A new virtual production studio built by Alfalite and Broadcast Digital Service (BDS) is now operational at the ITS Apulia Foundation’s Apulia Digital Lab, located at the Fiera del Levante in Bari.
The facility, one of the most advanced digital production environments in Southern Europe, was developed as part of a broader initiative to support cultural industries, entertainment and ICT. It features Alfalite’s Virtual Production XR (VP XR) solutions and was fully integrated by BDS, which handled system supply and commissioning.
At the heart of the studio is a 48-square-meter curved LED volume built with Alfalite Modularpix Pro 1.9 ORIM VP XR panels, along with a 10-square-meter LedSky ModularPix Pro 3.9 HB ceiling. The LED system is paired with a RED camera, MOSYS camera tracking, MOVELLA motion capture, and Unreal Engine 5 for real-time rendering. Together, these technologies create a fully immersive environment for extended reality, VFX and virtual set production.
“This project is a clear demonstration of how LED technology can empower education, creativity and innovation,” said Silvia C. Natal, international sales manager at Alfalite. “We’re proud that our Modularpix Pro LED panels were selected for such a visionary initiative, which brings virtual production within the reach of students and professionals alike.”
Sacha Virgilio, general manager of BDS, said the installation is “a major milestone for the virtual production ecosystem in Italy,” citing the image quality, reliability and flexibility of the Modularpix Pro panels.
The project is part of an €8 million investment by the ITS Apulia Foundation into digital infrastructure, including AI computing clusters, cybersecurity labs and advanced audiovisual environments. The Apulia Academy’s training model is closely tied to industry needs and has an employment rate approaching 87%.
“We believe this kind of studio, powered by robust and reliable LED technology, will set a new benchmark for vocational training and virtual content creation in Europe,” Natal said.
The VP XR studio will be used for film, television, advertising, animation and immersive media projects, while also helping develop new digital skills in the region.
The Modularpix Pro panels feature Alfalite’s Optical Resin Injection Module (ORIM) technology, which improves module precision, impact and liquid resistance, thermal dissipation and overall durability. The panels are UL94 certified and designed for quick repairs, minimal deterioration and easy cleaning.