Studio Babelsberg, together with Brandenburg’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Energy, Climate Protection, and European Affairs, Martina Klement, has opened two new stages for hybrid film production. The Studio Babelsberg LEDCave combines real-time filming with cloud technologies and generative AI. The Studio Babelsberg “Grey Stage” complements conventional shooting with green screen, motion capture, and scanning. Both stages are located in the fx.center Babelsberg on the studio lot.
Studio Babelsberg operates the LEDCave in collaboration with LEDCave by Rent Event Tec GmbH, which is also responsible for its technical operation. The stage, which covers 365 m², features an LED volume measuring 15 meters in length and five meters in height, two mobile LED walls (LED Rovers) and a movable LED ceiling. Digital backdrops adapt to camera movements in real time. Actors, directors, and camera operators can already see the virtual world on set; visual effects are created directly in-camera (in-camera VFX). Cloud technologies and generative AI support the development and customization of digital locations. This expands creative possibilities and can reduce the need for location changes, set modifications, and post-production.
Studio Babelsberg’s new “Grey Stage” is a flexibly configurable filming environment that combines traditional film production with green screen, motion capture, and 3D/4D scanning. In the “Grey Stage,” actors’ movements, as well as props and sets, can be digitally captured. The footage can then be further enhanced with visual effects, virtual sets, or AI-supported processes. Filmmakers determine which technology to use based on the requirements of each scene.
Martina Klement, Minister of Economic Affairs, Energy, Climate Protection, and European Affairs for the State of Brandenburg:
“With the two new high-tech stages, Studio Babelsberg impressively demonstrates how innovation and creativity come together at the Babelsberg film hub. New technologies open up new possibilities for filmmakers and make productions more flexible and efficient. This boosts Studio Babelsberg’s international competitiveness and underscores Babelsberg’s importance as an innovative media hub—far beyond the borders of Brandenburg.”
Eike Wolf, Director Studio Operations and Member of the Management Board, Studio Babelsberg AG:
“We are transforming Studio Babelsberg into a high-tech campus that combines the craft of filmmaking with new technologies. LEDCave and Grey Stage offer filmmakers greater creative freedom—from real-time shooting to the digital capture of people and environments. In doing so, we are investing in the future of filmmaking and laying the groundwork to continue attracting ambitious German and international content productions to Babelsberg in the years to come.”
Katja Köstler, Studio Manager at LEDCave:
“In Studio Babelsberg, we have found a partner that fully shares our enthusiasm. The LEDCave team looks forward to working with creative professionals to bring its vision of innovative moving-image production to life and establish it in Babelsberg.”
The Studio Babelsberg LEDCave and the “Grey Stage” complement each other and form the foundation for a flexible infrastructure: Their capture, tracking, and digital production systems can eventually be deployed in Studio Babelsberg’s 19 other sound stages. The creative decisions of the filmmakers remain at the center. New tools are intended to expand their possibilities and make productions more efficient. For AI-supported processes, clear requirements apply regarding consent, usage rights and compliance with applicable European regulations.
About Studio Babelsberg, part of Cinespace Studios
Founded in 1912, Studio Babelsberg is the oldest large-scale studio complex in the world and the birthplace of German cinema. Today, Studio Babelsberg is one of Europe’s leading production hubs for film, television, and streaming. With 21 state-of-the-art sound stages, various backlots and exterior sets on a 42-acre lot, Europe’s largest prop shop, a first-class set construction department, unique production services and internationally experienced crews, the studio offers ideal conditions for any production need. Studio Babelsberg is home to acclaimed international productions that include INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL, UNCHARTED, JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 and THE HUNGER GAMES franchise.
Since 2022, Studio Babelsberg has been part of Cinespace Studios, a global platform of premium film and television soundstages, operating in major production centers across North America and Europe. With more than 4.3 million square feet of space and 116 active stages, Cinespace is dedicated to delivering best-in-class infrastructure, service, and long-term partnership to the creative community.
About LEDCave
LEDCave by Rent Event Tec GmbH specializes in virtual production: With studios at multiple locations in Germany and Austria and mobile LED systems tailored to specific needs, LEDCave has been offering filmmakers and moving-image producers a versatile tool since 2019 for the creative and efficient production of their projects in the fields of film, advertising, and live events.
From left to right: Jörg Bachmaier (CEO Studio Babelsberg), Katja Köstler (Studio Manager LEDCave), Martina Klement (Minister of Economics, Energy, Climate Protection, and European Affairs for the State of Brandenburg) and Eike Wolf (Director Studio Operations Studio Babelsberg) at the opening of Studio Babelsberg’s LEDCave in Babelsberg (Photo: Sebastian Gabsch for Studio Babelsberg)
