VP offers promising sustainability solutions for the filmmaking industry. 

As virtual production technology becomes more widely adopted in filmmaking, its environmental benefits are gaining attention. While significant strides have been made in comparing virtual production to traditional filmmaking regarding sustainability, there is still a long journey ahead. This involves not just technological advancements, such as making the technology more accessible and adaptable for DPs, but also simplifying decision-making for production houses. Though carbon footprint calculators are becoming more common, their adoption and recognition in film and broadcast production still face challenges. Large production companies like Netflix have committed to significantly reducing their carbon footprint and made their sustainability goals public, yet sustainability efforts remain crucial. 

HOW VIRTUAL PRODUCTION CONTRIBUTES TO SUSTAINABILITY 

Virtual production technologies can significantly reduce the environmental impact of traditional film production in several ways: 

• Reduction in Travel and Transportation 

• Minimised Physical Set Construction 

• Lower Energy Consumption 

• Real-Time Collaboration 

• Efficiency and Fewer Reshoots 

THE LED VOLUME DILEMMA 

Despite the sustainability benefits, the high energy demand for LED volumes is evident. So, how do LED screens in virtual production contribute to reducing overall energy consumption? 

• Dual Purpose of LED Screens: LED screens in virtual production display the digital environment and provide natural-looking lighting, reducing the need for extensive additional lighting. 

• Real-Time Lighting Adjustments: LED walls enable precise, real-time control of brightness, colour, and intensity, minimising the need for extra lighting equipment. 

• Smarter Power Management: Advanced systems can dynamically adjust LED power usage according to the scene’s needs, reducing energy consumption. 

• Portability and Scalability: LED screens are modular, allowing productions to tailor their size and setup, optimising energy use. Additionally, LED screens can be repurposed for multiple projects, increasing their sustainability. 

FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES AND OPPORTUNITIES 

New solutions are being developed to further enhance sustainability in virtual production: 

• Common Cathode LED: This technology reduces power consumption by up to 40%, minimises heat production, and improves the stability and longevity of LED panels, reducing maintenance costs. 

• Flip-Chip Technology: Consuming 25-40% less energy than conventional LEDs, this technology reduces heat generation and improves user experience. 

• LED Monitoring Systems: Provide real-time health monitoring for large-scale video displays, ensuring energy-efficient operation. 

• Longer Lifespan of LED Panels: By securing spare parts and offering easy repair methods, LED panels can be used for extended periods, reducing waste. 

However, challenges remain: 

• Lack of Data on Carbon Footprint: There is insufficient data on the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposing of LED panels, particularly regarding their carbon footprint. 

• Startup Costs: The initial investment for virtual production hardware, especially LED panels, is relatively high, which can slow adoption. 

• Lack of Skilled Personnel: There’s a distinct lack of knowledge and understanding, along with a shortage of qualified staff. 

• Standardisation and Carbon Calculators: A lack of standardised carbon calculators makes it challenging to assess and compare the environmental impact of productions using virtual production. A unified approach could make sustainability more achievable. 

The CoSTAR network of labs, announced in June 2023 in the UK, is contributing to more research and will be the largest of its kind in Europe. 

THE WAY FORWARD 

To fully unlock the potential of virtual production in reducing carbon footprints, we need a dedicated carbon calculator designed for this purpose. This could be achieved by: 

• Using Existing Models: Adapting current film production carbon calculators to account for the nuances of virtual production. 

• Incorporating IT Carbon Calculators: Since virtual production heavily relies on data centres and cloud services, IT-focused calculators should be included in the assessment. 

• Engaging Experts: Collaborating with sustainability experts and industry professionals to ensure continuous learning and improvement. 

• Advocating for Policy Support: Supporting policies that promote sustainability tools and collaboration among studios, technology providers, and environmental experts. 

By advancing these technologies and fostering a collaborative approach, virtual production can lead the way in reducing the environmental footprint of the film and broadcast industries.