What virtual production really means
Virtual production is often associated with large LED screens and the style popularised by The Mandalorian. In reality, it is far broader than that.
At its core, virtual production brings the digital and physical sides of filmmaking together in real time. It allows directors and cinematographers to see and interact with visual effects while shooting, rather than waiting for post production. This shifts creative decisions earlier in the process and reduces uncertainty on set.
It can include LED volumes, green screen, real time camera tracking, motion capture and previsualisation. Whether driving a digital creature live, previewing set extensions, or compositing environments into the camera feed, the aim is the same. To give filmmakers clarity and confidence while they work.
For LOC, virtual production is not one specific setup. It is a flexible approach tailored to the needs of each project.
Experience across different workflows
The team at LOC has worked across a wide range of virtual production pipelines, from performance driven workflows to full LED volume shoots.
On Dance Monsters for Netflix, one of the most ambitious virtual production projects to date, the workflow combined live motion capture, camera tracking, lighting data and 360 degree video environments to create digital performances in real time.
For 2073 directed by Asif Kapadia, LOC delivered LED volume virtual production, capturing environments in camera and enabling creative decisions to be made on set.
On Doctor Who episode “Wild Blue Yonder,” virtual production techniques supported complex environments and storytelling requirements.
Technology that supports creativity
Reliable camera tracking is central to many virtual production setups. LOC has experience working with multiple systems depending on the needs of the production.
We have an established working relationship with Mo-Sys Engineering, whose optical systems track camera movement with high precision. We have also collaborated with Claros and EZtrack, who provide both optical and telemetry based tracking solutions.
This allows us to support stage shoots, location work, hybrid green screen setups, and full in camera visual effects environments.
The bigger picture
Virtual production is not about a single piece of technology. It is about using the right tools at the right time.
It helps reduce guesswork, encourages collaboration between departments, and gives filmmakers greater clarity during production.
At LOC, our experience across previs, performance capture, in camera VFX and hybrid workflows means we can support productions at every stage, whether that involves LED stages, green screen, or real time creative visualisation.
Have an idea for a project?