Introduction
The film and television production industry has always faced challenges such as long production cycles and high costs.
With the continuous development of technology, the virtual production technology of Écrans d'affichage LED has gradually emerged, providing new solutions for shortening the film and television production cycle.
Table des matières
1. A brief introduction to the virtual production technology of LED display screens
Virtual production technology is to use computers and special equipment to create virtual movie scenes.
Virtual production technology based on LED display screens uses large LED screens to display virtual scenes in real-time, allowing actors to perform as if they were in a real environment, and the camera directly captures this synthetic picture.
The LED display screen works with the camera, rendering server, and tracking system. The rendering server generates the virtual scene, and the LED display screen displays it in real time.
The tracking system tracks the position of the camera to ensure that the virtual scene and the real performance are perfectly integrated. In this way, the director and photographer can see the final effect on the spot, and the shooting is more accurate.
In the early days, virtual production mainly used green screen keying, and the actors performed in front of the green screen and then replaced the background in the later stage. But this sometimes looks unnatural, and later costs are also high.
Now, using large LED screens to directly display virtual scenes, the effect is more realistic, and the shooting is more efficient. The LED large screen can also be adjusted as needed, giving the production team more creative space.
2. Advantages of LED display screens in virtual production
The LED display screen is really great. It allows actors and directors to directly see the synthesis of virtual scenes and actors’ performances during shooting.
Just like playing video games, you can immediately see the results of your “performance.”
In this way, everyone can immediately know where the performance is good and where it needs to be adjusted without having to wait until post-production to find problems.
In this way, the shooting efficiency is naturally improved, and everyone can complete the work faster.
The light and shadow effects of the LED display screen are just like the real thing.
Whether it is sunlight, light or other light sources, they can be simulated vividly. In this way, the pictures taken are more natural and realistic.
Moreover, because the light and shadow effects have been adjusted during shooting, there is no need to bother to adjust them during post-production.
This not only saves time but also saves manpower and material resources.
Using LED display screens to switch scenes is just a matter of seconds! You don’t need to spend a lot of time to build or dismantle the real scene as before.
Just click on the computer and the scene can be switched immediately. In this way, the shooting process is more coherent and smooth, and transitions are no longer a headache.
Using LED display screens for virtual production can really save a lot of money. There is no need to build a real scene, nor is there a need to process too many special effects in the later stage.
Many effects can be completed directly during shooting, which saves a lot of trouble and cost. Moreover, because the shooting efficiency is improved and the production cycle is shortened, everyone can see the finished product faster.
In general, using LED display screens for virtual production is really a good choice to save money and worry!
3. What are the application examples of LED display screen virtual production technology?
1). Interstellar in “The Mandalorian”
Did you know? In the popular sci-fi drama “The Mandalorian,” the planetary scenes, such as the desert of Tatooine and the city of Coruscant, are not actually built! They use LED display screen virtual production technology.
That is, a large screen is placed in the studio, which displays the virtual scenes made by the computer in real-time.
The actors act in front of the screen, and when the camera shoots, the effect is the same as if they are really on the planet.
This way of shooting does not require building real scenes, which saves time and money, and the production cycle is naturally shorter. Moreover, you can shoot any planet you want, and the scene switching is super fast!
2). Dark Gotham in “The New Batman”
There is also “The New Batman,” in which the streets of Gotham City are dark and damp and feel very real. In fact, it was also shot using LED display screen virtual production technology.
A large LED screen in the studio displays the virtual scenes of Gotham City, and Batman is “patrolling” in it. This way of shooting is not only realistic but also very flexible in the shooting process.
The director can adjust the scene as he wants without waiting for the real scene to be built. Therefore, the production cycle of “The New Batman” is much shorter than before.
3). Other places where it is used “quietly”
Don’t think that LED display virtual production technology is only used for blockbusters. In fact, it is now very popular. For example, in some variety shows, you can see the gorgeous organiser and cool special effects in their backgrounds.
Many of them are displayed in real-time on LED displays. There are also live broadcasts with goods, and the product displays and scene switching behind the anchors also use this technology.
Even in the field of games, LED display virtual production technology has begun to emerge. Some game companies use it to make game trailers, and the effect is so realistic that people can’t tell whether it is a game or a movie.
Moreover, this technology is still developing. In the future, we may see more works shot with LED display virtual production technology, such as virtual reality movies, augmented reality experiences, etc. It makes people excited just thinking about it!
In general, LED display virtual production technology is really a “black technology.” It makes film and television production more efficient and flexible and also brings us more visual enjoyment.
In the future, this technology will definitely become more and more popular and become an indispensable part of the field of film and television production.
4. What is the impact of LED display screen technical parameters on virtual production?
1). Dot pitch:
The dot pitch, to put it simply, is the distance between the small dots on the LED display screen. This dot pitch has a great impact on the display effect of virtual production.
- Small dot pitch, extremely delicate:
If you think about it, the dot pitch is small, then more small dots can be stuffed into the same size screen, and the picture will naturally be delicate.
When shooting virtual production, those details and textures can be clearly shown. For example, when shooting a close-up, the small pimples on the actor’s face can be seen, but it shows that the picture is delicate enough!
- Large dot pitch, slightly rough:
The dot pitch is large, and the picture looks a bit “grainy.” It may be okay to shoot a distant view or a large scene, but when shooting a close-up, oh, the picture is like an enlarged photo, a little blurry.
2). Color gamut and contrast:
Color gamut and contrast, these two parameters are the key to determining the color and light and shadow effects of the picture.
- Wide color gamut, dazzling colors:
Wide color gamut means that the display can display more colors. When shooting virtual production, the colors are richer, more realistic and more vivid. For example, when shooting a scene under the sunset, the colors of the sunset are layered and beautiful.
- High contrast, wonderful light and shadow:
High contrast means that the bright areas in the picture are brighter and the dark areas are darker. In this way, the light and shadow effects are more three-dimensional and have a sense of hierarchy.
When shooting a scene in a dark room, the light and shadow of the candle and the outline of the object are all clear.
3). Fréquence de rafraîchissement:
The refresh rate is the number of times the display updates the picture per second. This is crucial to the shooting effect.
- High refresh rate, smooth and unparalleled:
The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the picture. When shooting virtual production, even if the picture moves quickly, there will be no annoying problems such as stuttering, flickering or scanning lines. Just like watching a high-definition movie, it is smooth and comfortable.
- Low refresh rate, unbearable stuttering:
If the refresh rate is low, the picture may be stuck and flickering. Especially when shooting fast-moving images, it is just like watching a slide show, one by one.
There may also be scan lines, making the picture look like something has been crossed.
So, when choosing an LED display, you have to look at these parameters. The dot pitch should be smaller, the color gamut should be wider, the contrast should be higher, and the refresh rate should be faster.
Only in this way can the virtual production be awesome! Of course, you have to choose according to your budget and needs, and you can’t just pursue the best.
5. Challenges and solutions faced by the actual application of virtual production on LED displays
1). Technical challenges and practical tips
1.1). Technical challenges:
- Moiré troubles:
When shooting LED displays, due to the different arrangement of screen pixels and camera sensor pixels, it is easy to have ripple-like moiré, which really destroys the beauty of the picture.
- Screen reflection embarrassment:
The surface of the LED display is smooth, and it is easy to reflect light, which can reflect the camera, staff or other things that should not appear, resulting in goof shots, which is a headache.
- Color deviation headache:
The color reproduction ability of the LED display may be different from that of the camera, resulting in the color of the picture not being consistent with expectations, and the adjustment is particularly time-consuming and labor-intensive.
1.2). Solution tips:
- Moiré:
Choose an LED display with an anti-moiré function, or apply a special anti-moiré film to the screen. This film can change the arrangement of screen pixels and reduce the generation of moiré.
When shooting, try to adjust the angle and distance of the camera. Don’t shoot straight at the screen. Slightly tilted or farther away, the moiré will not be so obvious.
In post-processing, you can use professional software tools to repair moiré, such as filters or image processing technology to reduce or eliminate moiré.
- Screen reflection:
Apply an anti-reflective film to the LED display. This film can reduce the reflection on the screen surface and improve the clarity of the picture.
Adjust the lighting conditions at the shooting site to minimize the light directly shining on the screen or dim the lights to reduce the degree of reflection.
When shooting, you can use a sunshade or other shielding to block the reflective part or shoot from a different angle to prevent the reflection from entering the lens.
- Déviation de couleur :
Before shooting, color calibrate the LED display to ensure that it is consistent with the color reproduction ability of the camera. This can be done with professional color calibration equipment or software.
Use color management software to pre-adjust the picture before shooting to make the color closer to the expected effect.
In post-production, you can fine-tune the color of the picture and use color adjustment software to correct the color deviation to achieve the ideal visual effect.
2). Problèmes de coûts
2.1). Défis :
- Large initial investment: LED display virtual production technology requires a lot of money to purchase equipment, build studios, train personnel, etc. The initial cost is indeed very high.
2.2). Solution:
- Short production cycle, high efficiency and money saving:
LED display virtual production technology can greatly shorten the production cycle and improve production efficiency. This means that more projects can be completed at the same time, thereby diluting the cost of each project.
- Costs are falling, and the future is promising:
With the continuous development and popularization of technology, the prices of LED displays and related equipment are gradually decreasing. At the same time, as the technology matures and is widely used, the production cost will be further reduced.
- Quick return on investment, unlimited money:
Since the virtual production technology of LED displays can bring higher production efficiency and better picture effects, it can attract more customers and projects.
By continuously accumulating customer and project experience, the investment can be gradually recovered, and profitability can be achieved.
- Talent shortage
3.1). Challenge:
- Few professional talents: LED display virtual production is an emerging technology, and there is a relative shortage of professional talents with relevant knowledge and skills.
3.2). Solution:
- Cultivate talents, starting from babies:
Colleges and training institutions can offer relevant courses and training programs to cultivate professional talents with virtual production technology. Through systematic education and training, more qualified talents can be delivered to the industry.
- More exchanges and cooperation, common progress:
Enterprises and institutions in the industry can strengthen exchanges and cooperation, share experiences and technical achievements.
By holding industry conferences, seminars and other activities, promote the dissemination and application of technology and promote the overall development of the industry.
- Introducing foreign talents:
For enterprises that lack professional talents, they can quickly supplement their talent team by recruiting and introducing external talents.
At the same time, they can also establish cooperative relationships with universities and scientific research institutions to jointly carry out technology research and development and innovation projects, and use external forces to improve the technical level of enterprises.
In general, although the virtual production technology of LED display screens faces some challenges, as long as we take the right solutions and countermeasures, we can overcome these difficulties and promote the continuous development and application of technology.
I believe that in the days to come, the virtual production technology of LED display screens will become more and more mature and more and more popular, bringing more surprises and opportunities to the film and television production industry.
6. Conclusion
The virtual production technology of LED display screens is becoming an important force for change in the film and television production industry.
Through the advantages of real-time feedback, real light and shadow effects, and fast scene switching, this technology greatly improves shooting efficiency and effectively reduces production costs.
Although it still faces certain technical and cost challenges, its application scope will be further expanded with the development and popularization of technology.
Enfin, si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur les écrans d'affichage LED, veuillez nous contacter.
