by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Virtual sets are revolutionizing media production and they’re changing how TV shows, films, and events are created. This article, explores virtual sets, how they differ from traditional production methods, and why they’re becoming essential for modern broadcasters and filmmakers.
What Is a Virtual Set?
A virtual set is a computer-generated environment used during live-action filming. It provides real-time virtual backgrounds and dynamic elements. Unlike traditional physical sets, which require tangible props and backdrops, virtual sets are created digitally. They offer unparalleled creative flexibility. Producers can switch between locations, times of day, and environments with a few clicks. In traditional green screen setups, actors perform in front of a solid green background, which is replaced with different imagery in post-production. Virtual sets take this concept a step further by rendering backgrounds live, allowing actors and crew to see the final scene while filming. This not only speeds up production, but also improves the realism of the final shot.
The Impact of StageCraft
An example of virtual set technology is The Mandalorian. This show used StageCraft, developed by Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), to create realistic environments using large LED walls that display real-time digital landscapes. The LED walls adjust with the camera’s movements, ensuring the perspective and depth of the background match the shot. StageCraft’s benefits are clear: actors can interact with the set, lighting adjusts automatically, and scenes are filmed without traveling to distant locations. The technology allows for unprecedented realism and efficiency, reducing the time and costs associated with traditional filming.
Why Virtual Sets Matter
Virtual sets offer filmmakers and TV producers big advantages. Virtual sets enable them to create dynamic, immersive environments without expensive location shoots or intricate physical sets. Filming a scene in a desert, on another planet, or in a historical location is done without leaving the studio. In addition to film and TV production, virtual sets have begun to impact other industries. TV newsrooms use virtual studios with augmented reality (AR) graphics. Sports broadcasters are creating immersive pre-game shows and holographic replays. Corporate events and webinars use virtual sets to create customizable environments, saving time and money by eliminating elaborate physical setups.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite their advantages, virtual sets do come with challenges. Setting up a virtual set involves a significant investment in LED walls, powerful computing systems, and specialized staff. Directors and crews must invest time to become familiar with new technologies and techniques. Achieving the right balance between realism and stylized effects can be tricky. While virtual sets offer incredible flexibility, there’s the risk of digital environments feeling artificial or disconnected from live-action footage. With continued advancements, the line between digital and real is becoming harder to distinguish.
The Future of Virtual Sets
The future of virtual sets looks promising. AI integration makes it easier to create and render digital environments. VR and AR are pushing the boundaries of immersion. Offering the best of both worlds, hybrid sets combining physical elements with digital backdrops are becoming more common. As the technology evolves, even smaller studios and independent creators will have access to virtual set production. This wave of new technology may lead to more innovative uses of virtual production across different media. Chief Creative Officer at ILM, Rob Bredow, sums it up perfectly: “Virtual production is not just a tool—it’s a creative enabler that opens doors we never thought possible.” With examples like The Mandalorian, it’s clear that virtual sets are no longer a novelty—they’re a core part of modern filmmaking and broadcasting.
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Behind the Pixels: The Rise of Virtual Sets in Broadcasting
Posted: April 22, 2025 by Doug Seidel
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Virtual sets are revolutionizing media production and they’re changing how TV shows, films, and events are created. This article, explores virtual sets, how they differ from traditional production methods, and why they’re becoming essential for modern broadcasters and filmmakers.
What Is a Virtual Set?
A virtual set is a computer-generated environment used during live-action filming. It provides real-time virtual backgrounds and dynamic elements. Unlike traditional physical sets, which require tangible props and backdrops, virtual sets are created digitally. They offer unparalleled creative flexibility. Producers can switch between locations, times of day, and environments with a few clicks. In traditional green screen setups, actors perform in front of a solid green background, which is replaced with different imagery in post-production. Virtual sets take this concept a step further by rendering backgrounds live, allowing actors and crew to see the final scene while filming. This not only speeds up production, but also improves the realism of the final shot.
The Impact of StageCraft
An example of virtual set technology is The Mandalorian. This show used StageCraft, developed by Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), to create realistic environments using large LED walls that display real-time digital landscapes. The LED walls adjust with the camera’s movements, ensuring the perspective and depth of the background match the shot. StageCraft’s benefits are clear: actors can interact with the set, lighting adjusts automatically, and scenes are filmed without traveling to distant locations. The technology allows for unprecedented realism and efficiency, reducing the time and costs associated with traditional filming.
Why Virtual Sets Matter
Virtual sets offer filmmakers and TV producers big advantages. Virtual sets enable them to create dynamic, immersive environments without expensive location shoots or intricate physical sets. Filming a scene in a desert, on another planet, or in a historical location is done without leaving the studio. In addition to film and TV production, virtual sets have begun to impact other industries. TV newsrooms use virtual studios with augmented reality (AR) graphics. Sports broadcasters are creating immersive pre-game shows and holographic replays. Corporate events and webinars use virtual sets to create customizable environments, saving time and money by eliminating elaborate physical setups.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite their advantages, virtual sets do come with challenges. Setting up a virtual set involves a significant investment in LED walls, powerful computing systems, and specialized staff. Directors and crews must invest time to become familiar with new technologies and techniques. Achieving the right balance between realism and stylized effects can be tricky. While virtual sets offer incredible flexibility, there’s the risk of digital environments feeling artificial or disconnected from live-action footage. With continued advancements, the line between digital and real is becoming harder to distinguish.
The Future of Virtual Sets
The future of virtual sets looks promising. AI integration makes it easier to create and render digital environments. VR and AR are pushing the boundaries of immersion. Offering the best of both worlds, hybrid sets combining physical elements with digital backdrops are becoming more common. As the technology evolves, even smaller studios and independent creators will have access to virtual set production. This wave of new technology may lead to more innovative uses of virtual production across different media. Chief Creative Officer at ILM, Rob Bredow, sums it up perfectly: “Virtual production is not just a tool—it’s a creative enabler that opens doors we never thought possible.” With examples like The Mandalorian, it’s clear that virtual sets are no longer a novelty—they’re a core part of modern filmmaking and broadcasting.
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Category: Latest JAG News, Tech Talk