SMASH Virtual Studios has become the go-to virtual production partner for NBC’s hit One Chicago franchise, changing how these shows shoot car process sequences. For the past two seasons, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. have leveraged SMASH’s cutting-edge LED virtual production technology to create safer, more efficient, and visually stunning driving and stunt scenes.
SMASH Virtual offers a 100-foot wraparound LED wall and a highly experienced virtual production team, which have helped the shows shoot everything from high-speed chases to emotional dialogue scenes, all within a controlled studio environment. This process alleviates unpredictable factors like weather, location availability, and safety risks, which are common with traditional vehicle scenes.
“Working with the One Chicago crews has been an absolute delight,” says Andy Jarosz, director of SMASH Virtual Studios. These shows are so integral to the Chicago film community, and having the opportunity to contribute to them is incredibly validating. We built this studio to empower the Chicago production industry, and it’s been very rewarding to see that dream come to life.”
The collaboration began during Season 11 of Chicago P.D., which featured a stunt-heavy car chase that was extremely difficult to schedule with traditional methods. SMASH’s team collaborated closely with the production to ensure perfect continuity between the practical stunts and the LED driving shots. Since then, SMASH has become a regular part of the workflow for both Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.
“The technology is obviously awesome, but our expert team is what delivers the realism these shows require,” Jarosz continues. “There is a big difference between an LED wall and a virtual production studio. Our decades of experience enable us to work very closely with the creatives to realize their vision, and confidently deliver cinema-quality visuals on a TV timeline.”
Their partnership is expected to continue as the One Chicago franchise moves forward with the recent announcement of renewed seasons by NBC.
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