Expanding What's Possible

Shoot multiple locations in a single day, remove weather constraints, and shape environments in real time as creative decisions evolve. Forge gives you team full control over space, lighting, and time, while keeping the focus where it belongs: on making bold, ambitious work that endures.

A film crew operates a Dana Dolly on a virtual production LED stage

When Virtual Production Makes Sense

A Controlled Way to Shoot Complex Work

Charter approaches virtual production the same way we approach every tool—with intention. While we film on location around the world, certain projects call for greater control, whether that’s multiple environments, compressed timelines, or conditions that can’t be guaranteed in the field.

This approach is especially valuable for complex campaigns with shifting logistics, where efficiency and creative flexibility need to work together. Through Forge, Charter’s in-house virtual production studio, brands and agencies gain access to a fully controlled production environment that allows scenes to evolve in real time, reduces logistical friction, and keeps focus where it belongs: on the creative itself.

Shoot More in Less Time on a Controlled Stage

For Producers | For Agencies | For Brands

Virtual production combines physical cinematography with digital environments, allowing teams to create, adjust, and capture scenes in real time. Instead of being limited by location changes, weather, or complex resets, production happens within a single controlled space where creative decisions can move freely.

Forge is Charter’s in-house virtual production studio, built specifically for commercial and brand work. Every element—from infrastructure to on-set support—is designed to remove friction and expand what a production can achieve without slowing momentum.

The result is more time shaping the work and less time managing logistics. Decisions happen in the moment, ideas can be tested instantly, and production stays focused on what matters most: making ambitious work at the highest level.

Virtual production is especially powerful for projects that require multiple environments, controlled lighting conditions, repeatable setups, or accelerated timelines without compromising creative ambition.

A director walks across set in a virtual production stage

Turning Concepts into Controlled Shoots

We approach virtual production like every Charter shoot. The work we do up front creates clarity and alignment, allowing each stage of production to move with intention and momentum. At every step, we maximize the benefits of virtual production to increase efficiency, reduce logistical friction, and expand creative ambition.

Concepting

We determine if virtual production is the right approach for the concept, and where it can improve efficiency, increase control, and expand creative possibility.

Pre-Production

We build environments, plan camera movement, and align creative direction before the shoot, creating clarity so production can move smoothly and decisively on set.

Production

On set, environments, lighting, and scenes can be adjusted in real time, allowing teams to make decisions in the moment and get more out of every shoot day.

What Powers the Studio

Forge is built for real production demands, combining LED volume technology, real-time rendering, and on-set infrastructure for high-end commercial and branded production.

Explore the Equipment

LED Volume Walls

Two studio volumes support different production needs: Studio A features an 82’ curved LED wall and ceiling, while Studio B offers a more agile 25’ x 13’ setup.

A birds eye view overlooking a virtual production stage and film set

Camera & Grip Rentals

RED cameras, cinema lenses, lighting, grip, audio, and monitors are all available on-site.

A musician filming a music video in front of an LED wall in a virtual production studio

Pixel Precision

Studio A’s 1.9mm LED panels allow cameras to shoot as close as 2.5 meters without breaking the illusion.

A BMX biker does a trick in front of a virtual production stage LED wall

Unreal Engine

Real-time 3D environments respond live to camera movement, lighting, and on-set creative changes.

A view from the tech booth of a virtual production stage where a virtual production supervisor operates the LED wall from

Vū Studio

Quickly load, swap, and customize 2D environments, video plates, and AI-generated backgrounds.

Two red cinema cameras in front of an LED wall in a virtual production studio

Built for Real Production Teams

Forge isn’t just a studio space, it’s a full production ecosystem. From LED stages and control rooms to production offices and client spaces, every element is designed around how real shoots run—keeping crews focused and everything moving without friction.

See the Space

Green Room + Hair and Makeup

A private, comfortable space for talent prep and downtime, with dedicated areas for hair, makeup, wardrobe, and personal belongings.

Restrooms

Conveniently located restrooms accessible from both stages, designed to support smooth movement and uninterrupted production flow.

Brain Deck Containers

Dedicated container spaces for LED volume operation, lighting control and Unreal Engine integration, acting as a central command hub for Studio A.

Studio A

Our flagship stage, designed for larger builds and teams working on ambitious projects, with the space and support needed to plan, move, and capture at scale.

Workshop + Gear

A hands-on space for technical support, rigging adjustments, and quick solutions, stocked with essential tools and equipment to keep production moving.

Catering + Beverage

A dedicated zone for meals, snacks, and hydration, giving crews a reliable space to reset and refuel throughout the day.

Production Offices

Quiet, functional spaces for producers, coordinators, and clients to manage schedules, review scenes, and communicate while staying close to set.

Studio B

A streamlined stage for fast-moving shoots, giving leaner teams a simple, flexible environment that makes quick setups, resets, and approvals feel effortless.

Built for Production, Not Downtown Constraints

Located in Hanover Park, Forge Virtual Studios gives Charter clients access to a full-scale virtual production studio while avoiding the cost, congestion, and limitations of downtown Chicago. With easier access, ample space, and a production-first footprint, it’s built to support complex shoots from the moment crews arrive.

Film crew stands next to two RED cinema cameras in a virtual production studio in front of the LED wall

See If Virtual Production Fits Your Shoot

Schedule a Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Virtual production is still new territory for many teams. These are some of the questions Charter hears most often when helping clients decide if virtual production is the right fit for their project.

What is the relationship between Charter and Forge?

Forge is Charter’s in-house virtual production studio. That means our clients work with one integrated team from concept through production, with direct access to the technology, creative support, and technical expertise inside the studio.

What types of projects are a good fit for virtual production?

Virtual production is especially effective for commercials, branded content, interviews, product launches, automotive shoots, and projects that require multiple locations or highly controlled environments.

What if I have never worked with virtual production before?

You aren’t alone! That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process, explain what is possible, and help determine whether virtual production, a traditional shoot, or a combination of both is the right approach.

Is virtual production more expensive than a traditional shoot?

Not necessarily. While some productions require more upfront investment, virtual production can reduce costs tied to travel, weather delays, locations, set builds, and post-production.