VP Scenarios
Five Tenets of Virtual Production At Amazon Studios
TENET #1 - EARLY AND OFTEN
This is a really basic rule. A show has a better possibility of implementing virtual production at a very high level the earlier it can incorporate all stakeholders. Additionally, frequent involvement of all parties will lead to the most efficient and smooth production process.
TENET #2 - VIRTUAL PRODUCTION IS PRODUCTION
Virtual production happens during principal photography and is not part of the VFX process. Everything from budgeting to scheduling needs to be though of as production days. For instance, if a show is shooting in an incentivized area, rental and labor costs of virtual production will count in the production incentive and not visual effects. However, asset creation still falls under VFX for both budget and logistical purposes.
TENET #3 - FIX IT IN PREP
The phrase "fix it in post" has been used frequently in Hollywood for years. So much so that it's spread like a joke both inside and outside the business. Virtual production turns that aphorism on its head. We are now working in prep to deliver final pixel-ready footage that can be shot on the day, rather than altering shots in post-production. Therefore, we must prioritize prep both on a creative level and within the budget. By starting some key positions and responsibilities earlier than we have in the past, we can be more productive, save overspending on production, and reduce postvis.
TENET #4 - NEVER CUT PRELIGHT/TECHVIS DAYS
Pre-Light days give DPs the chance to iron out any kinks with the Control Team so that volume work goes quickly and efficiently when it's time to shoot. A problem that frequently arises with shows that use virtual production poorly is that they eliminate the pre-light days to reduce costs during principal photography yet end up adding much more cost in post-production when shots need to be replaced or edited.
TENET #5 - SETS NOT SHOTS
When doing a traditional break down of VFX for feature script or episode, we need to price each individual shot separately. In virtual production, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that we consider sets, not shots. With VFX we need to count shots because each shot needs to be worked on individually. In VP, once the environment or plate is on the wall, filmmakers are free to get as many shots as needed.
With these principles in mind, it’s a good time to dive into the advantages and disadvantages to virtual production. While the technology and techniques are new and exciting, they are not a silver bullet to solve every problem.
LED Stage Types
Permanet Volume
This refers to a nearly enclosed LED stage in which a volume of light is emitted, or a display surface for projected content. There are many different shapes and styles of volumes in practice today. These are all derivatives of the volume used by ILM on The Mandalorian. This volume utilized during the production of that show was a 20ft high, 70ft wide, 270º semi-circle. A full LED ceiling was used.
Rendering of ASVP’s permanent volume at Stage 15 in Culver City
Pop Up / Bespoke Volume
This refers a custom volume constructed to the exact needs of production. These vary drastically from show to show. This also encompasses small translight replacement and car process.
Image of a modular setup