On April 13th the APDG, in partnership with Docklands Studios Melbourne and the Victorian College of the Arts, held an introduction to the new possibilities of real time virtual production using LED Volume technology. This emerging and rapidly developing field has the potential to make significant contributions to the way we tell screen stories by bringing together physical and digital elements, allowing real-time integration between performers and virtual environments live and in camera.
Clayton Jacobson from Dreamscreen Australia was joined by Art Director Milan Perkins as they talked us through the several setups shot to test the technology late last year. We were very sad to not have Production Designer Robbie Perkins in attendance, who, due to a slight sniffle and Victoria’s intense Covid restrictions, needed to steer clear! His work was ably represented, however, by Milan.
Their presentation was terrifically exciting. This technology allows production designers and cinematographers to control the environment and lighting in camera rather than relying on post-production effects, bringing a measure of control back into the hands of key creatives, rather than resolving them in post without their guiding vision present.
Being able to see the possibilities that this new field can open up applied to specific production footage, and the explanations of the technology used in each setup, was invaluable in understanding some of the potential on offer. A lively, robust Q&A session followed the presentation.
The Victorian committee warmly thank Clayton and Milan for sharing their time and insights into this exciting emerging field.
