As we discussed in a previous post, the pandemic is driving the need for more streaming content, but with most production on hold, it appears as though the entertainment industry will have to adopt virtual production in order to meet the current demand for content.
What is Virtual Production?
At it's core, virtual production is any technique that allows filmmakers to complete any element of the film digitally.
This isn't a new idea in the entertainment industry. Video game developers and filmmakers have been using various technologies to help visualize complex scenes for years now. However, the pandemic is accelerating the adoption and development of these technologies.
Why is Virtual Production more popular during COVID-19?
Production has in large part been on hold during the pandemic because of the health risks that come with filming.
However, virtual production requires less employees to be present on set both before and during filming. With the use of high-performance computing and LED screens to create 3D environments, it eliminates the need to build physical, custom sets before filming, and it eliminates the need to travel to location in order to film.
In fact, we learned from The Los Angeles Times that Disney's “The Mandalorian” was able to completely remove the need for location shooting during it's first season, and we are proud to have provided systems for some of their vendors.
So, although it was previously mainly used in pre-vis, virtual production is now an advantage both in pre-vis and in production while making it possible to continue production during COVID-19.
What hardware bits are needed to ensure a successful virtual production?
We’ve spent over a year working with numerous virtual productions, and the experience we’ve gained has shown us what works and doesn’t work.
Whether you need a high-performance computer to drive floor-to-ceiling virtual screens or a complex UNREAL scene for your shoot, configuring the right hardware is critical. On the surface it seems very simplistic, but in actuality, there are many complex bits to ensure that your virtual production is successful.
We specialize in building high-performance computers that are optimized for virtual productions, and if you need help optimizing your system, please feel free to schedule a call with our team.
Let us know what you think of the move to virtual production in the comments below.