VFX REPORT
POST
Jopling also posits it as a way to grab pick up
shots without returning to location. “If a team needed some pickups where they’d previously shot a scene and they shot a plate for coverage for this purpose, later they could go to the LED wall and pick up those shots without dragging everyone down to that location.” And the weather and light is completely controllable. “Virtual production is being presented in a very glamorous way right now with all the bells and whistles, but there is a very everyday use of it as well.”
CASH BUILDER And spread across a large number of projects, it could become more economical. Williams gives the example of a Netflix or an Amazon or a Left Bank where “maybe an LED wall for a one-off show doesn’t make sense, but when you stack it against your 10 Productions, actually, that’s a massive saving.” The price has to be measured against the
alternative. “The walls themselves are expensive, but there are lots of places out there where you can rent those spaces now. And the content can be very cost efficient to generate as well,” says Williams. “And
then when you price that against getting on location, with all its costs and uncertain weather...” On an LED wall “you’re pretty much guaranteed to get your shot, it isn’t going to rain, the light will be exactly as you wanted it. You can shoot night time shots, daytime shots and sunsets within half an hour of each other.” International location shooting is particularly
difficult and costly right now, of course, but if the price for virtual production is right in the future, there’s no reason its popularity won’t flourish, says The Mill’s Chapman. “There are pros and cons to every approach, but I think that virtual production stages are going to be more commonplace. And if you’re not paying the build the stage, you’re dry hiring it, and it’s got everything ready to go” then that cost will stack up well even in normal times against hotels, location hiring, flights and everything else, “I can see it as being a valuable, valid option going forward.” And it’s greener too “which is something I think
a lot of people are focused on now,” says Williams. “Even after COVID, people are saying it’s a real glimpse into the future. I don’t think the days of being on set or location are going to go anywhere but this is a nice addition. It gives people the extra flexibility to
Autumn 2020
televisual.com 53
Above: The One and Only Ivan from MPC
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