At this year’s MPTS, we had the pleasure of taking to the stage to talk about one of the most exciting — and sometimes divisive — tools in modern production: Virtual Production (VP). Hosted by our COO Bee Devine alongside our expert panellists Sam Kemp, Daniel-Konrad Cooper and Lina Zilinskaite, we broke down the benefits and answered questions that still linger around this game-changing technology.
To VP or not to VP? That is, indeed, the question.
Why Productions are Turning to VP
During the session, we explored the clear strengths VP brings to the table. When used right, it can:
- Reduce shoot days by consolidating locations and setups.
- Improve safety by avoiding hazardous real-world locations or stunts.
- Simulate night shoots during the day, cutting down on crew fatigue and logistical complexity.
- Provide unmatched creative control, letting directors finesse lighting, weather, and environments in real time.
Bringing the Titanic to Life
In the fall of 2023, Atlantic Productions approached Garden Studios asking how we could use an LED stage to present a digital asset that would convey a dramatic scale between an object and a real human. Last week at MPTS, Lina, Senior Producer at Atlantic Productions, told the audience how we helped bring that idea to life.
Testing the limits for the traditional use of Virtual Production, the 23m x 8m LED wall helped to evoke the immense presence of the Titanic while capturing cinematic depth and realism. The digital environment was built around a highly detailed 3D scan of the wreck, constructed from over 700,000 images, providing both historical and visual accuracy.
Lina discussed how VP was invaluable for this project with the flexibility and creative control that was available to the team. To ensure the Titanic’s accuracy, Lina was able to direct our VP team to adjust the size of different elements of the ship in real time, with assets updated to test and re-shoot within 10 minutes.
You can read more about ‘The Titanic: The Digital Resurrection’ at Garden Studios here.
The Narrows
We also discussed The Narrows, produced by Daniel-Konrad Cooper, a project where VP truly proved its worth. With a 15-year-old actor and several night scenes, traditional filming posed serious health and safety risks – not to mention budget constraints.
Using VP, Daniel avoided difficult and potentially dangerous night shoots, maintained control over lighting and weather, and kept the production moving safely and efficiently. It’s a great example of how VP isn’t just for blockbuster visuals – it’s a tool for smart, practical filmmaking.
By establishing scenes at practical locations and then shooting closer coverage on a VP stage, Daniel established a method to optimise the schedule while crucially operating in a safe and controlled environment.
But beyond the logistical benefits, VP also allowed the opportunity to achieve shots that wouldn’t be possible in a purely location-based realm. The team was granted continuity of environment and lighting state across multi-page dramatic scenes and will be able to revisit scenes without seasonal or accessibility restrictions, shooting cold and wet night sequences in sociable hours within the comfort of a stage.
You can read more about The Narrows here.
But is VP Always the Answer?
While we’re big advocates of VP at Garden Studios, we’re also realists. It’s not the answer to everything.
- Complex scenarios can become more complicated when executed virtually, especially without a clear VP strategy, sometimes we may recommend building a set inside one of our sound stages instead.
- It might cost more than traditional green screen and post-production VFX if used improperly or unnecessarily.
- There’s a learning curve — you need a skilled team who knows the tech, the pipeline, and how to keep it all streamlined – that’s where Garden Studios come in.
Our Advice? Try It with the Right Team
The key takeaway? Virtual Production is a powerful production tool – but it’s not the answer to everything. Used right, it can save time, money, and stress. Used wrong, it can introduce new headaches.
Garden Studios is committed to helping our clients succeed — whether it’s your first VP experience or your fiftieth.
So, to VP or not to VP?
Come find out — get in touch today through our Contact Us form.