Compass Rose, the New York–based production services collective known for its award-winning global campaigns, is officially stepping into the world of virtual production through a new partnership with Fantasy Studios—a cutting-edge LED stage facility located in Prague, Czech Republic. The collaboration positions Compass Rose to meet growing demand for high-end, cost-efficient, and creatively flexible production workflows at a time when traditional location shoots are increasingly burdened by logistical and economic challenges.

“We’re always looking for ways to expand our capabilities with tools that make our work better, more creative, and more cost-effective for our clients,” said Pavla Burgetova Callegari, founder and global executive producer of Compass Rose. “Virtual production is no longer just for sci-fi—it’s the future of content.”

Fantasy Studios features two versatile soundstages, state-of-the-art XR LED screens, motion capture, and a high-caliber technical team. It’s also located in one of Europe’s most production-savvy cities, with deep local crew talent and support from Stillking Films, Compass Rose’s longtime partner in the region.

For Compass Rose, which serves clients across advertising, branded content, and entertainment, the move into virtual production is a strategic leap forward—one that comes as the global production landscape increasingly pivots toward hybrid solutions that combine real-world shoots with real-time rendered environments.

“You can’t always get the cast, crew, or budget to shoot on a beach in three countries. Now, you don’t have to,” said Callegari. “Virtual production lets us recreate those worlds without compromising creative ambition.”

Inside the Dream Studio

Fantasy Studios has already proven itself on premium productions including Interview with the Vampire Season 2 and the upcoming feature Hallow Road, starring Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys, where the LED stage enabled a complex car sequence to be filmed as one continuous take—safely and seamlessly.

“Some locations just aren’t shootable due to budget, safety, season, or logistics,” said Lukas Skalnik, managing director of Fantasy Studios. “That’s where we come in: offering photoreal digital environments that expand what’s possible on set.”

Skalnik emphasizes that virtual production isn’t about replacing reality, but enhancing it. “We help productions blend physical and digital in a way that’s invisible to audiences—but invaluable to directors and crews.”

Fantasy’s unique edge lies in its parallel pipeline: a hybrid real-time motion capture workflow that enables live compositing of actors and virtual environments—no LED wall required. This innovation makes Fantasy Studios a strong fit for both live-action and animation, placing it among a small group of global facilities pushing the boundaries of in-camera visual effects.

“What sets us apart is our flexibility,” Skalnik said. “Whether you’re shooting a real actor in a 3D world or placing a mocap character next to them on an LED stage, we deliver results in real-time with full creative control.”

Built for Collaboration

The new partnership is also rooted in a shared philosophy between Compass Rose and Fantasy: early-stage creative collaboration. Both teams work hand-in-hand with directors, cinematographers, and VFX supervisors from the outset to design scenes that maximize the strengths—and cost efficiencies—of virtual production.

“We’re not afraid to say, ‘VP may not be right for this,’” Skalnik noted. “But when it is, we make sure every shot is built for success—creatively and technically.”

That collaborative approach has already paid dividends. For the motorcycle sequences in Interview with the Vampire, Fantasy’s LED stage delivered precision background sync, real-time camera tracking, and safe, controlled stunt conditions—all without sacrificing production value.

A Future-Proof Production Model

As the production world shifts toward hybrid filmmaking, Compass Rose sees its virtual partnership as a forward-facing solution for a fast-changing industry.

“We’re entering a future where physical and digital sets blend seamlessly—where real-time rendering and AI tools are built into every step of the workflow,” said Skalnik. “Virtual production will no longer be the exception. It’ll be the norm.”

With offices in New York and partners across Europe, Compass Rose is now uniquely positioned to offer a full suite of services—from traditional live-action shoots to advanced LED and mocap workflows—under one roof.

“Whether a scene takes place in Prague, Patagonia, or a photoreal world we build from scratch, our job is to deliver creative solutions that work for the project, the talent, and the budget,” said Callegari.

In a world where production demands are increasing and flexibility is king, Compass Rose and Fantasy Studios are betting big that virtual production is more than a trend—it’s the next frontier of storytelling.