, all controlled via GrandMA3. These elements work in perfect harmony to create a synchronized virtual production workflow fully aligned with ARRI’s standards for color management, camera metadata, and lighting integration.

Accreditation and Educational Initiatives

The studio’s achievements have been recognized with ARRI Stage Accreditation, a distinction awarded to only a select few facilities worldwide. To earn this status, United Illusions underwent a rigorous evaluation process and implemented extensive ARRI training for its operational team. This ensures the facility can consistently deliver high-quality virtual production outputs.

Beyond technical excellence, United Illusions aims to foster community and education. The studio plans to host workshops in collaboration with one of Central Europe’s leading universities to train both emerging talent and seasoned professionals in VP workflows.

“Filmmakers need to understand this technology to use it effectively,” Simon notes. “Our goal is to demystify virtual production and make it more accessible, both locally and internationally.”

Commitment to Sustainability

United Illusions also stands out for its commitment to sustainability. The studio operates entirely on green energy supplied by 500 kW of solar panels, utilizes electric vehicles for transportation, and has been designed for optimal energy efficiency throughout. This aligns with a growing industry trend of using virtual production to reduce the environmental impact of traditional on-location filming.

The studio complex features three fully equipped sound stages: one 900 m2 stage with an LED volume and two additional 450 m2 stages for auxiliary or standalone productions. Each stage features a steel rigging grid, high-capacity server rooms, and full backstage amenities, including dressing rooms, production offices, and VIP lounges. Clients can oversee shoots from private skyboxes with panoramic views into the volume, blending technical function with hospitality.

Hungary remains one of the most attractive production locations in Europe, not only for its skilled crews and historic filmmaking culture but also due to its generous tax rebate system. Combined with the strategic location of United Illusions near Budapest International Airport, this makes the studio a top-tier choice for productions looking to maximize both quality and value.

“Virtual production is transforming the way stories are told,” adds Olaf Sperwer. “And facilities like United Illusions are leading the charge, offering filmmakers an unprecedented blend of creative control, technical sophistication, and sustainable practice. We’re proud to be part of that journey.”

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