CUBE Studio brings LED volume tech to Nairobi in bid to cut production costs

The duo, who met at university and co-founded CUBE Studio in 2020.

Their first permanent studio opened in Maidenhead, near London, in spring 2023, and the company has since worked on more than 150 virtual productions across the UK, Pakistan and the Middle East.

Virtual production uses large LED screens and game-engine technology — the same technology behind titles like Fortnite — to display fully rendered digital environments in real time.

Unlike traditional green-screen filming, where locations are added digitally after the fact, LED screens let filmmakers shoot the environment live, making it easier to blend performers with the setting during production rather than in post.

Kimani said the expansion into Kenya is personal. "I have met content creators who have the same skill set as people who are considered as famous and reputable because of their skills," he said.

"The only difference is that one is in Kenya and the other one is in another place."

The move comes as Kenya's film industry faces criticism over recycled storylines and production quality. Hakesley and Kimani argue that access to better tools, not talent, is the missing piece.

Kimani said virtual production can cut costs by 30 to 40 percent by allowing multiple locations to be filmed from a single studio, savings he said could be redirected into better equipment, actors and production design.

"What used to be reserved for Hollywood five years ago is now drilling down into people that are videographers, content creators and influencers," Hakesley said. "The only thing that's going to limit you is how far you can push your idea."

The founders also plan to partner with local universities and colleges to train Kenyans in virtual production skills, including lighting, real-time graphics and game-engine work.

Global virtual production is projected to reach roughly $9 billion by 2030, and Hakesley and Kimani are positioning Nairobi as a potential hub for East Africa and the wider region.