From our “infinity stage” in Barracas, Cacodelphia Studios, the first studio in Latin America to implement Virtual Production, took part in a unique experience: recreating an apocalyptic Buenos Aires in real time.
Together with Netflix, K&S Films, and Ricardo Darín, we implemented cutting-edge technology to support one of the most ambitious productions in local cinema.
An Argentine classic with technology of the future
When production of El Eternauta began, the iconic story of a deadly snowfall covering Buenos Aires, we knew we were facing a challenge as technical as it was narrative. On our end, we joined a comprehensive strategy led by Netflix and K&S Films that combined real locations in the City of Buenos Aires with more than 25 digital environments.
For the studio scenes, we built an “infinity stage” over ten meters long, surrounded by high-definition curved LED screens. In that dynamic environment, we projected in real time streets covered with toxic snow, stormy skies, and desolate avenues, making the set feel like part of the story.
This system allowed us, among other things, to:
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- Adjust the density and speed of the snowfall instantly.
- Change the sun’s position or the light’s tone without interrupting the scene.
- Extend avenues or add virtual urban elements with a single click.
Thus, director Bruno Stagnaro was able to preview each take exactly as it will appear on screen, optimizing shooting schedules and reducing post-production work.
Pioneers in Virtual Production in Latin America
Cacodelphia Studios takes pride in being the first studio in the region to implement Virtual Production in a production of this scale. On this occasion, we collaborated closely with the production’s creative and technical teams to integrate this technology seamlessly, combining creativity, precision, and coordination in every day of shooting.
The benefits achieved were:
- Total immersion of the cast and creative team: everyone could see the final result as we filmed.
- Optimization of resources and time: we eliminated extensive travel and the construction of outdoor physical sets.
- Sustainability: we centralized the shoot in our studio, reducing our carbon footprint by avoiding long commutes and external setups.
Filming from within the story: our experience on set
Para Ricardo Darín, vivir el rodaje significó una revelación. Él mismo lo dijo tras sus primeras jornadas: “Trabajamos con unas pantallas que yo jamás había visto en mi vida. Mirá que he hecho muchas cosas, pero esto… esto fue otra cosa. Vos estás dentro del contexto, lo vivís, lo sentís. Es asombroso. Realmente asombroso”
Carla Peterson, César Troncoso y Andrea Pietra coincidieron en que esta forma de filmar es prácticamente “cine en vivo”. Actuar rodeados de pantallas que reaccionan en tiempo real potenció sus interpretaciones y fortaleció la conexión con el universo de Oesterheld.
Sin embargo, esta inmersión también implicó desafíos técnicos. Coordinar la tecnología con el ritmo del rodaje exigió precisión y adaptación constante por parte de todos los equipos. Ricardo admitió que fue uno de los rodajes más demandantes de su carrera, tanto por la exigencia física de las escenas de acción como por la coordinación de los múltiples departamentos.
Ricardo Darín and his experience with virtual production at Cacodelphia
Netflix bets on innovation and the world is watching us.
Netflix trusted our infrastructure and methodologies to the point of using preliminary footage from El Eternauta as a reference for other global production teams. This trust underscores the potential of the Argentine industry when equipped with cutting-edge technology.
Como dijo Ricardo Darín: “I believe this could mark a before and after. Netflix betting on Argentina like this proves that productions of this level can be made here.”
With the global premiere set for April 30, El Eternauta not only revives a national classic but also projects Argentine cinema into the future. At Cacodelphia, we are proud of every digital snowflake and every alien sky that came to life here.
