- Virtual production for film is a means of filmmaking that uses CGI and other forms of digitized visuals along with techniques of traditional filmmaking.
- Virtual Production saves time, money, and effort through convenient methods of production.
- Boiling Point Media uses virtual production to create award winning films!
Filmmaking comes with trust and guesswork. Selling a pitch keeps getting harder as most studios are weary of buying into a film that they can’t see yet. Once you sell your pitch, you’ll have to put in a lot of time, money, and effort to keep your idea alive. Let’s look into virtual production and how it can streamline your filmmaking process!
What is Virtual Production For Film?
Virtual production is a method of filmmaking that combines traditional methods of filmmaking such as movement tracking recognition and motion capture with newer digitized visuals. An older example of this is the use of green screens to fully change a character’s environment. As this technology progresses, we see more use of CGI, augmented reality, laser scanning, and robotics.
Virtual Production vs Traditional Film Production
Virtual production methods use digital software so that those on set can see the outcome and make adjustments in real time. Things like color grading, green screen, and VFX get adjusted during the filming process which saves a lot of time, money, and effort. On the other hand, traditional filmmaking relies on a step by step process that goes from idea, pre-production, production, post production, and distribution. Visual production cuts this down to fewer steps by removing the need for pre and post production.
Types of Virtual Production
There are several types of virtual production, all of these types of virtual production have different uses. Generally, virtual production is meant to make the filming process easier by using digital methods to visualize different parts of the filmmaking process to pitch an idea, map out a scene, add in a character, or test out an idea.
Previs
Previs, which is short for previsualization, is a method that has been around for quite a while. This method uses rough CGI to map out the way you want the scene to look before you start recording live action and VFX.
Pitchvis
Pitchvis is a form of previs that happens before an idea is green-lit. This method uses CGI to demonstrate the way that a project will look. The filmmakers will use the pitchvis to pitch the idea to stakeholders.
Techvis
Techvis is meant to work out the technical aspects and explore the feasibility of each shot before shooting begins. This helps producers figure out what equipment and crew they will need before they make any commitments.
Stuntvis
Stuntvis, also known as action design, is a mix of both previs and techvis. Rather than camera work or set design, stuntvis are meant to figure out stunts and action sequences. This allows crews to practice shots before shooting, leading to fewer shots and less shooting time.
Postvis
Postvis takes place after the physical shoot ends. This is usually to add CGI or green screen effects to the live action footage. This can be used to make early screen tests look more similar to the final project. This usually uses previs along with new VFX elements and real-world footage done to ensure that all stakeholders are in before VFX is finished.
Live Compositing
Similar to postvis, live composting uses both live action and CGI. Live composting, however, is used to visualize CGI characters during shooting. This can be used for mapping out the movements and facial expressions of actors who will be used as CGI models.
Virtual Scouting
Virtual scouting allows cast and crew to experience a virtual setting of the set in VR. This allows everyone to get a sense of the set’s scale and set up before shooting. This helps with intricate or difficult set designs. Teams can digitally move aspects of the set around to figure out what props are necessary.
Benefits of Virtual Production For Film
Virtual production is the most convenient way to get your idea onto the big screen. Visual production eliminates the guesswork and makes selling your project easier. This makes it so that you can get from the idea stage to the production stage with ease. During the production stage, you will save time and money by hiring less crew members and buying less equipment. Let’s go in depth on how virtual production makes film production easier.
Quick On-Set Transitions
With the rise of virtual production and digitized sets, it’s quicker than ever to transition from one scene to another. It’s no longer necessary to fully move to a new location or switch out props. Everything is shot in one spot which allows for digital assets to be changed quickly without any physical rearranging.
Library Of Assets
Teams can utilize pre-built assets from existing libraries. They can quickly be customized to meet the needs of any production, without having to build fresh settings from scratch. These settings are all stored electronically for ease of use and cheaper storage.
Global Collaboration
Virtual content can now be created and shared by teams around the globe without delays. Now filmmakers can get creative and technical help anywhere around the world! This gives creatives many opportunities to expand their horizons without extra financial cost.
Enhanced Visibility
Historically, filmmaking has been a linear process. With traditional filmmaking, the end product couldn’t be visualized until the very end. With virtual production you can see the progress throughout, giving you a look into the end product before you’re even done filming.
Idea Iteration
Virtual production makes the creative process easier and quicker. Creatives are able to pitch ideas and set up shots without the need for actors or equipment. This gets the idea greenlit and into production quicker than ever.
Time And Cost Savings
Virtual production lowers time and costs on production for several reasons. With less guesswork comes the need for less staffing and less equipment. This also takes less time as you can use preset visual effects options.
Virtual Production For Film At Boiling Point Media
Boiling Point Media handles virtual production with everything from special effects and color grading, to character creations and animations. Boiling Point Media handles every type of visual production to do everything from pitchvis to postvis. Here are some of the projects Boiling Point Media has handled:
- Jurassic Pet (1 & 2)
- The Adventures of Rufus The Fantastic Pet
- C.I. Ape
- Dinosaur World
- Army of Frankensteins
- The Adventures of Jurassic Pet
- Reagan
- Jurassic Pet III
Contact Us
Visit our website for more information or give us a call and speak with our Emmy Award winning director, Ryan Bellgardt. We look forward to making your film project a reality!
Phone
info@boilingpointmedia.com
Address
7801 N Robinson Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73116