Green Scream, nDisplay, Rally Cars and more
Rob Chandler
Founder @Starting Pixel Virtual Production Network, CEO @Morden Wolf VP Specialists, Speaker
Good Afternoon: In this weeks virtual production round-up, we have:
Cover Story: LED vs Greenscreen... is it really a competition? PLUS SXSW London news
What's Hot: Horror, Film Soho, Rally Cars, Diners and more
Starting Pixel News: Bluesky, nDisplay, DCCs...
Events & Training: BEYOND, SIGGRAPH, NAB...
Let's do this!
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Green screen vs LED - is it a thing?
Green screens are known for their versatility and cost-effectiveness, making them a staple in film production for decades. Many people aren't aware that they can also be used effectively in virtual production. By leveraging camera tracking, using multiple cameras on a shot, and employing near production-ready pre-visualisation, green screens can integrate well into a traditional VFX pipeline.
It's a mistake to think that either LED or green screen virtual production is inherently better than the other—both have their strengths and limitations. Just like choosing between location shoots and set builds, each approach has its place depending on the specific shot requirements.
Everyone working in virtual production understands this, but outside of this mystic art form? This is why a virtual production supervisor is invaluable. They can review a shot list and determine the best solution—whether it's an LED wall, a green screen, or a physical location or set. This expertise can save a lot of time and effort. They also suggest alternative approaches to streamline the shoot, support the VAD teams with direction on form versus function, and serve as an intermediary between the DP and screen operations, make tea and sweep up. The Swiss Army knife of filmmaking.
But you all know this.
That's why I'm always surprised to see direct comparisons between green screens and LED walls, especially from those who claim to be knowledgeable. Virtual production is a movement, not just a technology.
I wrote a post earlier in the year HERE
SXSW London - call for speakers
The deadline for submitting content ides for SXSW London is this Friday 30th Nov - we are going to submit a bunch of ideas so if you'd like to be involved, drop your details in HERE and we'll include you!
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WHAT'S HOT
Top Stylised Horror Film Honors Mexican Sacrifice. HERE
Film Soho has a VP studio coming in 2025. HERE
Imagine adding an AR logo behind your sports reporter or having your talent walk around the weather forecast visuals. HERE
Car process virtual production work from The Penguin. HERE
Some very cool AR content in real-time. HERE
See how virtual production turned a rally car shoot into a seamless, high-speed thrill ride—no actual forest required. HERE
Sal's Diner | Virtual Production Short film. HERE
Dead End — A Virtual Production Short Film starring Qi Yuwu and Andrew Lua. HERE
Innovating Higher Education with Virtual Production. HERE
Recommended by LinkedIn
A stunning immersive showcase for Mandarin Oriental, Miami. HERE
STARTING PIXEL NEWS
We're on Bluesky!
With our very own handle too! @startingpixel.com
The Top WhatsApp Chats from Last Week:
Unreal Engine nDisplay Issues
Users discussed troubleshooting Unreal Engine's nDisplay in version 5.4, particularly viewport freezing and black screen problems. Suggestions included adjusting configuration files, testing older versions, and implementing custom scripts to address rendering issues.
Lens Data Compatibility
There was a detailed discussion about compatibility issues with Sony Venice 2 cameras and Arri Signature Primes, particularly with recording dynamic lens data. Users shared potential fixes and insights into metadata discrepancies when using additional hardware.
Shared vs. Local Unreal DDCs
The pros and cons of using shared versus local Derived Data Caches (DDC) in Unreal Engine were debated. Shared DDCs benefit larger teams with multiple site locations, while local setups are faster for smaller teams due to reduced startup times.
Pricing for Rendered Content
A discussion emerged about pricing strategies for rendering projects, including "per-minute" versus "per-shot" models. Professionals advised breaking down tasks by complexity (easy, medium, hard) to offer scalable and fair pricing.
STARTING PIXEL BLOGS
SPONSOR MESSAGE
Discover the Future of Filmmaking with Morden Wolf!
As a premier end-to-end virtual production studio, Morden Wolf combines cutting-edge technology with seamless storytelling.
Morden Wolf, where imagination meets innovation.
EVENTS
TRAINING
If you have any events or training drop us a note hello@startingpixel.com