Based in Oklahoma City, XR Filmhouse is a cutting-edge virtual production studio specializing in immersive environments and real-time in-camera VFX.
Can you tell us how and why you started your business?
We felt a desire to restructure our studio production during the pandemic. With the rise of popularity of “The Mandalorian,” virtual production felt like an opportunity to combine all of the elements our team was proficient at (VFX, Animation, Cinematography) into one service. We took the dive in 2021 and haven’t looked back.
What services do you provide within the film/music industry?
We provide comprehensive in-house virtual production services, including Virtual Production (ICVFX), Virtual Location Scouting, Environment Design & Build, Chroma Tracking, Immersive Event Environments, Automotive Process Visualization, as well as Art Department & Set Design.
How has your company grown to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s film and/or music industries over the last 3-5 years?
One mindset we’ve always strived to uphold is to discover what works in each project we tackled and what needs improvement. We want each production to be three steps ahead of our prior. We’ve invested in high-end LED panel technology and Unreal Engine-driven workflows to create immersive virtual environments, cutting project schedules and providing year-round production flexibility. Our studio has attracted a growing number of filmmakers eager to leverage our tools without leaving the state.
What are the benefits of basing your company’s operations in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s film incentives are among the best in the country, and when paired with our Virtual Production process, out-of-state productions can take full advantage of these benefits without needing to shoot on location. Our facility allows filmmakers to bring “any location in or out of this world” to Oklahoma, saving time, budget and travel.
What would you consider your business’s greatest accomplishment to date?
Our greatest accomplishment is completing our first full-length feature film entirely within our virtual production volume. The film leveraged innovative techniques such as movable trench sets, real-time in-camera effects and dynamic lighting control all within a controlled indoor environment.
Are there any recent successes your company would like to highlight related to work within the Oklahoma film and music industries?
We are proud to have partnered with many local Oklahoma businesses to assist with their virtual production needs. We are especially proud of our collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse for their fentanyl abuse awareness campaign.
What are you working on now/next?
We are currently in post-production on our first feature film shot entirely using our in-house virtual production volume. The film blends war and horror elements and showcases what’s possible with minimal location changes and a maximum focus on creative storytelling.
What is your goal/vision for the future of your company?
One of our main goals at XR Filmhouse is to educate as many Oklahoman creatives as possible about the virtual production process. We have no limits for ourselves and envision ourselves constantly providing virtual production to our neighbors as well as bringing work to our state as well. After wrapping up shooting of the first feature length film shot in our studio we are excited to partner with other Oklahomans to create many more films.
What advice do you have for others who are considering starting a film or music business in Oklahoma?
There’s a spot for everyone. Find your niche and surround yourself with other people as passionate as yourself and the work will do itself. The foundation won’t lay itself, we as Oklahomans should work together to build a community we are proud to call home.
What opportunities do you believe await Oklahoma’s film/music industry in the future?
We believe that Oklahoma has the potential to become a hub for future film production providing many opportunities for creatives of every facet of the film industry. With competitive incentives, a growing base of talent and the rise of virtual production, the state is increasingly appealing to both independent filmmakers and large-scale productions. We are honored to be a part of the growth of the film industry in Oklahoma as we become a competitor for leading other states.
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.
