Frequently Asked Questions
What is virtual production?
Virtual production is a filmmaking technique that seamlessly combines physical and digital elements to create real-time environments for film, television, photography, and other forms of media. It blends live-action filming with digital assets. With advanced LED technology, filmmakers and actors can interact with CGI elements in an LED volume during production, rather than having those elements added during post production. The process promotes a more natural performance and a more authentic result.
What is the biggest value of virtual production?
Virtual Production brings what was previously only imaginable in post production, and adds all of it to your toolbox from the onset. Film from any location you can imagine, any time of day, and in any weather. 15 consecutive golden hours in four diffderent locations? No problem. You control it all. Every aspect of the production, from budgeting to scene planning to creative control, benefit from this immersive technology.
What is the benefit of virtual production over real sets?
Reduced travel, improved safety, fewer municipal restrictions, and less harm to the environment to name a few. With virtual production you bring the environments and locations, no matter how remote or impossible, right into your studio. Weather delays are a thing of the past. Perfect filming conditions improve production efficiency and reduce costs.
What is the benefit of virtual production over green/blue screen?
Authentic, natural performances. The largest complaint from actors over the past decades is the inability to interact with an environment they cannot see. With virtual production and LED technology, actors can finally see what surrounds them in any given scene. The result is a more natural interaction and ultimately better performance.
In addition to the actors, virtual production also benefits other members of the cast and crew. Cinematographers, for example, can see exactly how they want to frame or light a scene. With LED panels also providing a light source, rather than just an image, reflections bring further authenticity to sets. Post production also benefits from the perfect blend of a realistic background, no longer needing to key around fine detail elements.
Is virtual production workflow different?
Yes. With virtual production much of the time and effort dedicated to post production will shift to preproduction. Pre-visualization and virtual art are essential to increasing efficiency when production begins. Teams dedicated to tracking and Unreal will also be key to new workflows in Virtual production. Additional changes to workflow will come in the form of performance capture, daily editorial adjustments, and color effects, among many other new roles being created every day as the technology advances.
Do I need a set?
Most of the time, yes. Practical set pieces may range from as simple as a few props, to more complicated structures like rooms or spacecraft. The set pieces, however large or small, will add depth and provide greater opportunities for interaction, resulting in a more believable shot.
What is xR?
News and sports broadcasts have been utilizing xR (extended reality) for years, but the applications for xR in production are rapidly expanding. By blending real and virtual environments, most commonly via set extensions and augmented reality, an actor or presenter can appear to be in a much larger and more detailed set. This allows them to interact with graphics and other virtual enhancements.
What is tracking?
Tracking is critically important in the virtual production process, and there are two types: inside-out and outside-in.
Inside-out tracking uses a sensor mounted to your camera that reads markers in the ceiling or a physical map of the room.
Outside-in tracking uses cameras mounted to the perimeter of an LED volume to track the position of the camera.
The playback software or game engine require accurate camera position data in order for perfect interaction.
What is the square footage of each studio?
Cinematic Volume: 12,000 sq ft
Car Processing Studio: 2,880 sq ft
Commercial Studio: 2,880 sq ft
Can Trilogy Studios custom build 3D environments for virtual production?
Yes! We create and design 3D environments, specifically for virtual production use. We offer a range of solutions to cater to your specific needs, from highly personalized environments with intricate details (Full 3D, 3D Scanning) to more streamlined options that prioritize speed and efficiency (Gaussian Splatting, 2D Plates). Our approach ensures you have the control and flexibility you require to achieve your production goals.