An introduction to this new, cutting-edge filmmaking technology, by StudioBinder, including how virtual production works, the pros and cons of working with LED screens and in-camera visual effects, and why it may be here to stay
This 15 minute taster features contributions from notable virtual production pioneers such as DPs Sir Roger Deakins, Greig Fraser and Matt Workman, Directors Roberto Rodriguez and John Favreau, The Mandalorian‘s Production Designer Doug Chiang and ILM Visual Effects Producer Marissa Gomes,
Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction to Virtual Production
- 01:03 – History of Virtual Production
- 03:46 – Chapter 1: How It Works
- 06:42 – Chapter 2: Built-In Lighting
- 09:50 – Chapter 3: Flexible Locations
- 13:46 – Takeaways
For the uninitiated, the first section provides a quick lesson in film history; how, for decades, filmmakers “cheated” backgrounds with techniques like rear and front projection, followed by green and blue screen “keying”. After covering their drawbacks, it goes on to explain how virtual production using LED screens and lighting is something of a hybrid between the projection and keying systems of the past, with improvements in both.
Useful insights
- how LED walls and volumes operate
- how Unreal Engine 5’s virtualised geometry system Nanite achieves pixel scale detail and high object counts to create effective parallax
The video shows how lighting emitted from the LED walls matches the scenes exactly, how scenes and ‘locations’ can be switched easily and how atmospherics like rain or smoke can be captured live on set.
It also goes on to show how all of this is not just the preserve of big budget Hollywood movies and that effective results can be achieved with much more modest budgets.
If you would like to investigate the use of virtual production and ICVFX technology on your projects, working with our partners, including screen rental company Universal Pixels, can offer a comprehensive consultancy and rental service and would be happy to assist. For an initial chat, contact John Rowe (john@mondatum.com) or Colin Birch (colin@mondatum.com) or visit the Contact Us page on the Mondatum website.