BrettAlexander.Studio and ARwall: Bringing a Cinematic Vision to Life

How ARwall Transformed BrettAlexander.Studio's Productions 

When Brett Alexander, a seasoned cinematographer and producer based in West Michigan, embarked on the ambitious project of creating Wizards of the Range—a comedic fantasy Western mini-series—he encountered significant logistical hurdles. The series’ unique concept, blending absurd humor with cinematic storytelling, demanded both creativity and high production value. However, the limitations of outdoor filming in Michigan presented a major challenge. Tight seasonal windows, unpredictable weather, and scheduling conflicts with his full-time role producing outdoor reality television for major networks like Fox Sports and CBS Sports left Brett struggling to keep the project on track. These constraints threatened the consistency and quality of a series that aimed to stand out with its imaginative visuals and storytelling.

As the founder of BrettAlexander.Studio, Brett was no stranger to tackling complex production needs. His studio, equipped with professional-grade cameras, lighting, and a medium-scale virtual production system, had always prioritized delivering top-notch results for creative and commercial projects. However, Wizards of the Range required a new approach to overcome the inherent challenges of location-based filming. That’s when Brett turned to ARwall, a cutting-edge virtual production solution, to bridge the gap. With ARwall's technology, he found a way to not only address logistical constraints but also elevate the creative possibilities of his production, ensuring the series could move forward without compromising its vision.

Through ARwall's virtual production technology, Brett's team found not just a solution but a transformative tool that has elevated their productions to a new level.

From Challenges to Solutions

The unpredictable Michigan weather and a tight seasonal filming window made outdoor shoots for Wizards of the Range nearly impossible. Between his full-time role producing outdoor reality television for networks like Fox Sports and CBS Sports and his work at the studio, Brett’s schedule left little room for ideal filming conditions.

"Weather, sound, lighting—all of these factors created unpredictability, forcing compromises," Brett shared. "ARwall offered a way to maintain the quality and consistency of the project without being at the mercy of the elements."

The ARwall Experience

Brett discovered ARwall through YouTube in early 2024 and began using the ARFX Scenepacks shortly thereafter. The pre-built environments, including desert, forest, and horror village scenes, seamlessly matched the West Michigan landscapes where Wizards of the Range had initially been filmed.

“What really impressed me was how well their environments blended with our real-world footage,” Brett said. "The desert and forest scenes matched our Michigan locations perfectly, while the horror village gave us an incredible setting for the nightmare realm."

Implementing ARwall was a smooth process. While Brett encountered minor challenges with tracking setup, ARwall’s team patiently helped him resolve them. Regular software updates have since enhanced the system, making it even more intuitive and reliable.

Transforming Productions

ARwall has become essential to Wizards of the Range, enabling the team to overcome obstacles like weather disruptions. One key scene, a parody of the celebratory party at the end of Return of the Jedi, was salvaged when a snowstorm interrupted outdoor filming. Brett’s team shifted to ARwall’s night forest environment, which not only kept the production on schedule but enhanced the final scene’s quality.

Beyond Wizards of the Range, ARwall has also proven valuable for commercial projects like music videos. “The ability to create virtual backdrops in the studio saves time and delivers polished results for clients on tight deadlines,” Brett explained.

A Game-Changer for Small Studios

The impact of ARwall on BrettAlexander.Studio has been profound. It has streamlined production schedules by eliminating the need for location scouting and weather-dependent shoots, reduced post-production time, and opened up creative possibilities that were previously out of reach.

"For client work, it’s opened up new possibilities," Brett noted. "We can now offer virtual production solutions that look professional and are delivered quickly, giving us an edge as a smaller studio." 

Advice for XR Virtual Production Newcomers

For those considering ARwall, Brett has this to say: “It’s a great way to step into virtual production without needing a massive budget or technical expertise. The pre-built environments are easy to use, and the system integrates seamlessly into smaller setups like ours.”

While there’s a learning curve, Brett emphasized that ARwall’s support team was invaluable in helping him navigate early challenges. “Filmmaking is all about solving problems, and ARwall has been one of the best tools we’ve had for streamlining production while maintaining creative control.”

Looking Ahead

With ARwall’s technology at the heart of BrettAlexander.Studio’s toolkit, Brett is excited about future possibilities. From expanding the scope of creative projects to offering cutting-edge solutions for commercial clients, ARwall has empowered the studio to innovate and excel.

For filmmakers looking to break into XR virtual production, Brett’s journey is a testament to how ARwall can bridge the gap between vision and reality, making high-quality virtual production accessible to studios of any size.

Brett Alexander is a Michigan-grown entrepreneur and filmmaker, regionally recognized for his creative expression and comprehensive expertise in modern filmmaking. He serves as a producer for three nature-focused TV shows—Destination Outdoors, Fisherman’s Digest, and the Michigan Walleye Tour—which have garnered both regional and national audiences. Beyond his video production skills, Brett is an accomplished musician, integrating his passion for music into audio mixing and mastering for various projects.