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VP: exciting opportunities, intriguing transformations

With ISE 2023 expanding into virtual production, Jim Farmery, development director at XPLOR, looks at the opportunities the tech presents for the AV and systems market

Virtual production is increasingly being adopted due to its ability to expand creative possibilities. In fact, advancements in this technology, which encompasses a broad spectrum of computer-aided production and visualisation tools and techniques, have made virtual and real environments indistinguishable. Unsurprisingly, it has been a game-changer across various industries.

The benefits of virtual production are many: the barriers to creativity are removed, post-production time and effort is reduced, and it enables collaboration with team members and vendors from literally anywhere in the world.

Another welcome benefit of the technology is cost – as there is no need to fly crew and equipment to various locations, costs can be substantially reduced. There is also no need to worry about shooting at certain hours or being affected by adverse weather conditions. 

LOGICAL CHOICE
Aside from these, VP is increasingly being seen as a logical choice for companies looking to reduce emissions as it offers an efficient alternative to filming on location. By using the technology, multiple locations can be accessed in a single day without concerns about the environmental impact of travelling or its related carbon emissions.

Compared to traditional methods, virtual production allows companies to combine physical and virtual props to deliver the semblance of a real set, resulting in fewer resources being needed, and waste is reduced. Virtual set components can also be reused time and again.

Companies that provide audio, video and other services have a unique opportunity to capitalise on the growth of virtual production as the growing interest in this technology offers an opportunity to provide a differentiated and forward-thinking service.

Besides extending their existing service offering, installers can leverage the green advantages of the tech, including the scalability and longevity of virtual production sets.

INDUSTRY NEEDS
As the benefits of virtual production become more and more apparent, and as the number of productions employing the technology increases, so too does the demand for facilities capable of handling virtual productions. Additionally, tied to the development and evolution of any new technology are inherent challenges in adoption, particularly in terms of workforce capabilities and skills. Virtual production is no different.

The XPLOR Centre for Virtual Production, which is located on Production Park, the UK’s premier live events, film and TV campus in Yorkshire, is one of the best-equipped spaces of its kind in the UK. While it boasts exceptional facilities, it also offers training to end users and installers alike to prevent a potential skills gap. 

The immense value of VP does not only apply to those in the film production, television, advertising, and live events industries. Considering both its practical and environmental benefits advantages, AV and systems market stakeholders should embrace this highly effective and immersive tech.