2023.07.20
For Unprecedented Imaging Expressions—Heiwajima Stage, Nikon Creates’ Revolutionary Studio Proposes Next-Gen Imaging Contents
Nikon Creates Corporation(Nikon Creates) opened “Heiwajima Stage”, a filming complex, in
Heiwajima, Tokyo in October 2022.
A key advantage of this facility is that it can offer both volumetric video and virtual
production services.
Volumetric video is a technology that simultaneously captures the “3D data of people and
other objects” and “3D data of the motion” and converts them into digital data for
reproduction.
The volumetric video system, “POLYMOTION STAGE”, used by Nikon Creates consists of over 100
high-performance cameras that capture a full 360°view of the subject. This raw data can be
generated into “moving” high quality 3D video data. Not only can movements and facial
expressions be reproduced with remarkable realism, but also even minute changes of clothing
can be reproduced naturally.
The virtual production technology, “In-camera VFX”, used by Nikon Creates involves filming
actors or objects on a set while a 3D video background is displayed on a large LED
screen.
Background rendering can be adjusted in real time according to the camera’s direction and
lens angles, which allows for videography as realistic as that of outdoor locations.
Heiwajima Stage offers state-of-the-art equipment and technologies for both volumetric video
and virtual production.
“In March, we formed a business tie-up with Dis GOONie.inc, which operates a theater
company, and launched a project to build a theater in a virtual space for staging plays and
live performances in VR using high-quality 3D video data captured using the volumetric video
technology,” says Kazuhiro Hirano, Representative Director and President of Nikon Creates.
“The project attracted attention for the potential of virtual theater to not merely be used
as an alternative to conventional theater but to create unprecedented theatrical expressions
that are only possible in virtual space.”
According to Yusuke Takuma from the Imaging Solution Group, Heiwajima Stage is receiving
inquiries and orders not only from companies engaged in entertainment, video production, and
advertising, but also from a range of seemingly unrelated industries, such as manufacturing,
education, and sports.
“For example, we can offer sports training contents for the education industry. The
volumetric video technology captures athletes’ performance and converts it into 3D video
data, which can be used for checking the athlete’s posture from all angles for training
purposes. Our volumetric videos are capable of replicating target objects in great detail as
high-quality images.”
Contribution to carbon neutrality
Europe and the U.S. are currently leading volumetric video and virtual production in terms
both of technology and content markets. In Japan, there are few creators well experienced in
these technologies, and Nikon Creates is exploring new imaging expressions both within the
company and together with outside creators.
“I believe that the market for video production that incorporates these new methods will
grow rapidly,” says Mr. Takuma. “We would like to strengthen our capability both in
technology and operation so that we will be able to make a significant contribution.”
Mr. Hirano says that the company is also focusing on developing new creators to stimulate
the market.
“In addition to proposals by those who are already involved in video production, I
personally look forward to cooperating with younger people, who because of smartphones have
been familiar with imaging expressions since their early childhood, to create video contents
in an unconventional way,” he explains. “To this end, it may be a good idea, for example, to
open our facility to high school and university students and invite them to produce contents
with us. In fact, we are planning workshops to be conducted with some schools.”
As mentioned above, 3D imaging contents will be widely used for promoting products and
services and developing human resources, not only in the advertising and entertainment
industries but also in many others. The effective use of imaging contents will be crucial to
corporate activities going forward.
“People may think that Nikon Creates is a production company for Nikon Group companies,”
says Mr. Takuma. “However, we are open to projects in a variety of industries. For inquires,
feel free to contact us via our website.”
“In video production,” adds Mr. Hirano, “it has been pointed out that travel to locations,
and production and disposal of sets and props all generate CO2 emissions. Virtual
production has already attracted attention overseas as a way to achieve carbon neutrality,
since it enables various scenes to be shot in the studio, contributing to cost reductions,
power conservation and the reduction of waste. We hope to collaborate with various companies
and creators in delivering novel and unique imaging expressions.”
INTERVIEWEE
KAZUHIRO HIRANO
Representative Director and President, Nikon Creates Corporation
YUSUKE TAKUMA
Imaging Solution Group, Business Division
Nikon Creates Corporation
BW3-7 3F, TRC Building B, 6-1-1 Heiwajima, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Nikon Creates started operation in April 2022 as a new Nikon Group company
established with a mission to create new imaging value by evolving and diversifying
imaging possibilities. Having a production base in Heiwajima in the proximity of the
Haneda area, the company caters to video production needs in Japan and across the
world.