Role: Disguise Media Server Programmer & Operator
Clients: High Res x Playground Entertainment x Sky
Shot: November 2023
Released: February 2025
This was a more straightforward project. The LED setup consisted of simple flat walls, however we were working with 360 degree stitched plates. That introduced its own challenges, particularly on the wider side profiles where this workflow tends to create visible bowing. A large part of the work involved correcting perspective and straightening horizon lines so the environment felt natural from camera.
The shoot featured both driving scenes and a surreal alien spaceship sequence set in space.
For the driving scenes we used custom 360º degree plates captured by Outer Limits. The alien spaceship sequence instead relied on still imagery to create a more stylised look.
We also tested plates rendered from Unreal Engine. Although they were not used in the final edit, the comparison was interesting. The photographed plates felt more convincing for this project, while the rendered content read slightly less natural in motion.
Technically the shoot was simple with few major obstacles, We had two DOPs and we spent a good amount of time in previs as it was both their first experience shooting with Virtual Production. That preparation helped shape the final approach and ultimately led to strong results on the day.
The manitou made an appearance on this project too, just like on the Wednesday S2 shoot.
And I got to meet these lovely llamas.
