In a significant move that further cements Canada’s role as a global hub for visual effects and virtual production, Pixomondo (PXO) — the acclaimed VFX firm owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment — is preparing to unveil its latest technological milestone: a state-of-the-art LED volume stage in Langley, British Columbia, just outside Vancouver.
Scheduled to open on May 26, the new facility is the latest addition to PXO’s rapidly expanding global footprint, marking an exciting evolution in virtual production capabilities. Operated by PXO Clara, the division of Pixomondo dedicated exclusively to LED volume technology, the Langley stage represents a fusion of technical innovation, production flexibility, and cinematic ambition.
A New Chapter in Virtual Production
At the heart of the Langley facility is an expansive LED volume stage — 50 feet in diameter and 23 feet high, enveloped by a 14-foot-deep semicircle that immerses actors and physical set pieces in a fully controllable digital environment. This design isn’t just impressive in size; it reflects a profound shift in how modern film and television productions approach visual storytelling.
Unlike traditional green screen or post-production-heavy VFX pipelines, virtual production using LED volume stages allows filmmakers to create, manipulate, and film in complex, computer-generated environments in real time — directly on set. The result? In-camera visual effects (ICVFX) that look more realistic, perform better under natural lighting conditions, and reduce the reliance on extensive post-production.
Designed for Versatility and Speed
In addition to the central volume wall, the Langley stage is outfitted with two wild walls, each measuring 20 feet wide and 16.5 feet tall, mounted on a ground-hover system. These movable components allow for rapid repositioning, offering production crews a new level of agility during shoots. One particularly promising use case is vehicle scenes: by surrounding a physical car with dynamic digital backgrounds that can move and respond in real time, directors can achieve lifelike driving sequences without ever leaving the stage.
Another key innovation at the Langley facility is its LED ceiling, mounted on a sophisticated overhead gantry system. This system is engineered for rapid lighting transitions, allowing crews to simulate complex lighting environments — from a dusky sunset to the glare of midday sun — without time-consuming physical rigging.
Perhaps most excitingly, PXO is integrating its proprietary PXO AKIRA system into the new stage. AKIRA is a robotic camera crane platform combined with a suspension rig, capable of filming and synchronizing real-world motion with digital environments. The technology is particularly effective for action sequences involving moving vehicles, offering unparalleled realism and fluidity in camera movement.
A Global Vision, Realized in British Columbia
The Langley volume stage isn’t Pixomondo’s first foray into LED stages — the company already operates similar facilities in Toronto, Vancouver, Australia, and Los Angeles. But it is emblematic of a broader strategy by PXO and Sony Pictures Entertainment: to expand virtual production infrastructure around the world in a way that brings next-generation filmmaking tools directly to creators.
“With PXO LED Volumes currently operating in the U.S., Canada, Australia and beyond, we’re scaling our virtual production footprint around the world, empowering filmmakers to bring bold ideas to screen faster, smarter, and with fewer creative compromises,” said Christopher Cox, head of PXO Clara, in a statement. This global vision is rooted in a belief that virtual production is not a niche, but a fundamental shift in how content will be produced in the coming decade.
That belief is echoed by Jonny Slow, CEO of Pixomondo, who emphasized the practical and creative advantages of the Langley build. “It is an awesome showcase for what is possible to achieve by combining the best of Sony Electronics with PXO, and the fact that we have been able to build it in British Columbia is testament to the quality of crews and locations,” Slow said.
A Legacy of Innovation
Pixomondo’s name is synonymous with excellence in visual effects. With a portfolio that includes Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, Amazon’s The Boys, and Lionsgate’s John Wick: Chapter 4, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for high-concept, visually demanding productions. Its work on Game of Thrones — for which it won an Emmy Award — solidified its reputation as a pioneer in digital worldbuilding.
Now, by doubling down on real-time virtual production through LED volume stages, PXO is poised to redefine what’s possible in a production pipeline. This evolution isn’t just about technology — it’s about transforming how directors, cinematographers, and production designers collaborate.
Why It Matters
The arrival of PXO’s Langley volume stage carries implications well beyond the VFX community. For British Columbia, it reinforces the province’s status as a leading destination for international film and television production. With favorable tax incentives, world-class talent, and a history of hosting major studio shoots, Vancouver and its surrounding areas continue to attract ambitious projects — now backed by cutting-edge virtual production infrastructure.
For filmmakers, the expansion offers more options and fewer compromises. Scenes once limited by budget, logistics, or weather can now be filmed under controlled, repeatable conditions. Night shoots, exotic locations, car chases, or science-fiction landscapes — all become accessible without leaving the stage. And for studios, the potential for reduced post-production time and cost savings only strengthens the case for investment in this technology.
Looking Ahead
As more directors and studios lean into volume-based production, it’s clear that PXO is positioning itself as a central player in the future of filmmaking. The Langley stage isn’t just a facility — it’s a statement of intent. With Sony Pictures’ backing and PXO’s deep expertise in VFX and virtual environments, the new stage sets the stage — quite literally — for a new generation of storytelling.
Whether it’s a fantasy epic, a futuristic thriller, or a character-driven drama enhanced by subtle environmental effects, the Langley volume will allow creators to build immersive worlds in real-time, elevating the production process from concept to execution.
In an industry constantly evolving to meet audience expectations and technological advancements, Pixomondo’s Langley LED volume is not just a new stage — it’s the future, unfolding now.
