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The Virtual Production Glossary

Digital Production in Virtual Production

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In virtual production, the nuances of the term Digital Production take on special meaning.

Here, we break down the definition to give you a starting point.

View the full Virtual Production Glossary here »


Basic Definition:

What is Digital Production in virtual production?

Digital production involves the development of visual effects and other tasks that occur in tandem with physical and virtual production. 

In a nutshell, digital production can be defined as all phases of production within a project involving visual effects development, where many tasks can occur simultaneously. The complexity of these tasks requires specialized personnel such as animation directors, 3D modelers, graphic designers, and video editors to complete them. 

The main difference between physical and digital production is that physical production takes place on set using conventional film equipment, while digital production is done digitally, either in-studio or remotely. This means that tasks related to previsualization, motion capture, post-production editing, compositing, and other visual effects can be completed much faster. On the other hand, virtual production refers to the process of creating immersive experiences for viewers through various digital tools and techniques. It requires a combination of both physical and digital elements such as motion capture technology, interactive visuals, and audio mixing software.

Some steps taken during digital production include previsualization (a step in which filmmakers create rough sketches to plan shots), motion capture (a step in which performers’ movements are recorded digitally), post-production editing (in which footage is edited into the final version of a movie), compositing (the merging of different layers of footage together to form a single image) and more. 

Due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, digital production has become increasingly important in the world of virtual production. Furthermore, its ability to rapidly produce high-quality work makes it an invaluable tool for filmmakers who need their projects completed quickly without sacrificing quality. From music videos to feature films, digital production helps bring imaginative stories to life.

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The Virtual Production Glossary

The Illustrated Virtual Production Glossary, by SHOWRUNNER, is designed to help filmmakers and their crews understand the nuances of in-camera virtual production. (Based on the creative commons project vpglossary.com.)