Undercurrent XR
Intelligent Production Infrastructure
Sustainability and Innovation
Undercurrent XR is your partner for next-level virtual experiences, providing a sustainable filmmaking model. Its Virtual Production studios radically decouple the final image from the physical reality of traditional filmmaking.
This is accomplished by utilizing end-to-end energy-efficient Sony Verona & Capri LED technology, VP Tool Set, Color Calibrator, Virtual Venice tools, video processing (Megapixel & Brompton) and UCXR’s own media server specifications for Unreal Engine, Pixera & Disguise to virtually eliminate the carbon-intensive logistics associated with:
- Global travel for location shoots.
- Physical set construction waste.
- Extensive, power-consuming post-production rendering processes.
Why Choose UCXR? Expertise, Technology & Trust
Certified Partner Ecosystem
We don’t just use technology—we integrate and master it. Our status as elite systems integrators is reinforced by deep partnerships across the entire cinematic and VP toolchain:
R&D and Future-Proofing
Our Undercurrent Labs division ensures your investment is protected. We are constantly researching and developing next-generation XR and AI workflows—from medical telepresence to cinematic robotics—guaranteeing our stages and solutions remain at the absolute vanguard of the industry.
Leadership and Vision
John Penn, Founder & CEO
Grammy-nominated producer · Sports Emmy winner · AI systems architect · Q-Bik Mūz
Classically trained at age four by a mother with a master’s in piano and voice, JP was performing at a college level by eleven. His father—a science teacher, jazz musician, and songwriter—had him on trumpet by six. A descendant of Earl “Fatha” Hines, the father of modern jazz piano, he won school, district, city, and state science fairs from 5th through 12th grade developing thermal solar engineering systems—culminating as second runner-up to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in 11th grade, with awards from NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and Army through JETS. He graduated university with honors (BS Pre-Chemistry) and was accepted to Wayne State University School of Medicine. While pursuing science, he moonlighted as a record producer—then burst onto Detroit’s electronic music scene during the third wave of techno, built the city’s fastest-growing independent label (Undercurrent Records), and signed with Madonna’s Maverick / Warner Bros. He produced “Something’s Goin’ On” and “Straight from My Heart” for UNV, reaching Billboard #1 R&B and Top 20 Producers. His credits span Grammy-nominated, Stellar Award-nominated, and NAACP Image Award-nominated projects, with countless techno and EDM chart placements worldwide. After 15 years of systems engineering and product leadership—from the first HD endoscopy over satellite for Olympus (2008) to the NBA Virtual Fan Wall that contributed to a Sports Emmy (2021)—he founded Undercurrent XR to build AI-native production infrastructure: multi-agent orchestration (CALBA/MAS), robotic camera platforms (AGITO), spatial audio hardware (AURICLE, patent pending), and medical XR environments (Mediverse World). His expertise is in the intersection of science, music, signal processing, and intelligent systems.
Our Advisory Team Includes:
- Dr. Chyle E. Beaird, MD: Chief Medical Officer & Telehealth Pioneer.
- Jeff LaMastus: Strategic Advisor (Telecom & Satellite) with 30 years of engineering leadership.
About Us: Storytellers and Architects
Undercurrent XR Studios + Labs defines itself as a partner, an architect, a storyteller, and an innovator committed to creating cost-effective, high-impact content. We seamlessly blend live-action with stunning virtual sets, crafting immersive content that engages audiences and drives business growth.
The company’s team is recognized for its deep technical expertise, participating in and leading discussions at industry events (like LA Tech Week) and showcasing sophisticated applications of technology alongside partners like Sony. Our work leverages the latest advancements in XR, Robotics, and AI, demonstrating proficiency in cutting-edge, high-profile productions.
Studio Locations & Specs
Atlanta Studio (Southeast Hub)
Located at I-285 and I-85, 10 minutes from downtown Atlanta.
- Main Sound Stage: 12,400 sq. ft. (117 ft × 106 ft) with a 30-foot lighting grid.
- Stage Power: Three 200-amp and two 400-amp 3-phase disconnects on UPS power.
- Support Space: 15,000 sq. ft. of mill, office, control room, and support space.
- Amenities: 3 Green Rooms with in-suite bathrooms, full kitchenette, gated parking (154 spaces).
- VP Tools: Configurable LED wall options, SISU C14/C20 Cinematic Robots.
Los Angeles Studio (2024 Hollywood Campus)
Located at 1017 N Las Palmas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038.
- Facility: Formerly XR Studios, on the campus of the Eastman Kodak Theater.
- Studio A: 8,500 sq. ft.
- Studio B: 3,200 sq. ft. with an LED wall option.
- Post-Production: Dedicated Control Rooms and Audio & Music Recording Suite.
- Amenities: Upscale facilities, loading dock w/15,000 lbs car lift, 180+ parking spaces.
- VP Tools: Configurable LED wall options, Cinematic Robots (C14, C20).
Core Services: The Undercurrent XR Ecosystem
Build Your Stage (Systems Integration)
Designing and building state-of-the-art Virtual Production stages tailored to specific creative and business needs, from concept to final calibration, using world-leading brands like Sony and ARRI.
Create on Ours (Studio Rental)
Operating an Atlanta-based virtual production studio for film, episodic content, and commercials, offering turnkey access to the entire Sony ecosystem and expert crew.
Reimagine Reality (Mediverse World)
Leveraging our proprietary platform to create scalable XR + AI simulations that revolutionize training in healthcare and other complex industries, building safer and more effective data-driven learning experiences.
Live Streaming Expertise
Elevating online presentations, conferences, and more with professional virtual event production including multi-camera setups, professional podcasts in virtual production environments, and immersive music videos.
Post-Production Magic
Polishing projects with compositing, color grading, and immersive sound design to ensure every project achieves its maximum creative and technical potential.
Ready to Architect Your Vision?
Contact our team to discuss your project and discover what’s possible with sustainable, next-level virtual production.
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