Weta Digital has adopted the same virtual production technology as used in Disney Plus’ The Mandalorian.
The company has partnered with technical production services provider Streamliner and Avalon Studios to launch new workflows including large LED panels configured to display imagery as a way to augment practical sets and reduce the use of green screen for backgrounds and exteriors.
The partners said the workflows combine the capabilities of all three companies, supporting various technologies and workflows. Each configuration can be deployed to meet the individual needs of a given production.
The new workflow features large, easily configurable LED panels that are able to display imagery “well beyond 8K” as a way to augment practical sets and often replace green screen shots for backgrounds and exteriors, said the partners. It uses the real-time Unreal engine from Epic Games.
“Adding LED stage capabilities to Wellington’s Avalon Studios adds yet another compelling reason for productions to consider shooting in New Zealand,” said Weta Digital executive producer David Conley. “LED stages are the latest technique to take advantage of game engine technology to provide virtual production workflows that can greatly expand what is possible on set. Being able to shoot final VFX imagery at the same time as principle photography adds another level of creative control for producers and filmmakers.”
