VERSA Manchester has enabled the first virtual production deployment for CBeebies
The result of a collaboration between virtual production provider Immersion Science, VERSA Studios and BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions, The Great Ice Cream Hunt marks the first time the technology has been used by CBeebies.
Building on its predecessor, Christmas in Storyland, which was shot on green screen, the production combines physical filmmaking with digital environments to create an immersive, real-time world. Replacing the traditional green screen, digital environments were projected onto screens around the performers, who were able to interact directly with the world on-set. By synchronising the on-screen environment with camera movements, seamless, dynamic shots were created in real-time and in-camera.
Commenting, Natalie Bolton, production executive, BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions said, “With The Great Ice Cream Hunt, we set out to create a vibrant, immersive world that felt like a storybook come to life. Thanks to cutting-edge virtual production technology, we were able to bring fantastical locations like Mermaid Falls, The Ice Cream Farm and a Fruity Festival to the screen with stunning detail designed to ignite young imaginations. Virtual production allowed us to blend live-action performances with richly animated environments creating a truly magical experience.”
Edward Harvey, head of studios at VERSA Manchester, added “Working with BBC Studios Kids & Family and our partner Immersion Science to deliver this virtual production project was such a rewarding experience for us here at VERSA Studios. Seeing the production and performers embrace this new way of filmmaking has us excited for future collaborations that will inspire and engage audiences.”
