Virtual production treads the boards for SMPTE spectacular “The meeting of three cultures; theatre, virtual production, and cinema,” is how cinematographer Sarah Thomas Moffat describes her work at ‘The Biggest Virtual Production Show Ever’, a full day of demos, panel talks and networking by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) in Los … Read more
Exploring the vast expanse of a desert for a music video holds undeniable allure, but virtual production means braving the elements was no longer a fear, as David Procter BSC explains. The allure of sweeping dunes, stark beauty and endless vistas offers an ethereal quality that seamlessly harmonises with music. However, this appeal accompanies a … Read more
Technological trailblazer Virtual production pioneer project The Mandalorian gets its own spinoff where the technology is equally pivotal. With the arrival of Ahsoka, one of the most influential characters from the animated Star Wars universe gets her own live-action series on Disney+. Older, wiser and same sense of recklessness from her youth, Ahsoka Tano is … Read more
The cinematographer and director of a new short film, End of Infinity, which explores the idea of having a conversation with a deceased loved one, praise the merits of virtual production. Many of us have had that conversation, whether it occurred over dinner, a pub visit, or in the early hours of the morning. It’s … Read more
UNTAPPED MIXED REALITY NorthHouse and Helen Dulay for Warner Music Entertainment created a promo for a special performance by Coldplay, featuring songs from “Music of the Spheres”, using ARRI Stage London and hybrid mixed reality techniques to place the band into a fantasy version of Dubai’s Al Wasl dome. Coldplay’s gig was part of Dubai … Read more
INTO THE UNKNOWN As the virtual production era dawned, cinematographer Magdalena Górka ASC PSC led the charge with the technology on the ambitious set of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. When Magdalena Górka ASC PSC joined Star Trek: Strange New Worlds in August 2020, virtual production was still in its infancy. “The only thing I … Read more
JURASSIC SPARK Beasts of old and technology of new converge in fine style in Dinosaurs: The Final Day with David Attenborough‘s DP James Medcraft explains. Creatures that no longer exist, in a landscape that is no more, featuring talent who (for health reasons) no longer travels – there could be no better scenario to apply … Read more
PLAIN SAILING FOR SUMMERER When COVID derailed plans for period drama 1899, set on a migrant steamship, to be a lavish multi-location shoot, the production pivoted to being shot almost entirely on a virtual sound stage, becoming the largest production since The Mandalorian to do so. Netflix helped fund the build of a new VP … Read more