n the world of Robert M. Greenberg, cars and gas pumps tango, long deceased movie idols, including Cagney and Bogart, rub elbows with stars of the '90s, and basketball giant Shaquille O'Neal competes against clones of himself in the ultimate game of one on one. Greenberg's New York-based R/GA Digital Studios has added its magic to countless TV commercials and movies, from "In the Line of Fire" to "Zelig."

On February 8, under Greenberg's watchful gaze, Barbie, the world's most popular plastic doll, was transformed into Barbie, queen of the virtual screen. In productions such as the Barbie shoot, Greenberg relies on the Internet to create "virtual studios" that exist wherever artists, clients, and producers happen to hang their hats.

In the virtual studio, artists at different sites collaborate seamlessly online. Clients at remote locations can look over the creators' shoulders via video feeds, allowing instant feedback and minimizing delays for reshooting. "High-speed networks break down the limitations imposed by geography and time zones," Greenberg says. "Artists can work from their homes or their own studios, and send everything to the virtual studio. Phoning it in takes on a whole new meaning for companies without walls."