A New Hybrid Virtual Production Workflow
A New Hybrid Virtual Production Workflow
At Cobalt, you know we’re always trying to figure out next-level cost-effective efficiencies 😉 We feel a “Hybrid” Virtual Production workflow, which combines different production methods, may be the answer. Small to medium budget projects and corporate content producers are under increasing pressure to create more-for-less with the current state of the film industry and economic issues, at large.
The origin of hybrid Virtual Production lies in the need to blend traditional and modern techniques to maximize efficiency and creativity.
Here’s the thing… Many people mistakenly use Virtual Production as a synonym for LED wall filming. In reality, Virtual Production can cover everything from LED walls to green screen, blue screen and much more.
So, when talking about Virtual Production, there is a misconception that its rise in popularity will mean that LED walls are going to take over from green screen production. Not true at all. They believe that huge LED volumes will be required to film what they need, when in fact, if you MIX smaller LED walls with green screen, then you don’t need a huge volume to shoot big projects, at all. With a Hybrid Virtual Production workflow, it can all be achieved within a relatively small space, without splashing out on big expensive volumes.
Hybrid Virtual Production Workflow
Virtual Production for small and mid-range budgets has been somewhat neglected in all the LED Virtual Production hype, yet these are the types of projects that would benefit the most from what it has to offer by increasing production value within the same budget. Virtual Production thrives on constraints. The moment you’re limited by budget or location, VP kicks in – and that’s where it gets highly efficient. It is a powerful tool which can enable production in seemingly far away and exotic locations, which would break most budgets.
For example, when filming with LED volumes, you need to bring set builders in to create a seamless joint between the real-world studio and virtual scene displayed on the LED wall, and then you can’t have natural shadows… That means your digital advantage of switching from one scene to the next for super fast production is now out the window. You have to build the floor for every different scene, which complicates things and is the opposite of what people expect with LED wall filming, which has a reputation for being more efficient.
This is why a lot of LED wall demos are actually done with sand as you can pour it out and move it quickly for easy set building. But we can’t just keep filming on beaches and deserts or far away planets… When people look back on work filmed in Virtual Production, I’ll bet they’ll know it was shot between 2021-2022 just by noting the sand used for the floor!
With green screen, on the other hand, you can film the floor as it’s part of the scene you want, along with the shadows cast, making it look more realistic. Easy freakin’ peasy.
Looking at the advantages and disadvantages of both styles of filming, it would make sense to use each for its benefits. That’s why we tend to like a Hybrid Virtual Production workflow which combines the two – filming on green screen for wide shots where you’ll need to film the floor, and then switching to LED volumes in the same studio for mid and close-up shots 🙂
LED walls work really well for this, particularly if your actor is wearing glasses or something reflective, which in green screen causes a green colour spill, (this can be removed by the more experienced Director of Photography like what our Alex Fernbach did for our latest NBC project). Green spill is much more forgiving in wide shots where you’re further away from the actors. In LED, it just reflects the scene spill around them which is more realistic.
So your actors are shooting on green screen, and once they move over to the LED wall in the same studio, someone can prepare the green screen and its foreground props for the next scene. It all just creates further efficiency on set and throughout production.
All these misconceptions and misunderstandings mean that there is some further education needed within this space. And that’s not surprising seeing as this is a fairly new way of filming. Not only that, it’s a completely new workflow, which through preparation and pre-production, drastically reduces post production and filming time. In fact, much of what has historically been considered “post work” is now done in PRE production and finished during actual production shoot days.
There is currently a knowledge gap in the industry between the experts in Virtual Production and the majority of filmmakers and producers who will be using it to create bigger and better work. But there is a hunger for it, and people are starting to get curious which is why we are holding a Woodstock Film Festival Filmmaker Meetup at COBALT WOODSTOCK this Saturday, Feb 8 from 3-5:30pm. Be one of the first to master this technology and help lead the way for a future of magical filmmaking. Reply to this email with an RSVP or with your email if you would like to be part of the Livestream. We hope to see you there!!
Want to learn more about Virtual Production and how to use it?
FAQs about “Cobalt on the Road” MOBILE Virtual Production.
It’s our MOBILE Virtual Production capability we bring to you anywhere, along with our top-flight crew and equipment. Check out: Virtual Production: Top 3 Things Every Producer Should Know.
So many line items can be slashed:
- Travel for talent and crew
- Location scouting, permits and fees
- Elaborate physical sets
- Weather days
See how “Cobalt on the Road” can bring you:
Our Virtual Stage frees your imagination to create 3D sets that wouldn’t be possible or financially feasible, otherwise. You can shoot anywhere from the bottom of the Ocean to Mars at an incredible level of detail. What’s more, nothing has to push to post, if you so choose. You can tinker with lighting, color, composites and visual effects in real-time as your talent interacts authentically with their environment. With “Cobalt on the Road” you can have this at YOUR doorstep.
Virtual Production Cobalt Stages was the 1st company to bring Virtual Sets to the East Coast in 2016. Our VP tools are fully integrated into a plug-and-play workstation that assures complete reliability, bullet proof performance for either final pixel compositing, or, with our 4-4k recorders, all conceivable elements for a traditional post finish.
Motion control We’ve been doing MoCo and precision playback for about 25 years… Wherever you are, you’ll continue to have convenient access to our comprehensive inventory of motion controlled equipment— the largest and most diverse on the East Coast.
Our Motion Control accessories include turntables, sliders, high speed sleds and XY tables—all curated to facilitate rapid design engineering and construction. We build in equipment redundancies to eliminate downtime, and we stock a vast inventory of components for creating custom rigs that ensure efficient effects for production.
Cobalt Tech has always prided itself on being “toolset agnostic”. In fact, we are production advisors. We listen first, and then assemble the most appropriate tools in our arsenal to facilitate each and every project.
Cobalt never shrinks away from the challenge. In fact, we LOVE puzzles! Our last project, “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular” required us to bring not 1, but 3, fully tracked and mapped camera rigs to an outside stage in NYC for our clients convenience.
Cobalt is By Producers, For Producers. We leverage our Industry experience to make everything you need easily accessible, so you can focus on what matters–doing your best work. We’re committed to creating the most comfortable, convenient, cutting-edge, and cost effective experience.
Helping producers problem-solve their projects is one of our specialties. We believe in taking the time to listen, and we’re quick to offer innovative and practical solutions to save your production time, money, and stress.
Want to learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?
Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun.
Need Production solutions and support?
New York Doubles Down on Film Production with Enhanced Tax Incentives
New York Doubles Down on Film Production with Enhanced Tax Incentives
BY JASON FISHER on stagerunner.net
As production numbers dwindle and competition intensifies, New York is stepping up its game to reclaim its position as a top-tier destination for film and television production. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a robust expansion of the state’s film and TV tax incentive program, designed to attract big-budget productions and support independent filmmakers, while giving New York a competitive edge over neighboring states and international hubs.
Among the highlights of Hochul’s proposal is a new $100 million fund exclusively for independent films, offering much-needed relief to smaller productions that have struggled to access incentives in an oversubscribed system. Additionally, the governor unveiled a 10% bonus credit on top of the 30% base rate for companies producing at least three large-scale projects in the state—a move aimed squarely at enticing major studios to commit to New York for the long haul.
The Stakes Are High for New York’s Film Industry
Production spending in New York has dropped by 15% since 2019, with applications for the state’s tax credit plummeting 53% over the last five years, even after the program’s annual cap nearly doubled from $420 million to $700 million in 2023. This downturn mirrors trends across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., as studios pull back in response to shifting economics in the streaming era. The impact has been deeply felt by crews and local businesses, with some lawmakers warning of long-term damage to the state’s creative ecosystem.
New York is also feeling the heat from New Jersey, where aggressive incentives offer up to 39% in production cost reimbursements, making it a formidable rival for projects that might have otherwise stayed in the Empire State.
Leveling the Playing Field
Hochul’s proposal addresses key concerns raised by studios and independent producers alike. Notably, the $500,000 cap on salaries for actors, directors, writers, and producers would be removed, aligning New York’s program with industry standards in New Jersey and other states. This change makes New York more attractive for larger productions, particularly those with star-driven budgets.
Additionally, the governor plans to eliminate the multi-year payout structure for tax credits, which has been a major pain point for both studios and independents. By offering the full credit in the first year of allocation, New York hopes to speed up the cash flow and reduce financial strain on productions.
The proposed $100 million independent film fund is another game-changer, ensuring smaller productions can access vital incentives without competing against blockbuster projects for resources. Allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, this set-aside would be in addition to the $700 million annual cap, effectively raising the total budget for incentives to $800 million.
This is particularly significant as independent productions often face greater financial challenges, with delayed payouts disproportionately impacting their ability to sustain operations.
Industry Reaction
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) praised the move, calling Hochul a “champion for New York State’s creative community.” In a statement, the MPA emphasized the economic ripple effect of productions, noting that major films contribute $1.3 million daily to local communities, while TV series add $475,000 per day.
“She recognizes that when a movie or series films in cities and towns – from Yonkers to Buffalo – the production creates high-quality, high-paying jobs for local workers and supports local businesses,” the statement read.
Not everyone is on board. State Senator James Skoufis has criticized the incentive program, citing a 2023 audit that found it generates 31 cents in tax revenue for every dollar invested. While acknowledging that a repeal is unlikely, Skoufis has called for closer scrutiny of the program’s long-term benefits.
New York’s renewed efforts come as California and British Columbia also expand their programs. Governor Gavin Newsom recently proposed boosting California’s tax incentive to $750 million annually, while British Columbia is increasing its program to CA$1.2 billion (approximately $843 million USD). With production levels struggling to recover post-COVID and amid strikes, these states and provinces are vying to attract productions that could shape their creative economies for years to come.
The Path Ahead
Governor Hochul’s enhanced incentives aim to secure New York’s place in an increasingly competitive production market. By addressing studio concerns, supporting independent filmmakers, and streamlining financial processes, New York is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for production while bolstering its creative workforce and local economies.
As Hochul’s proposal heads to the Legislature, the stakes couldn’t be higher—not just for New York, but for the thousands of crew members and businesses that depend on a thriving film and television industry.
Learn more about Virtual Production and how to use it.
FAQs about “Cobalt on the Road” MOBILE Virtual Production.
It’s our MOBILE Virtual Production capability we bring to you anywhere, along with our top-flight crew and equipment. Check out: Virtual Production: Top 3 Things Every Producer Should Know.
So many line items can be slashed:
- Travel for talent and crew
- Location scouting, permits and fees
- Elaborate physical sets
- Weather days
See how “Cobalt on the Road” can bring you:
Our Virtual Stage frees your imagination to create 3D sets that wouldn’t be possible or financially feasible, otherwise. You can shoot anywhere from the bottom of the Ocean to Mars at an incredible level of detail. What’s more, nothing has to push to post, if you so choose. You can tinker with lighting, color, composites and visual effects in real-time as your talent interacts authentically with their environment. With “Cobalt on the Road” you can have this at YOUR doorstep.
Virtual Production Cobalt Stages was the 1st company to bring Virtual Sets to the East Coast in 2016. Our VP tools are fully integrated into a plug-and-play workstation that assures complete reliability, bullet proof performance for either final pixel compositing, or, with our 4-4k recorders, all conceivable elements for a traditional post finish.
Motion control We’ve been doing MoCo and precision playback for about 25 years… Wherever you are, you’ll continue to have convenient access to our comprehensive inventory of motion controlled equipment— the largest and most diverse on the East Coast.
Our Motion Control accessories include turntables, sliders, high speed sleds and XY tables—all curated to facilitate rapid design engineering and construction. We build in equipment redundancies to eliminate downtime, and we stock a vast inventory of components for creating custom rigs that ensure efficient effects for production.
Cobalt Tech has always prided itself on being “toolset agnostic”. In fact, we are production advisors. We listen first, and then assemble the most appropriate tools in our arsenal to facilitate each and every project.
Cobalt never shrinks away from the challenge. In fact, we LOVE puzzles! Our last project, “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular” required us to bring not 1, but 3, fully tracked and mapped camera rigs to an outside stage in NYC for our clients convenience.
Cobalt is By Producers, For Producers. We leverage our Industry experience to make everything you need easily accessible, so you can focus on what matters–doing your best work. We’re committed to creating the most comfortable, convenient, cutting-edge, and cost effective experience.
Helping producers problem-solve their projects is one of our specialties. We believe in taking the time to listen, and we’re quick to offer innovative and practical solutions to save your production time, money, and stress.
Want to learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?
Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun.
Need Production solutions and support?
Woodstock Film Festival Filmmaker Meetup!
Woodstock Film Festival Filmmaker Meetup!
Calling all Hudson Valley/Catskill filmmakers, directors, producers, writers, editors, cinematographers, and the like! Join us for an afternoon of networking, idea-sharing, and project discussions. Connect with like-minded professionals, hear from guest speakers, and share your own projects during an open mic session. Learn how to get involved in the 26th Annual Woodstock Film Festival and explore exciting new additions!
This month’s speakers include: Kara Vedder and Alex Fernbach, owners of Cobalt Stages, Virtual Production: Insights & Innovation. More speakers TBA!
Beer, wine, coffee, and light refreshments will be served. Once you have RSVP’d, you will receive a brief survey to fill out so that we can get to know you more.
It’s our MOBILE Virtual Production capability we bring to you anywhere, along with our top-flight crew and equipment. Check out: Virtual Production: Top 3 Things Every Producer Should Know.
So many line items can be slashed:
- Travel for talent and crew
- Location scouting, permits and fees
- Elaborate physical sets
- Weather days
See how “Cobalt on the Road” can bring you:
Our Virtual Stage frees your imagination to create 3D sets that wouldn’t be possible or financially feasible, otherwise. You can shoot anywhere from the bottom of the Ocean to Mars at an incredible level of detail. What’s more, nothing has to push to post, if you so choose. You can tinker with lighting, color, composites and visual effects in real-time as your talent interacts authentically with their environment. With “Cobalt on the Road” you can have this at YOUR doorstep.
Virtual Production Cobalt Stages was the 1st company to bring Virtual Sets to the East Coast in 2016. Our VP tools are fully integrated into a plug-and-play workstation that assures complete reliability, bullet proof performance for either final pixel compositing, or, with our 4-4k recorders, all conceivable elements for a traditional post finish.
Motion control We’ve been doing MoCo and precision playback for about 25 years… Wherever you are, you’ll continue to have convenient access to our comprehensive inventory of motion controlled equipment— the largest and most diverse on the East Coast.
Our Motion Control accessories include turntables, sliders, high speed sleds and XY tables—all curated to facilitate rapid design engineering and construction. We build in equipment redundancies to eliminate downtime, and we stock a vast inventory of components for creating custom rigs that ensure efficient effects for production.
Cobalt Tech has always prided itself on being “toolset agnostic”. In fact, we are production advisors. We listen first, and then assemble the most appropriate tools in our arsenal to facilitate each and every project.
Cobalt never shrinks away from the challenge. In fact, we LOVE puzzles! Our last project, “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular” required us to bring not 1, but 3, fully tracked and mapped camera rigs to an outside stage in NYC for our clients convenience.
Cobalt is By Producers, For Producers. We leverage our Industry experience to make everything you need easily accessible, so you can focus on what matters–doing your best work. We’re committed to creating the most comfortable, convenient, cutting-edge, and cost effective experience.
Helping producers problem-solve their projects is one of our specialties. We believe in taking the time to listen, and we’re quick to offer innovative and practical solutions to save your production time, money, and stress.
Want to learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?
Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun.
Need Production solutions and support?
MOBILE Virtual Stage: “Cobalt on the Road” Makes Jimmy Fallon’s No. 1 Hit happen.
MOBILE Virtual Stage: “Cobalt on the Road” Makes Jimmy Fallon’s No. 1 Hit happen.
Key Takeaways
- Cobalt worked VIRTUAL magic for Jimmy Fallon’s No. 1 hit – the New-York-themed “Holiday Seasoning Spectacular” – BY BRINGING OUR VIRTUAL STAGE TO BROOKLYN (yes, you heard that right), including three tracked cameras each outputting ”final pixel” composites!
- With “Cobalt on the Road”, our MOBILE Virtual Set saved our NBC client time, money and scheduling stress making it convenient for A-list guests to join Jimmy Fallon without travel.
- Cobalt has invested in the latest, greatest and best Virtual Set technology for high-quality film production with giddy efficiency and location flexibility.

Jimmy Fallon and the many dozen A-list guests of NBC “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular” jingled their way to No. 1 in Primetime on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 with 6.3 Million viewers. Cobalt was thrilled to help by bringing the power of our MOBILE Virtual Production to the client in Brooklyn. Virtual Production gave them unbounded creative freedom to:
- Be able to shoot 12 polished sets in 3 shoot days with incredible efficiency.
- Create visually deep and elaborate sets with minimum building and propping.
- Live composite all 3 cameras on the fly (in real time).
- Streamline lighting since only the live action element needed to be lit practically —all with campy effervescence.
Have VSet, will travel.
“Cobalt on the Road”, our MOBILE Virtual Stage, made a litany of production problems, non-issues. From the doors of a magical Christmas hallway to a hardware store interior; from a rustic lodge, to a flashback of Jimmy and “The Roots” as kids; from the magical snowscapes to a New Years Eve party to a hollowed out tree trunk with hundreds of chipmunks (and chestnuts). We transitioned effortlessly through fantastical lands with America in tow.
No location permitting, no waiting for snow to fall, and no rabies shots (for chipmunks;)) needed when using Virtual Production on the Brooklyn stage.

Weird Al Yankovic & Jimmy Fallon on New Year’s Eve Virtual Set.

Jimmy in the Chipmunks n’ Chestnuts VSet.

And don’t forget virtual sledding with good ole Justin Timberlake.
Our Virtual Production process unleashes even the wildest imaginations.
Your imagination isn’t limited to a line item, and neither is Virtual Production. It frees you to dream big at a fraction of the cost of traditional production. Save time, travel and location costs while bringing your big idea to life.
While it’s natural to side-eye new tech, at first, it is obvious the Virtual Production workflow is the next inevitable progression in the film-to-digital transformation.
As our own Alex likes to say, Virtual is simply more “Science in the Service of Art.”
Cobalt comes to YOU with our MOBILE Virtual Stage.
If you’re virtually confused, that’s 100% understandable. Virtual Production technology has evolved rapidly, and it’s tough to catch up when you have a day job. Cobalt has stayed virtually in step for a very long time. As producers ourselves and production advisors, to boot, we speak your language. We translate all the latest gives and gets, so you can make confident decisions without going back in time to snag a computer sciences degree. AND NOW, we come to you. On-location or on any stage of your choice. We deliver right to your doorstep. Our newest system is extremely transportable.
If you can dream it…our Virtual Sets make it possible.
We love saying YES to virtual possibilities. Rockettes dancing on the roof of Rockefeller Center? No sweat. Jimmy Fallon skiing over the city? Let’s do it. Dolly Parton in a hometown diner and a fabulous winter wonderland? Brilliant. Your vision is our Virtual Production.

Learn more about Virtual Production and how to use it.
FAQs about “Cobalt on the Road” MOBILE Virtual Production.
It’s our MOBILE Virtual Production capability we bring to you anywhere, along with our top-flight crew and equipment. Check out: Virtual Production: Top 3 Things Every Producer Should Know.
So many line items can be slashed:
- Travel for talent and crew
- Location scouting, permits and fees
- Elaborate physical sets
- Weather days
See how “Cobalt on the Road” can bring you:
Our Virtual Stage frees your imagination to create 3D sets that wouldn’t be possible or financially feasible, otherwise. You can shoot anywhere from the bottom of the Ocean to Mars at an incredible level of detail. What’s more, nothing has to push to post, if you so choose. You can tinker with lighting, color, composites and visual effects in real-time as your talent interacts authentically with their environment. With “Cobalt on the Road” you can have this at YOUR doorstep.
Virtual Production Cobalt Stages was the 1st company to bring Virtual Sets to the East Coast in 2016. Our VP tools are fully integrated into a plug-and-play workstation that assures complete reliability, bullet proof performance for either final pixel compositing, or, with our 4-4k recorders, all conceivable elements for a traditional post finish.
Motion control We’ve been doing MoCo and precision playback for about 25 years… Wherever you are, you’ll continue to have convenient access to our comprehensive inventory of motion controlled equipment— the largest and most diverse on the East Coast.
Our Motion Control accessories include turntables, sliders, high speed sleds and XY tables—all curated to facilitate rapid design engineering and construction. We build in equipment redundancies to eliminate downtime, and we stock a vast inventory of components for creating custom rigs that ensure efficient effects for production.
Cobalt Tech has always prided itself on being “toolset agnostic”. In fact, we are production advisors. We listen first, and then assemble the most appropriate tools in our arsenal to facilitate each and every project.
Cobalt never shrinks away from the challenge. In fact, we LOVE puzzles! Our last project, “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular” required us to bring not 1, but 3, fully tracked and mapped camera rigs to an outside stage in NYC for our clients convenience.
Cobalt is By Producers, For Producers. We leverage our Industry experience to make everything you need easily accessible, so you can focus on what matters–doing your best work. We’re committed to creating the most comfortable, convenient, cutting-edge, and cost effective experience.
Helping producers problem-solve their projects is one of our specialties. We believe in taking the time to listen, and we’re quick to offer innovative and practical solutions to save your production time, money, and stress.
Want to learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?
Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun.
Need Production solutions and support?
Level Up Your Production in 2025.
Level Up Your Production in 2025
Here are 25 Ways Cobalt Can Help
1. We’re Innovative.
With “Cobalt on the Road”, our MOBILE Virtual Tech saves time, money and travel stress. From Brooklyn to LA, we’ll be at YOUR doorstep – just like our latest project w/ NBC in NYC!!
2. We’re Innovative.
Our credo is Production Reimagined. In a world of drafty, blank spaces, we strive to offer more— comprehensive tools, thoughtful amenities, and a supportive team. Our clients feel the difference, right away.
3. We’re Turnkey.
Why spend your precious time sourcing lights, rigging tools, and folding chairs? At Cobalt you don’t need to. We save you time and money by offering all your production essentials onsite.
4. We’re Virtual Set Virtuosos.
We set up the East Coast’s first Virtual Backlot to help you save money, reduce waste, minimize the cost of crew hours, and place your story in any location you can imagine. A huge win for productions and the planet!

5. We’re Woman Owned.
Cobalt is a woman-owned soundstage. We strongly believe in working toward gender equality in the Industry. Please join us in supporting even more women-owned businesses and women-led projects in 2025!
6. We’re a Green Facility.
We’re committed to considering the impact of our actions on people and the environment. We also do our part by donating leftover food, investing in sustainable Virtual Sets, and making our own non-toxic, chemical free cleaning products and Kara Care skincare swag.
7. We’re Magic Makers.
Arthur Clarke said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”… We have the tech to make the magic, and Cobalt’s tech wizard, Alex, can help you make the most of it.
8. We Care About Peace ~ Quiet and Comfort.
Because of our Industry background, we understand how a thoughtfully curated soundstage can put clients at ease – and even help them relax – to elevate the quality of your work. Our well-appointed client spaces make it comfortable to hold a meeting or simply ‘peace out’ for a sec. And we’ve even expanded to the country with Cobalt Woodstock ✌️.
9. We’re By Producers, For Producers.
We leverage our Industry experience to make everything you need easily accessible, so you can focus on what matters– doing your best work. We’re committed to creating the most comfortable, convenient, cutting-edge, and cost effective experience.

10. We’re Production Advisors.
Helping producers problem-solve their projects is one of our specialties. We believe in taking the time to listen, and we’re quick to offer innovative and practical solutions to save your production time, money, and stress.
11. We’re MoCo Masters.
Our clients have convenient access to our comprehensive inventory of Motion Control equipment—the largest and most diverse on the East Coast. Our Gazelle Motion Control camera crane also goes on the road–anywhere your production does.
12. We’ve Got the Matrix Man.
Cobalt’s very own Alex Fernbach designed and invented the 1st array camera used in the legendary “Bullet Time” scene in “The Matrix.” These days, he brings his unparalleled knowledge and creativity to Cobalt to support YOUR productions.
13. We’re in the Heart of New York’s Artistic Enclave.
Cobalt Woodstock is centrally located smack in the middle of one of New York’s original centers of Art. Your production, talent, and crew will have access to stylish BnB’s, outstanding food, and a community of artisans, all while saving a bundle on parking, lodging, and meal cost.
14. We’ve Got ALL the Tax Breaks.
Because we’re in upstate New York, your production will get up to 40% of ABOVE AND BELOW the line on qualified expenses. No need to read between the lines here. And, 45% for post!
15. We’re Wired.
Superior connectivity makes it effortless to multitask and monitor your production. At Cobalt, a live HD feed broadcasts from our soundstage to the client room, conference room, commercial food prep kitchen, wardrobe, and makeup areas.
16. We’re Streaming Live.
Our Live Streaming capability allows decision-makers to keep a tab open on their computer, even remotely, with continuous HD quality footage delivered in real-time. Clients can tune in and weigh in, so the whole production isn’t waiting around to get the thumbs-up 😉
17. We Don’t Nickel and Dime You.
At some soundstages, your itemized bill can look like you went on a Whole Foods bender. At Cobalt, there’s no need to rent or carry in basic amenities—and we won’t bill you for them either.
18. We’re the Swiss Army Knife of Studios.
Cobalt’s inventory of in-house production tools is curated and updated by seasoned professionals. We offer lighting, rigging, high-end lenses, precision robotics, Virtual Set, and more!
19. We Do Tabletop.
We’re passionate about tabletop at Cobalt. It’s in our DNA. Our home ec kitchen is fully-equipped and easy-to-reconfigure for all types of food-centric projects. This, combined with a wide variety of miniature rigs, specialized optics, and in-house motion control, makes producing tabletop easy and efficient.
20. We’re on Your Team.
At Cobalt, we’re as passionate about production excellence as you are! We invite you to make us your secret weapon by leveraging our experience and resources—just like an extension of your team.
21. Get Creative.
No two productions are the same, so our spaces are built to be ultra-flexible. We’re hosting Virtual projects with clients making use of our live compositing, and Live-streaming with others! Some are even making use of our insert stage for still shoots all-the while. And if its easier for us to come to you with our Tech, we’ll do that, too!
22. Make Us Your Secret Weapon.
At Cobalt, we’re as passionate about production excellence as you are! We invite you to leverage our expertise and equipment, just like an extension of your team. We’d love to hear about your next production, and how we can help.
23. Use More, Pay Less.
We deliver the best value by offering generous free amenities and a comprehensive inventory of onsite production tools.
24. More Green (A Lot More).
Cobalt Woodstock is home to one of the largest green screens on the East Coast. This newly installed screen is 70 feet wide and 20 feet high, which means you can let your production’s imagination run wild.
25. Park to Your Heart’s Delight.
Want to drive a box truck into the soundstage? No big deal, we can handle it. Need easy and stress free parking for your whole crew? We’ve got that too. Cobalt is all about making things easy so you can focus on the work at hand.
2025 has been a big year!!
Want to learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?
Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun.
Need Production solutions and support?
Virtual Production: Top 3 Things Every Producer Should Know.
Virtual Production: Top 3 Things Every Producer Should Know.

Learning about Virtual Sets and using them whenever possible is a step all producers can take to reduce costs, creative compromises, carbon emissions, and solid waste. Want to sell your clients on this money-saving, planet-saving option? We can help. When we created the East Coast’s first Virtual Backlot, we promised to provide the Tri-State production community with the proper guidance to use it. Here are some of the things you should know.
Upgrade your sets for less.
Virtual Sets deliver a degree of detail that would be wildly expensive to create with practical sets. And that rich, convincing, VSet detail costs less than a practical set, too! For example, a typical low-cost office set consists of backlit blinds on the windows and a modest assortment of Ikea furniture. The virtual version, on the other hand, can show a view out the window that’s appropriate to the location, season, and time of day. Picture this— walls and shelves decked out with binders, awards, and books… Workstations loaded with computers, staplers, lamps, papers, phones, family photos, and coffee cups… without ever prop shopping. And as a bonus, assurance that set continuity becomes a non-issue, too.
Sustainable sets made simple.
The Industry is just starting to acknowledge the immense toll practical sets wreak on the environment. Part of the problem is their inherent transience. But when we dig a little deeper, the problem is more nuanced. Take luan, for example. This lightweight plywood is a popular set-building material because it’s easy to move around. Luan is harvested from rainforests and is “a massive source of deforestation” according to Hollywood’s sustainability consultant, Emille O’Brien. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Virtual Sets eliminate solid wastes, altogether, and create a minuscule carbon footprint. Because Virtual Sets are inexpensive and easy to use, there’s often no good reason not to.
Shoot anywhere in the universe.
Virtual Sets can enhance your production beyond budget constraints and environmental impact, too. With the infinite creative possibilities they offer, VSets are nothing short of revolutionary. With our Virtual Backlot, you can shoot in remote or even imaginary locations— the rainforest, a plane, or another planet—and you’re never more than 15 minutes from Midtown if you so choose. We’ll bring Cobalt on the Road to you! Vast, photorealistic environments like “Black Panther’s” Wakanda are now possible. How do you think they created six virtual miles of futuristic cityscape and 60,000 individual buildings…? Answer: Virtual Set.
Learn about Virtual Production
and how to use it?
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Whaaaat!?! 6.3 Million Viewers?
‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ Thanksgiving Episode Scores Year’s Biggest Audience With 2.6 Million Viewers
BY LOREE SEITZ on thewrap.com
The Thanksgiving edition of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” scored the show’s biggest audience of the year so far, TheWrap can exclusively reveal.
The episode, which featured guests including Cher, Jerry Seinfeld and Cody Rhodes, brought in 2.6 million viewers, according to Nielsen figures. That’s the biggest total viewership “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” has seen this year so far, and boosted the late night show to rank as its most-watched week since last Thanksgiving.
Season to date, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” is averaging 1.3 million viewers.
Fallon’s ratings success on “The Tonight Show” also translated to his holiday special, which drew 4.2 million and won the 10 p.m. timeslot, as it aired on Wednesday, Dec. 4. “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasonings Spectacular” retained over 60% of the audience for the “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special, which scored 6.3 million viewers across platforms and ranked as the night’s No. 1 primetime program. Together, the specials boosted NBC to win the biggest audience on Wednesday.
The special featured a number of guest appearances and performances from Fallon’s new holiday album, including Meghan Trainor, Cara Delevingne, Dolly Parton, J.B. Smoove, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, The Roots and “Weird Al” Yankovic. “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasonings Spectacular” also featured a performance with the Radio City Rockettes from the top of Rockefeller Center.
After Fallon released his holiday album, titled “Holiday Seasoning,” on Nov. 1, the album ranks as the No. 1 comedy album, the No. 1 current holiday album, and the No. 1 2024 holiday album debut, per Mediabase’s charts. The single, “Holiday,” which features the Jonas Brothers, currently sits atop Mediabase’s holiday chart in the No. 1 spot.
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group and Broadway Video, and is executive produced by Lorne Michaels. Chris Miller and Gerard Bradford also produce, with Miller serving as showrunner.
Jesse Collins Entertainment produced the holiday special, with EPs including Fallon, Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, Kelly Powers, and Jim Juvonen.
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How to watch ‘Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular’ live for free on NBC
How to watch ‘Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular’ live for free on NBC
BY MIKHAYLA DUNAJ on mlive.com
Jimmy Fallon will debut his new album “Holiday Seasoning” with some of the stars that helped create it. “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular” premieres Dec. 4, at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.
Watch the musical event for free with a trial from DIRECTV Stream. You can also stream it live on Fubo or the next day on Peacock.
About the show:
“The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon and a lineup of celebrity guests will celebrate the season with performances from Fallon’s new album, “Holiday Seasoning.”
While Jimmy has a few surprises up his sleeve, NBC confirmed that Dolly Parton, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL COOL J, J.B. Smoove, The Roots and “Weird Al” Yankovic are among those who’ll pop in to celebrate with Fallon. Mariah Carey, the Christmas queen herself, will also be on set.
Tune in for the one-hour special “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular” tonight, Dec. 4, at 10/9c on NBC.
Check out the full “Holiday Seasoning” track list below:
- “Christmas Ding Dong”
- “Holiday” ft. Jonas Brothers
- “Hey Rudy” ft. The Roots
- “Wrap Me Up” ft. Megan Trainor
- “You’ll Be There” ft. Justin Timberlake
- “It Was A… (Masked Christmas)” ft. Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion
- “How You Know It’s Christmastime”
- “New Year’s Eve Polka (5-4-3-2-1)” ft. The Roots, “Weird Al” Yankovic
- “Chipmunks & Chestnuts”
- “One Glove” ft. Will Ferrell
- “Merry Happy Christmas” ft. Chelsea Handler
- “Coquito”
- “Hallmark Movie” ft. Cara Delevingne
- “Weird Cousin”
- “Thanksgiving Eve”
- “Almost Too Early For Christmas” ft. Dolly Parton
Where to watch NBC:
- Fubo– Save $30 on your first month of Fubo. For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream 200+ top channels of live TV, sports and news without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.) Plans include Cloud DVR as well.
- DIRECTV Stream (try it free) – With plans starting at $79.99/month, switch to DIRECTV Stream to enjoy 75+ channels and numerous add-ons.
- Peacock – With plans starting at $7.99/month ($13.99/month for ad-free Premium Plus), register for Peacock and unlock more than 80,000 hours of reality shows, live sports, movies, and next-day streaming on new NBC and Bravo releases.
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Christmas Specials to Watch on TV This Week
Christmas Specials to Watch on TV This Week
BY SHIVANI GONZALEZ on nytimes.com
Between streaming and cable, there is a seemingly endless variety of things to watch. Here is a selection of TV shows and specials that are available live or streaming this week, Dec. 2 to Dec. 8. Details and times are subject to change.
Cozy Up With Holiday Specials
Though you may still be snacking on Thanksgiving leftovers as we enter December, it’s officially time to get into the holiday spirit. And it shouldn’t be too hard, TV-wise at least.
For the 15th year in a row, Christmas heads to Nashville with a celebration of all things holiday and all things country on “CMA Country Christmas,” hosted by Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood. Performers including Jon Pardi, CeCe Winans and For King + Country will sing festive favorites like “Joy to the World.” Yee-haw and happy holidays! Tuesday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
A quintessential Rockefeller Center Christmas tree — a Norway spruce — has made the yearly voyage to the big city, from its home in West Stockbridge, Mass., about 130 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Since its arrival, it has been adorned with 50,000 LED lights and a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star, and now is finally ready for its close-up. The 92nd Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center lighting ceremony will be hosted by Kelly Clarkson, with the Radio City Rockettes, the Backstreet Boys and Jennifer Hudson scheduled to perform. Wednesday at 8 p.m. on NBC.
Immediately after the tree lighting, “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular” is set to celebrate Fallon’s new star-studded album, “Holiday Seasoning,” which dropped on Nov. 1 and features songs with the Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake and Dolly Parton. Expect them and others to celebrate with Fallon. Wednesday at 10 p.m. on NBC.
Last year Sabrina Carpenter released a holiday-themed remix to her popular song “Nonsense,” and this year she is upping the ante with “A Nonsense Christmas,” an entire holiday special. After a big tour, she’s home for the holidays and Chappell Roan, Tyla and Shania Twain are all expected to stop by and perform songs with Carpenter from her EP “Fruitcake.” Troye Sivan, Lana Del Ray and Dan Levy will also be there to pitch in on silly holiday-themed skits. Friday at 9 p.m. on Netflix.
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Jimmy Fallon Just Shared Exciting News About His Holiday Seasoning Album
Jimmy Fallon Just Shared Exciting News About His Holiday Seasoning Album
BY CHRISTOPHER RUDOLPH on nbc.com
Jimmy Fallon is sleigh-ing the holiday season.
How to Watch
Watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC weeknights at 11:35/10:35c and next day on Peacock.
Strap on your skis and get ready to be transported to a winter wonderland, because Jimmy Fallon has released a new Yuletide album, Holiday Seasoning, and it’s already a ho-ho-ho hit. Holiday Seasoning debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart and at No. 1 on the Comedy Albums chart.
“I am truly humbled by the success of Holiday Seasoning. When I asked Chat GPT to make a ‘fun holiday album’ I had no idea that it would be this big,” Fallon joked on X, following the chart-topping news. “Thank you everyone for supporting my album. (What a great list to be on?!?!?).”
The fa-la-la-la-la festivities will continue with Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular, a one-hour music special, airing December 4 on NBC, immediately following 2024’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center tree lighting. The Tonight Show Host will be joined by many of the special guests featured on Holiday Seasoning including Cara Delevingne, Dolly Parton, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL COOL J, Meghan Trainor, J.B. Smoove, The Roots, and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Holiday Seasoning hit store shelves and streaming services on November 1, and is currently available in a variety of formats. There is a Peppermint Swirl vinyl, as well as a deluxe Blizzard vinyl that comes with a sticker sheet, a holiday table topper, and a pop-up vinyl gatefold. You can also find an exclusive Ruby Red edition of the LP available at Target.
If you’re seeking stocking stuffers, there are also Holiday Seasoning sweatshirts, an “ugly sweater”, oven mitts, stockings, and a puzzle featuring Fallon trying to bake up some holiday goodies.
In November 2023, while explaining the backstory to how “Wrap Me Up,” his “Christmas banger” with Meghan Trainor happened, Fallon said, “If you know me, you know that I love the holidays. I love holiday music, and if it were up to me, I would listen to ‘Jingle Bells’ in August.”
Get all the info on the Holiday Seasoning track list featuring the Jonas Brothers, Will Ferrell, Cara Delevigne, and more below.
The collection of original tinsel tunes includes previously-released singles “It Was A… (Masked Christmas)” featuring Ariana Grande & Megan Thee Stallion, “Almost Too Early For Christmas” with Dolly Parton, and “Wrap Me Up” featuring Meghan Trainor.
During Justin Timberlake’s Tonight Show appearance on September 16, he and Fallon teased their duet for the new album.
“It’s a silly song. It’s called ‘You’ll Be There’ and it’s about a bromance,” said Fallon, who shared that they recorded their track at the famous Electric Lady Studios in New York.
“I mean, it’s us,” added Timberlake as Fallon played a snippet of the song, which starts off with a ukulele. “Nothing says Christmas like a ukulele,” joked Timberlake.
Want to learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?
Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun.