Content creators fuel Sony’s new production base in Japan

Sony is set to open its third Digital Media Production Centre, this time in Japan. This site will be a base for working with creators on advancing media production. The new space is located inside the Sony Group headquarters in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

The facility enables visitors to experience everything from the latest filmmaking equipment to virtual production shoots, XR-based spatial content creation, post-production and test screenings. By collaborating with existing centres in the US and the UK, the new location will also facilitate the mutual exchange of global production techniques.

Sony will equip DMPC Japan with the latest cinema cameras, lighting equipment, production studios, a virtual production studio, XR solutions and more. Designed as a collaborative space, it will bring together teams from around the world to refine workflows in one integrated facility.

The studios are fully equipped to meet diverse filming needs, housing CineAlta VENICE 2 and Cinema Line cameras, professional reference monitoring and grading environments, plus an in-camera VFX studio featuring Crystal LED VERONA. With spatial content solutions including XYN and motion capture technologies, DMPC Japan is geared to support end-to-end experimentation – from shoot to finishing.

Ahead of its official opening, the facility has already held a masterclass aimed at developing the talent of international cinematographers. Director of photography​ Oren Soffer served as an instructor and delivered highly practical, advanced training targeted at professionals. “I am very excited for the Japanese film community to now have access to such a facility to foster collaboration and educational opportunities for the current and next generation of filmmakers​,” says Soffer.

To put its virtual production ecosystem into practice, Sony collaborated with Barry Baz Idoine on the short film Cut to the Chase, validating new workflows at the Hollywood DMPC. This new facility in Japan will initially serve professional creators and will later expand to function as a base for fostering the next generation of creators, especially those involved in spatial content creation.

When Feed visited Sony and Norwich University’s virtual production studio, we saw how powerful hands-on collaboration can be. DMPC Japan builds on that approach, giving creators another dedicated space to experiment and push storytelling forward.

Find out more at sony.co.uk