Virtual production company Dark Slope has inked a strategic partnership agreement with SideFX Software to boost the launch of an advanced virtual production smart stage in Toronto.

Under the agreement, SideFX Software is making “substantial” material investment towards the launch of the virtual production smart stage, according to a spokesperson for Dark Slope. The smart stage is set to open in Spring.

The smart stage will consist of a 75′ LED volume, equipped with feature-film grade hardware and an AI-enabled pipeline. The stage builds on Dark Slope’s technology, production, and storytelling expertise, and is “designed to bring efficiencies to television, film, and commercial producers.”

Dark Slope’s portfolio of virtual production-based collaborations includes work with Marblemedia, Aircraft Pictures, Insight Productions and Nickelodeon.

Raja Khanna, co-founder and executive chair at Dark Slope said in a statement that the partnership will “bring the broader content industries new ways to create engaging, entertaining media using the latest virtual production and in-camera VFX techniques.”

Kim Davidson, president and CEO at SideFX added that the agreement “is a strategic step to advance the future of virtual production.”

Image courtesy of Dark Slope