A performance by Katy Perry is the first to utilise a new virtual zoom feature pioneered by disguise, innovator in extended reality (xR) and virtual production. The innovation – as part of disguise’s extended reality (xR) workflow – allows users to zoom in and out of a virtual world on camera.
xR pioneers and disguise partners, XR Studios – partnered with content designers Silent Partners Studios – used virtual zoom to enhance Katy Perry’s performance for the Lazada, the Malay e-commerce platform, annual Super Party that was simulcast across Southeast Asia. Silent Partners Studios were able to create worlds that went beyond the limits of the physical screens. Perry performed against a giant Pierrot statue, Escher-inspired architecture, swan sculptures, and a fireworks display, with the camera zooming in and out on her in the virtual space – creating a huge sense of scale.
“The virtual zoom allowed us to work outside the box because we can now simulate shooting in a space that is ten times larger than ours,” said J.T. Rooney, chief creative officer at XR Studios. “As always, creating worlds and content in xR is challenging, but it’s consistently a rewarding adventure to figure out the virtual space.”
By using the new virtual zoom feature, XR Studios were able to achieve shots that were previously unattainable. “Adding the virtual zoom to the workflow meant we could creatively see more of the scene and build a more elaborate environment,” explained Rooney.
disguise CEO Fernando Kufer. added: “Over the past 12 months, XR Studios have been trailblazing the use of our xR workflow. From their early days delivering Katy Perry’s first xR-powered performance on the American Idol season 18 finale to, nearly a year later, pioneering our latest software features in their third collaboration with the artist. We love seeing them constantly break boundaries in xR production.”
