A Dark Debut
HBO’s “The Penguin”, launched September 19, 2024, turned the film and TV world upside down with its virtual production chops. Starring Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot, this eight-episode series spun out of The Batman’s universe, racking up 5.3 million viewers in its first week and dominating news cycles with its bold tech-driven approach to Gotham’s seedy underbelly.
We built Gotham from the ground up in real time—it’s a game-changer for storytelling.
Craig Zobel, Director
3D Streets Come Alive
Led by showrunner Lauren LeFranc and shot at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden Studios, the production used Unreal Engine-powered LED walls to craft Gotham’s rain-soaked alleys and towering skyscrapers in real time. Entire 3D cityscapes—built by VFX house ILM—wrapped around the cast, letting Farrell and Cristin Milioti act inside a living, breathing digital set. Director Craig Zobel told Variety (October 2024) it cut filming time by weeks, merging practical sets with virtual precision.
Headline Surge
The series didn’t just impress—it ignited chatter. The Hollywood Reporter dubbed it “virtual production’s gritty triumph,” while critics praised its seamless blend of 3D environments and raw storytelling. With 10.4 million viewers by episode three, its tech innovation—paired with Farrell’s Emmy-buzz performance—kept it trending into 2025, proving virtual production can steal the spotlight.
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