Brainstorm – DEMOCRATIZING VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
Miguel Churruca, marketing and communications director, Brainstorm
Virtual production has long been associated with high-budget Hollywood blockbusters and major broadcast studios, as many assumed it requires significant resources, not to mention the knowledge to make it work. However, companies like Brainstorm, with decades of experience in creating real-time graphics and virtual studio solutions, have been expanding its product line with technological advancements that are helping democratize this field, making it accessible to a wider range of creators, from small studios and independent filmmakers to educational institutions and corporate content creators.
LED volumes and chroma sets
Virtual production typically leverages two main technologies: LED volumes and chroma sets (green or blue screens). LED volumes offer seamless integration of live-action footage with dynamic 3D environments, while chroma sets provide a cost-effective method for background replacement. These technologies allow creators to blend real and virtual elements in real time, offering unprecedented creative flexibility and efficiency.
While LED volumes are powerful, they are traditionally expensive and require high-end camera tracking systems. Chroma keying, on the other hand, provides an alternative that significantly lowers the barrier to entry. Advances in software solutions, including those developed by companies like Brainstorm, now support both LED volumes and chroma key setups, enabling creators to choose the approach that best suits their needs and budget. However, both technologies have their own strong and weak points, and using one or the other will depend on the production requirements and budget.
Lowering costs, complexity, and environmental impact
One of the key challenges of virtual production has been the cost of the setups, including hardware and software, as it typically involves several high-end workstations, advanced camera tracking, etc., not to mention the LED walls, when used. In addition to financial savings, reducing hardware dependency also brings environmental benefits by cutting down on production resources, and energy consumption. This makes chroma sets even more appealing for lower budgets, as they provide a more cost-effective approach when budgets are tight.
It’s known that typical virtual production setups often require costly tracking cameras or even render-per-camera setups. An alternative approach leverages PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) and fixed cameras, making the technology more accessible to organizations with limited budgets. Also, new software and hardware solutions are making virtual production more accessible. Tools such as Brainstorm’s InfinitySet Lite and Edison enable users to integrate virtual production techniques with PTZ and fixed cameras, offering high-quality results with affordable equipment. Designed for smaller teams and studios, InfinitySet Lite ensures that high-quality virtual production is not limited to those with access to high-end motion-tracking rigs. These solutions, by minimizing the need for physical sets and optimizing production teams, make virtual production even more flexible, while making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
Simplified virtual content creation, PTZ cameras and hyper-realism
Advancements in virtual production tools are making it easier for creators to integrate immersive visuals. Solutions like Brainstorm’s Edison enables users to create immersive virtual presentations with minimal technical expertise, and mobile companion applications such as EdisonGO, that transform smartphones into video capture and tracking devices further lower costs, allow small teams and content creators to add real-time virtual elements seamlessly, or even acquire tracking data in any situation.
Additionally, hyper-realistic virtual production is now increasingly common with tools such as Unreal Engine, that facilitates the production of photorealistic environments, delivering high-quality visual content regardless of whether we use chroma sets or LED volumes.
PTZ cameras can be remotely controlled, providing dynamic shots without additional operators. Fixed cameras deliver reliable setups for news, education, and corporate presentations. These affordable options significantly lower the investment required for professional virtual production, especially when using solutions like InfinitySet, that allows several camera renders on the same workstation.
Integrating real-time data-driven graphics
Beyond creating immersive environments, some virtual production solutions allow for real-time data-driven graphics. This is crucial for broadcast applications, where live data visualization enhances news reports, sports coverage, and corporate presentations.
By incorporating real-time 2D, 3D and AR graphics, productions become more engaging and dynamic. Whether updating election results, displaying sports statistics, or integrating real-time social media feeds, these graphics add depth and interactivity to virtual content.
Expanding virtual production across industries
With decreasing cost barriers, virtual production is no longer limited to high-budget film studios. Various industries can now leverage this technology for different applications:
- Broadcasting: News stations create visually rich content with dynamic in-context real-time graphics talents can interact with.
- Education: Universities and e-learning platforms produce engaging virtual lectures.
- Corporate Communications: Companies enhance presentations and product showcases with immersive visuals using virtual production tools.
- Independent Filmmakers: Creators bring ambitious projects to life without extensive post-production work.
The future of virtual production
As affordable and user-friendly solutions continue to emerge, virtual production is becoming more accessible than ever. Innovations in software and hardware are empowering a diverse range of users, from broadcasters to small content creators.
By embracing cost-effective solutions, integrating accessible camera technologies, and leveraging mobile tracking applications, virtual production is evolving into an inclusive landscape. The use of powerful real-time rendering engines, such as Unreal Engine, is also driving hyper-realistic visuals, ensuring that even lower-end solutions can produce studio-quality results.
Democratizing virtual production is no longer a distant goal -it’s happening now. With the right tools and technologies, content creators of all sizes can harness real-time virtual production without breaking the bank. Whether through LED volumes, chroma keying, or real-time graphics integration, technological advancements are paving the way for a new era of creative possibilities. Virtual production is no longer just for the elite; it’s for everyone.
