Virtual production allows the crew to see their extended virtual set directly in-camera. The background of the set is made of giant LED screens that will form one big screen, displaying real-time backgrounds. Next to that, this so-called LED Volume can be operated live so you can literally move mountains on set.
Virtual production offers huge benefits when compared to more traditional ways of production, such as green screen or on location. When shooting within a LED Volume it means you no longer have to travel to impossible places or composite the background onto a green screen. You can even create an entirely non-existent place. For example: shooting with the favoured golden hour doesn’t have to be done within the hour, you can literally shoot all day with the right lights, displayed on - and radiated by - the LED Volume.
A great opportunity to consider the use of virtual production is if you have a location that would be very difficult to go to, for instance because it requires complex logistics. The key difference between studio and location filming is that the environment can be controlled completely. Weather can be unpredictable and a real challenge when filming on location. In a virtual studio space, any kind of weather can be created so this enables filming according to your preferred schedule. Just imagine the example of the Golden Hour - which can last all day thanks to virtual production.
The big advantage over a green screen is that you can already see the result through the film camera. In addition, the lighting people can better match the actors on set with the digital environment.
