Virtual Production Career: What Do I Need to Start

Virtual Production Career: What Do I Need to Start

By?Kieran Lowley

To start a virtual production career and to thrive in Virtual Production (VP), a deep passion for Visual Effects is essential.

Virtual Production is, at its core, an extension of Visual Effects, where much of the magic happens live, in-camera. It involves the seamless integration of virtual environments crafted in 3D software like Unreal Engine , motion tracking systems, and 3D animations, all working harmoniously to produce the final image. If you aren’t enthused by virtual graphics, visual effects, game engines, and cutting-edge technology, this field may feel like a challenge.

However, if these elements excite you, Virtual Production will captivate you. It’s the most liberating form of production, where the only limit is your imagination. At Broadley, we’ve explored an array of VP projects and environments . Our projects have transported us to derelict cathedrals , an apocalyptic New York , vast warehouses filled with supercars, and even inside snow globes.

A virtual production career also means collaborating with large, diverse teams. As a technician or VP producer, you’ll be the linchpin connecting the camera, lighting, and digital teams. Crew sizes can vary, from small teams on simpler shoots to large groups working together to craft a single, seamless image.

If you’re passionate about virtual graphics and enjoy working within dynamic teams, a Virtual Production career will feel like home.

Working in Virtual Production: The Essentials

To excel in Virtual Production, mastering a few key skills is crucial.

Foremost among these is a solid understanding of traditional Visual Effects, especially in areas like match-moving, chroma keying, and set design. A broad skill set in all areas of VFX will serve you well, as Virtual Production essentially brings post-production processes into real-time.

A cornerstone of VP is Unreal Engine, the industry-standard software for designing virtual sets. While Unreal Engine comes with a steep learning curve, conquering it will make you highly sought after in the industry.

Beyond Unreal Engine, understanding optical camera tracking is vital. There are numerous tracking hardware options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. At its core, tracking involves devices emitting Infrared light, which reflects off IR markers and is captured by the tracking unit, recording the camera’s 6-axis position.

If you’re working in Green Screen virtual production, as we do at Broadley Studios, mastering chroma keying is non-negotiable. This technique involves removing green screens from footage to replace backgrounds with virtual sets, typically created in Unreal Engine. Precision in chroma keying is critical; a poorly executed key can ruin an otherwise perfect shot.

Virtual Production Career: The Work Ethic

Virtual Production is both technically and creatively demanding.

It often involves long hours of troubleshooting and problem-solving. The process relies on a chain of hardware, where even a single fault can jeopardise the entire operation.

However, the diversity of tasks in VP means you’ll constantly be learning and developing new skills. In just one month at Broadley, we’ve transitioned from filming inside a snow globe to a gym, a café, and a bar. Over a year, we’ve ventured to space, giant TV studios, New York, and a high-rise apartment. No two days are the same in Virtual Production.

If you bring the right work ethic and can quickly adapt to digital workflows, you’ll thrive in this exciting field.

FAQ: How to Start a Virtual Production Career?

A virtual production career is a rewarding career bursting with creativity, innovation and possibilities.

So if you want to start a career, and thrive in, VP, you will need:

1. ?Oodles of passion for all things visual effects and VXF. 2. ?Embrace teamwork and collaboration - working in dynamic teams is the norm. 3. ?Learn everything you can about visual effects - particularly match-moving, chroma keying, and set design. 4. ?Learn, and ideally master, Unreal Engine - it's a steep learning curve but worth it. 5. ?Understand optical camera tracking and green screen production and chroma-keying. 6. ?Prepare to work long hours 7. ?And to continously learn and develop your skills.

With VP, the only limit is your imagination...

Virtual Production at Broadley Studios

For more information on our Virtual Production facilities , please feel free to reach out to us and discover?how we can help you and your production on +442077255858 or email us at [email protected] .

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