In the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking, virtual production stands out as one of the many and latest technological advancement out there changing the game for many. It certainly comes as no surprise to us why so many production teams are choosing to shoot on our XR stage, rather than our traditional film spaces. As digital technologies continue to reshape the way stories are told on screen, virtual production emerges as a powerful tool that not only pushes the boundaries of creativity but also redefines the very essence of cinematic storytelling, while saving a lot of time. As our producing readers know, time is money in this industry, so let’s talk about how XR can save your production a lot of money.
1- Virtual production minimizes costs associated with travel, location scouting, and film permits.
In traditional shoots, filmmakers often face exorbitant expenses associated with transporting cast and crew to various locations, securing permits for filming in public spaces, and constructing elaborate sets from scratch. However, with virtual production, these barriers are virtually eradicated. By leveraging advanced digital technology, filmmakers can create immersive virtual environments that replicate any conceivable setting with astonishing realism, all within the controlled confines of a studio. This not only streamlines the production process but also significantly reduces overhead costs, allowing for more efficient resource allocation and enabling filmmakers to channel their resources towards other aspects of production, such as talent acquisition, visual effects, and post-production enhancements.
When discussing the costs with our clients in the bidding stages, I like to prove this point by talking about the best example I could think of: An Airline shooting a commercial on our stage, instead of flying 100s of people to Hawaii! The Hawaiian Airlines campaign “Keepers of vacation” that shot on our stage a couple years ago was with us for a total of 72 hrs., and no one had to pack a bag.
2- Real time virtual changes will save you thousands in post-production.
Sometimes our clients tell us something like “Hey, the stage It’s out of budget for us” and then I will ask them what their post budget is, and they realize the cost upfront will save them thousands in post afterwards. Unlike traditional shoots, where the logistics of coordinating supervisors and leads for post-production background replacements and effects can dominate the pre-pro, virtual production offers a streamlined workflow that accelerates the production timeline.
With virtual sets, filmmakers can rapidly iterate on scenes in real-time, making immediate adjustments to lighting, camera angles, and set design without the need for time-consuming reshoots or “fixes in post”. This agility not only saves time but also maximizes the productivity of cast and crew, allowing for more scenes to be filmed within a given timeframe, and for the director to call changes on things in real time, rather than fixing it in post. You get to see it and correct it right away.
Sure, there will be some color correcting and maybe some VFXs you want to correct or add later, but 90% of your post work won’t be necessary anymore, and your director (and clients) will leave the set knowing exactly how the shoot went and what it will look like.
3- The LED Volume is a lighting source, why are you renting so much G&E?
Let me repeat that: the LED Volume (Wall and Ceiling) is a light source! We tell our clients time and time again not to rent so much G&E and lighting equipment, it will not be used, and there they go spending the extra thousands they didn’t need to, and the equipment sits outside the stage unused.
They are not only light sources, meaning they emanate a lot of lighting, but they are incredibly accurate and can be calibrated to do a lot more things than regular lighting. The Volume is built in tiles, like puzzle pieces coming together, and each tile can be customized to display something different. Some of our returning clients now get it, and fully utilize the LED Ceiling as a giant customizable lightbox, and then compliment it with a much smaller and specialized lighting kit for their individual purposes: automotive, fashion, etc.
Taking advantage of the Volume’s lighting capacity and treating it as a primary source not only reduces the complexity and expense of renting extensive lighting equipment, but also streamlines the production process by eliminating time-consuming setup and adjustments on set between takes and scenes. Furthermore, virtual production enables precise control over lighting parameters in real-time inside environments as well, empowering cinematographers to achieve their desired aesthetic with unparalleled flexibility, efficiency and with very impressive photo realism.
In conclusion, virtual production stands as a transformative force in the realm of filmmaking, offering a trifecta of cost-saving advantages that cannot be overlooked. From minimizing expenses associated with travel, location scouting, and permits to streamlining post-production workflows and optimizing lighting equipment utilization, XR stages pave the way for a more efficient and economical filmmaking process. As demonstrated through real-world examples and industry insights, the adoption of virtual production not only saves significant time and resources but also empowers filmmakers to unleash their creativity with unprecedented flexibility and control. As the film industry continues to embrace the possibilities of virtual production, now is the time for producers and directors alike to explore the myriad benefits of XR stages and unlock the full potential of their cinematic visions. With virtual production, the future of filmmaking is not only brighter but also more cost-effective than ever before.
If you are interested in visiting our studio for a tour, or simply need advice for an XR Project coming up your pipeline, don’t hesitate to reach our so that we can help you navigate it and make the best out of this technology!