France.tv Studio, the production subsidiary of France Télévisions, has enhanced its production capabilities with the installation of advanced LED video technology powered by Brompton LED processing. Part of the France 2030 initiative, this investment is set to revolutionize content production at its state-of-the-art V-Studio in Vendargues.
Originally built by Les Tontons Truqueurs (LTT), the studio became part of France.tv Studio when France Télévisions acquired the company. Supported by the Occitanie Region, the V-Studio has already gained significant industry recognition, winning the prestigious Trophée SATIS in the Production & Filming category at the SATIS 2024 Expo.
“The installation was a carefully considered decision,” says Pierre-Marie Boyé, Production Manager at Les Tontons Truqueurs, adding that the idea for the project dates back to 2019 with the release of The Mandalorian series by Disney. This approach resonated with the workflow Les Tontons Truqueurs had developed using a green screen for the daily series Un Si Grand Soleil, produced by France.tv Studio. The LED wall was envisioned as a complementary tool to the green screen and designed to address some of its limitations. Installed at the beginning of 2024, it has already been used by several producers for a variety of formats including dramas, documentaries and commercials.
“The installation was carried out by Alabama Media, with key contributions from Joel May and Christophe Catania,” continues Boyé. “Their expertise ensured seamless integration of the cutting-edge LED technology, creating a high-performance, flexible production environment.”
The V-Studio is a high-tech facility designed to be as versatile and modular as possible, supporting a wide range of productions including drama series, documentaries, commercials, and motion-capture filmmaking. Key to this transformation is the integration of four ABSEN LED walls, driven by three Brompton 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors, known for their outstanding color calibration and image fidelity. With features like pixel-perfect screen calibration, camera synchronization, and advanced color space management, the Tessera processors ensure the highest level of quality for both LED displays and filmed content.
The studio is built around a unique XR (Extended Reality) setup. The main screen measures 10m by 4m, flanked by two movable side panels (4m by 3m) and a large, adjustable ceiling measuring 8m by 4m. This flexible configuration allows for real-time 3D filming, motion-capture, and even vehicle sequences, all within a controlled environment.
“The versatility of the LED screens is a game changer,” explains Leo Pechon, VFX Supervisor and Set Manager at Les Tontons Truqueurs. “By combining green screen technology with the LED walls, we have an immersive production tool that goes beyond what traditional methods can achieve. The results are immediate and seamless, and it offers enormous creative potential for our productions.”
“It is a great honor to have participated in this premium installation in collaboration with our partner Albama Media,” says Eric Gillet, Business Development Manager at Absen. “Our Absen Polaris 2.5 Pro V10 solution perfectly met the expectations of the France Télévision client, with a refresh rate of 7680 Hz and a 1/8 drive mode – both perfectly suited to the prerequisites of the SX40 processor.”
The setup also includes two tracking solutions – a StarTracker system from Mo-Sys and a 20-camera Vicon Vero system, enabling precise motion capture and object tracking. With the addition of three APY rendering nodes powered by NVIDIA A6000 ADA Lovelace GPUs, the studio delivers high-performance rendering, facilitating a smooth, real-time production process.
France.tv Studio’s team has praised the Brompton LED processing for its ability to solve challenges specific to fictional productions. “With Brompton, we found our rhythm,” notes Boyé. “The Tessera software’s intuitive interface and colour-grading, console-like features give us the precision we need. It’s a real advantage when working with demanding fictional content, where every detail matters.”
“The issue of screen calibration and color rendition in the camera is fundamental for fiction,” agrees Laurent Theurin, Brompton’s Technical Sales Manager for France. “With the SX40, you’re guaranteed a camera that’s synchronized with the screen, with the ability to adjust its panels to the nearest pixel for the most faithful color rendition possible.”
Recent projects supported by V-Studio include the ongoing France.tv Studio drama Un Si Grand Soleil, as well as Les Disparues de la Gare, a new Disney+ series, and the upcoming A Priori, produced by Amsto. Additionally, the studio is assisting on several short films, including Trek Salama by Naoile Jouira and La Dernière Nuit du Papillon by Nadja Anane. These films would have been logistically impossible without the use of the studio’s cutting-edge technology, which allows filmmakers to create stunning, fully realised sets in a controlled studio environment.
“We are incredibly proud to have collaborated with France.tv Studio on this groundbreaking project,” Theurin concludes. “It’s been a pleasure working alongside such a forward-thinking team, and we’re thrilled to see our technology play a key role in their creative process. Winning the Trophée SATIS award is a testament to the outstanding work done at the studio and the successful collaboration between our teams. This recognition reinforces our commitment to supporting the industry’s most ambitious productions with the best in LED video processing.”
Further information about Brompton Technology: www.bromptontech.com
