We collaborated on the creation of Copain, a groundbreaking collaborative virtual production project uniting Grangé Studio, Cinelande, Float 4, and TransQuébec AudioVisuel. Directed by Didier Charette, the short film was entirely shot in front of giant LED screens, combining technological innovation with a touching narrative.
The story follows a young boy and his imaginary companion as they travel through digitally created worlds developed by the STARNO team. From Mars to a World War II minefield, and even a banana in the trees, each environment was specifically crafted to immerse the audience in imaginative settings.
This project pushed the limits of our comfort zones, using Unreal Engine to build real-time digital environments that respond dynamically to camera movement. By integrating live-action performances with digital worlds, we achieved an innovative virtual production workflow rarely seen in Montreal.
The collaboration highlights our expertise in virtual production, digital set design, visual storytelling, and real-time 3D rendering. Through this project, we demonstrated how immersive technology can enhance storytelling, creating a unique cinematic experience that blends creativity and cutting-edge innovation.
Copain stands as a testament to the power of teamwork and the possibilities of combining art and technology in modern filmmaking.
Copain is an innovative short film project that explores the creative frontiers of virtual production, a filmmaking technique that integrates real-time digital environments with live-action performance. The film was produced collaboratively by Grangé Studio, Cinelande, Float 4, and TransQuébec AudioVisuel — four Montreal‑based studios combining expertise in visual storytelling, technology, and immersive media.
Led by director Didier Charette, Copain was shot entirely in front of giant LED screens, allowing digital environments to be rendered in real time and captured directly in‑camera. This approach blurs the line between physical and virtual sets, enabling actors to perform within fully immersive worlds rather than against traditional green screens. Such real‑time workflows have become a cornerstone of modern cinema and television production, making complex visual environments more flexible and creatively accessible. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The narrative revolves around a young boy and his imaginary friend as they journey through a series of fantastical digital landscapes created specifically for this project. From surreal representations of distant planets to evocative historical and natural scenes, each world was crafted using leading real‑time rendering tools and Unreal Engine pipelines, reflecting Montreal’s growing role as a hub for cutting‑edge virtual production work. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The collaborative structure of *Copain* highlights the strength of combining technical innovation with emotional storytelling. Grangé Studio’s leadership in real‑time production workflows, Cinelande’s cinematic direction, Float 4’s immersive design expertise, and TransQuébec AudioVisuel’s audio excellence resulted in a production that pushes artistic boundaries. The project demonstrates how virtual production can support compelling narrative cinema while expanding what is possible for independent filmmakers in Quebec and beyond. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Philippe Savoie Lemay, Frédéric St-Arnaud, Clementine Flicker Rodriguez, Caty Delaturantaye, Melanie Carignan
Les Studios Grandé
Short Film / Virtual Production / Digital Storytelling