Walnut Grove Studio Invests $130K in SkyTrain for Filming

BREAKING: A Walnut Grove film studio has just made a groundbreaking move by purchasing a used Mark I SkyTrain car for $1, transforming it into a state-of-the-art filming stage. Lumostage Virtual Productions confirmed the acquisition, unveiling their innovative setup on October 21, 2023, as they aim to become a premier destination for the film and television industry.

The retired SkyTrain car, now repurposed into a full-service 180-degree LED stage, represents a significant investment of approximately $130,000 for transportation and modifications. This investment includes converting the car into a hovercraft-like setup, enabling seamless filming without the logistical challenges of actual train operations.

“We’ve got to get that train!” exclaimed Lumostage COO and co-founder Angus Luk-Ramsey, who shared his excitement about the project. The studio, located in North Langley, is betting on its potential to attract clients needing train scenes without the high costs and time constraints typically associated with using real trains.

The SkyTrain car, originally from 1986, has undergone extensive modifications, including the removal of wheels and mechanics, as well as the addition of a manual door system. The exterior has been repainted to resemble a New York City subway car, enhancing its appeal for various productions.

During the unveiling, the LED walls surrounding the train displayed a realistic backdrop of the NYC Canal Street station platform, complete with tailored advertisements for an upcoming production. Luk-Ramsey explained the strategic choice of New York City as a set, noting its alignment with the studio’s business goals in Vancouver.

Historically, the British Columbia film industry contributes approximately $3.5 billion to the province’s economy. With this SkyTrain acquisition, Lumostage aims to elevate British Columbia’s competitiveness in the film market, providing filmmakers with an accessible and versatile option for train scenes.

The studio’s approach addresses the common industry challenge of integrating train scenes into scripts, which often get discarded due to the complexity and costs of coordinating with rail operators. “It’s a large disruption to operations,” Luk-Ramsey said, emphasizing the streamlined process now available to filmmakers.

This innovative project highlights Lumostage’s commitment to modern filmmaking techniques. The studio has already established itself in specialty filming, previously focusing on automotive scenes, but is now expanding its capabilities to include train environments.

The Mark I SkyTrain cars, now nearing the end of their service life as TransLink transitions to newer Mark V models, will be available for creative repurposing. TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn expressed enthusiasm for seeing the iconic train car continue to serve the community:

“We’re thrilled to see one of our iconic SkyTrain cars enjoy a future which will preserve its legacy while supporting one of our strongest local industries.”

TransLink is encouraging proposals for the remaining 130 SkyTrain cars, with a deadline for submissions set for November 28, 2023. Interested parties are responsible for the transportation and repurposing costs, opening doors for creative uses of these retired vehicles.

Lumostage, founded in 2022, is rapidly growing, recently moving to Walnut Grove to capitalize on tax incentives. Their unique studio setup has attracted clients from popular productions, including Hallmark movies and the TV show “Tracker.”

With the film industry continually evolving, Lumostage is at the forefront of innovation, merging cutting-edge technology with creative storytelling. This new SkyTrain venture is poised to become a game-changer in how train scenes are filmed, significantly impacting the local industry and beyond. As more filmmakers seek efficient and cost-effective solutions, Lumostage’s new offerings could redefine production standards in the region.

Stay tuned for further updates as Lumostage prepares for upcoming projects featuring their newly acquired SkyTrain car, marking a new era for filming in British Columbia.