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Learn how to design a virtual environment for an LED stage

V irtual production utilises real-time graphics to capture a blend of virtual and physical environments live in-camera. Used by the events, broadcast and film industries, these technologies and techniques create immersive experiences that blend performers, presenters, actors and products inside photorealistic or imaginative virtual worlds.

3D designers are often faced with the challenge of working within the limitations of existing live-action footage or having to pre-empt any number of variables when producing content for use in live broadcasts. There’s a tricky balance to be maintained when blending the real and virtual worlds. While virtual production opens the door for creative decisions to be made on set and in the moment, creating a good experience for performers and the wider production team involves preparation and design thinking from the early stages.

Virtual production includes AR, MR and XR techniques and is created using either a greenscreen or an LED stage. Working as a real-time designer on a virtual production requires a solid understanding of the technical requirements and limitations of the process. In this tutorial, we’re going to walk you through the process of designing a virtual environment for an LED stage. We’ll cover the practical considerations you’ll need to make and how to create a comprehensive pre-visualisation that will set you up for on-site success. We’ll look at how using front and back plates add depth, and how to optimise your virtual environment to run in real time.

We’ll also look at tips and techniques for working in a studio environment, including Notch’s Network Editing feature which enables designers to make changes remotely.

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AUTHOR

Notch is the graphics creation tool for interactive performance, realtime rendering and high-quality path tracing – all in one, for all screens and stages. notch.one