Unlocking the Power of Virtual Production: The Future of Filmmaking, Technology, and Beyond”

Virtual production (VP) has become a groundbreaking technology that is changing the way movies are made, which will end the green screen era little by little, LED video panels prove to be the ideal solution for Virtual Production, Extended Reality (xR) and Film Studios. When combined with Camera Tracking, and media-engine technology, an LED video wall, also referred to as “LED Volumes” effortlessly portrays sets, backgrounds, and even full environments virtually. It allows for maximum flexibility and scalability that can replace costly set designs and additional post-production editing.

1. What is Virtual Production?

Virtual production is an advanced production method that combines virtual computer images with the performances of real actors, and can visualize the special effects-added images in real time on the set.Virtual production includes using CG or VR technology to visualize the scene before shooting (Previs), building virtual shooting sets (Virtual Sets), real-time special effects (Real-time In-camera VFX), performance capture (Performance Capture), virtual post-production (Virtual Post-production) and other links.

The system relies on a combination of advanced technologies, including:

– LED walls: Massive high-resolution LED displays that can show lifelike environments.

– Real-time engines: Software like Unreal Engine is used to generate 3D worlds and environments in real time.

– Camera tracking: This technology allows the digital background on the LED wall to move in sync with the camera, maintaining the illusion of depth and perspective.

Virtual production liberates film and television creators: Directors no longer feel limited by the fact that “characters and scenes are not entities”, and they truly gain creative freedom.Film and television works return to their essence: the difficulty of a work should not be “how to achieve it”, but “what kind of story is moving”.

2. What is the Difference Between Virtual Production and Traditional Production Green Screen?

Green screen has long been the main method for Hollywood to achieve “combining virtual reality with reality and creating visual wonders”.Although the results are remarkable, green screen does have its flaws:

First, it is very troublesome to set up lighting on the scene. Indoor green screen shooting, the light and shadow must conform to reality for the picture to be credible, so it is often necessary to change the lighting equipment and angles scene by scene in the green screen, and the lighting equipment that “goofs” in the green screen picture is inevitable.

Secondly, the green screen will leave green reflections on the actors, which we call “spill”, which needs to be removed in the later stage.

Finally, the green screen picture needs perfect cutout and retouching technology in the later stage to make the real performance and computer background blend seamlessly.

If you find that the shooting feeling is not right in the later stage, it is too late, and you can only do the later stage by “remediation”.

The biggest problem in the special effects film and television process in the past is that too many major decisions are made in the later stage, and the main creators cannot make creative decisions in a collaborative way on the shooting site.These problems can be solved by digital virtual sets (Virtual Sets).

The main differences between virtual production and traditional green screen production stem from how environments are displayed, captured, and interacted with:

– Utilizes LED walls or volumes that project digital environments in real-time. Actors can see and interact with these virtual backgrounds during filming, which enhances their performance and provides accurate reflections and lighting.

– Real-time adjustments: Directors can modify the virtual environment on set, allowing for instant creative changes without waiting for post-production.

– Natural integration: Lighting and reflections from the LED walls interact directly with the actors and physical props, creating a seamless blend of digital and physical elements.

– Primarily used for in-camera visual effects (ICVFX), offering an immersive and photorealistic environment.

3. What is Virtual Production Used For?

Virtual production is highly versatile and is used in various sectors of the entertainment industry, including:

– Film and Television: Virtual production was notably used in *The Mandalorian*, showcasing vast alien worlds that were digitally created but filmed on LED stages.

– Commercials and Advertising: Commercial production platforms use virtual production to optimize content quality and production efficiency, implementing creative ideas in a simple way.

– Live Events: enhances the visual experience of concerts, conference, and performances by displaying interactive, real-time visuals that react to the performers and audience.

4. How Does Virtual Production Work?

To understand how virtual production works, let us check its key components:

1. Pre-visualization (Previs): Before filming begins, filmmakers use real-time graphics engines to build a rough version of the scene. This allows them to plan camera angles, lighting, and visual effects more efficiently.

2. On-set Filming with LED Screens: When shooting begins, LED screens display photorealistic environments. These environments are rendered in real time, meaning any changes to lighting, camera position, or background can be made instantly.

3. Camera Tracking: The position, angle, and movement of the camera are tracked and synchronized with the digital environment, allowing for seamless integration of real and virtual elements. This ensures that the background moves correctly relative to the camera.

4. Post-production: Although virtual production reduces the need for extensive post-production, additional elements like visual effects (VFX) can still be added after filming. However, because most of the environment has already been captured in-camera, the post-production timeline is often shortened.

5. What Software is Used for Virtual Production?

The core of virtual production lies in its real-time rendering capabilities, here are some popular software as below:

– Unreal Engine: Originally developed for video games, it not only makes more game scene effects closer to reality, but also enables many application scenarios that are difficult to achieve in reality to be restored nearly 100% realistically in virtual reality at a lower cost and faster speed!

– Unity: Another real-time engine commonly used for virtual production, particularly in the animation and interactive sectors.

– Disguise: A software platform designed specifically for virtual production workflows, particularly useful in integrating LED walls and camera tracking systems.

These software platforms allow filmmakers to design digital sets, integrate them with camera tracking systems, and render them in real time, allowing for immediate visual feedback during shooting.

6. How Much Does a LED Volume Stage Cost?

There are many parts for the whole studio, but one of the main parts of a virtual production studio is the LED Volume, which is the large curved LED wall that surrounds the action. The cost of setting up an LED wall stage can be affected by many items, led wall size, pixel pitch, shape, resolution, and more. For a professional-grade LED volume setup, the cost can range from $300,000 to over $1 million. This includes the LED walls, the supporting structure, the camera tracking system, the real-time rendering engine, and the lighting integration. Prices can rise further for high-end setups that use cutting-edge LED technology, as seen on major productions like The Mandalorian.

7. How to Choose the Best Virtual Production LED Wall
   

It will be a big concern when selecting a right LED wall for virtual production, which is crucial for achieving the desired visual quality, flexibility, and performance on set. The LED wall forms the backdrop of your scenes, displaying photorealistic virtual environments that interact seamlessly with live-action footage. here are several key factors for reference:

1. Pixel Pitch

The smaller the pixel pitch, the higher the resolution and the sharper the image. for the studio, now Fine Pixel Pitch (1.2mm – 2.6mm) will be mostly selected for close-up shots, where the camera is positioned near the LED wall. This allows for greater detail and minimizes the visibility of individual pixels.

For virtual production, a fine or medium pixel pitch is typically preferred, as it provides greater detail and image sharpness, which are critical when the LED wall is close to the camera or actors.

2. Brightness

Higher brightness levels are essential to ensure the LED wall remains visible in different lighting conditions, especially when natural or studio lighting is intense.

• Low Brightness (500-800 nits): Suitable for indoor, controlled environments where lighting can be adjusted to match the LED wall.
• Medium Brightness (800-1200 nits): A versatile range for most virtual production setups.
• High Brightness (1200+ nits): Ideal for where high-intensity lighting is required.

it is important to balance the brightness of the LED wall with the lighting on set to avoid overexposure or unwanted reflections in virtual production.

3. Refresh Rate

Refresh rates up to 7,680Hz to provide unrivaled appearance on-camera, free from artifacts while expanding compatibility for high-frame rate shooting along, increased motion fluidness and responsiveness. This functionality is available in even our finest pixel pitch. The baseline, broadcast-ready 3,840Hz option is available as cost-effective solution for entry- to mid-range applications.

4. Color Accuracy and HDR Compatibility
   

Color accuracy is important in virtual production, as the LED wall must render realistic colors that match the lighting and scene. LED walls with high color gamut (such as DCI-P3 or Rec. 2020, Rec.709 will do in some studio) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) support allow for a broader range of colors and improved contrast.

• Color gamut: to accurately display the virtual content. Look for LEDs with precise color calibration capabilities to achieve consistent and realistic color representation.
• HDR compatibility: HDR bring your led volume a greater level of brightness with refined highlights and shadows, and HDR image appears considerably sharper and more detailed resulting in a lifelike image. Always 8/10/12 bit HDR10 is requested.

For best results, look for LED walls that offer precise color calibration and support HDR to ensure lifelike visuals and enhance the realism of virtual production scenes.

5. Viewing Angle

Virtual production involves capturing scenes from various angles, necessitating LED walls with super wide viewing angles. This ensures consistent image quality and color accuracy, regardless of the viewer’s position on set.

• Horizontal Viewing Angle (≥160°): Allows the camera and actors to move freely across the set without significant changes in image quality or brightness.
• Vertical Viewing Angle (≥120°): Ensures consistent image quality when the camera is positioned above or below the LED wall.

A wide viewing angle allows for more freedom of camera movement and fewer limitations on filming. This can help ensure that the team has the freedom to produce the best content possible

6. LED Wall Size and Curvature

The size and shape of the LED wall should match the needs of the virtual production. Depending on the scene, you may require a flat, curved, or cylindrical LED wall.

• Flat LED Walls: Suitable for standard setups where the camera remains stationary or where dynamic environments aren’t a priority.

• Curved LED Walls: Ideal for more immersive environments, enabling 360-degree backgrounds that follow the camera’s movements and enhance the sense of depth. The extensibility of the curved wall gives people space to move around.

Choosing the correct size and curvature ensures that the LED wall fully displays the virtual environment with no visible seams or breaks in the image, creating a more immersive experience for actors and audience. It is critical to a successful shoot.

7. Integration with Camera Tracking and Real-Time Engines

To ensure seamless integration between the LED wall and live-action footage, the system must support camera tracking and real-time rendering engines like Unreal Engine or Unity. This allows the background to adjust dynamically with the camera’s movement.

• Camera Tracking: Look for LED walls that work smoothly with camera tracking systems, ensuring the perspective of the background matches the camera’s movements.
• Real-Time Engines: Ensure the LED wall can handle real-time rendering from Unreal Engine or similar platforms, allowing for instant updates to the environment during filming.

8. Power Consumption and Maintenance

LED walls can be energy-intensive, especially in large virtual production setups. Evaluating the power consumption and maintenance requirements of an LED wall can help reduce operating costs.

• Energy-Efficient Models: Consider energy-efficient LED walls that offer lower power consumption without sacrificing performance.
• Front or Rear Maintenance: Depending on your studio’s setup, choose LED walls with front or rear maintenance options to ensure ease of access for repairs or adjustments.

8. Canbest LED XR Cinematography Solution

Contact with Canbest to learn more successful projects we made.