What is virtual production? Discover how LED walls, VFX and real-time technology are changing filmmaking and creating new opportunities for creative careers.

Filmmaking has always involved a mixture of creativity and technology, but new production techniques are changing what is possible on set. 

One of the most exciting developments is virtual production, which combines live-action filming with computer-generated environments, visual effects and real-time technology.

But what exactly is virtual production, and why is it becoming increasingly important to the film and creative industries?

What is virtual production?

Virtual production is a filmmaking technique that allows filmmakers to combine physical actors, sets and cameras with digital environments and visual effects, often in real time.

One of the best-known examples is the use of large LED screens to create virtual environments around actors. 

Instead of filming against a traditional green screen and adding the background later, filmmakers can display a digitally created environment on the screens while filming takes place.

The camera can also interact with the virtual environment. As the camera moves, the digital background can respond accordingly, helping create a more convincing sense of depth and perspective.

This means filmmakers can potentially shoot a scene set in a distant location, another planet or an entirely fictional world without physically travelling there.

How is virtual production different from traditional filmmaking?

Traditional filmmaking often separates filming and visual effects into different stages. A scene might be filmed against a green screen, for example, before visual effects artists create and add the environment during post-production. 

This can be an incredibly effective technique, but it means filmmakers may not see the final environment while they are actually shooting the scene. Virtual production can bring more of that digital environment onto the set itself.

Actors can see the world around them rather than having to imagine what will eventually be added. Directors and cinematographers can also see a much closer representation of the finished shot while making decisions about camera position, lighting and composition.

It does not mean that traditional visual effects or green-screen techniques have disappeared. Instead, virtual production gives filmmakers another set of creative tools.

Why are LED walls important?

LED walls have become closely associated with virtual production. These large screens can display detailed digital environments, creating an immersive backdrop. They can be particularly useful when filming locations would otherwise be expensive or impractical to access.

For example, a production might need a desert landscape, futuristic city or alien planet. Rather than building an entire physical location, a digital environment can be created and displayed around the performers.

The LED wall can also provide lighting that reflects the digital environment. If a character is standing in a virtual sunset, for example, the light from the screens can contribute to the appearance of the scene.

This creates an interesting relationship between filmmaking, VFX, animation, 3D design and technology.

What are the benefits of virtual production?

One major benefit is greater creative control. Filmmakers can experiment with environments, lighting and camera angles while they are shooting rather than waiting until post-production to see how everything comes together.

Virtual production can also reduce the need for some location filming. This may make certain scenes easier to organise, particularly when the desired location is difficult to access.

There can also be benefits for actors. Rather than performing in front of a plain green screen, they may be surrounded by a visual environment that gives them more context for the scene.

However, virtual production is not automatically the best solution for every project. It requires specialist equipment, software and skilled creative and technical teams. 

Successful virtual production depends on collaboration between different areas of filmmaking and digital production.

What creative skills are involved?

One of the most interesting aspects of virtual production is how many different creative disciplines can contribute to it.

Filmmakers still need to understand storytelling, cinematography, directing and production. At the same time, digital artists may be responsible for creating environments, characters or other visual elements.

VFX artists can contribute to digital effects, while animators can create movement and digital performances. Game-engine technology can also play an important role because some virtual production workflows rely on software originally associated with interactive digital environments.

This means virtual production is a good example of how creative careers are becoming increasingly interconnected. For students considering a filmmaking degree or other creative media, this is an exciting development. 

The boundaries between filmmaking, animation, VFX, games and digital art are becoming less rigid, creating new opportunities for people with different combinations of creative and technical skills.