Extended Reality (XR) is a Virtual Production term in filmmaking.
Here, we break down the definition to give you a starting point.
View the full Virtual Production Glossary here »
When talking about Extended Reality (XR), one is referring to an umbrella term encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). It also accounts for any other realities that technology might offer in the future. XR is a relatively new field, but it has already made immense strides in various industries - such as virtual production.
XR is defined as the integration of real and digital elements that form interactive environments; its main purpose is to make interactions with artificial worlds seem realistic enough to immerse the user into them. To do so, VR involves blocking out external stimuli while completely immersing users in simulated environments. AR, on the other hand, adds a layer of data over physical reality without blocking out the original environment - thus merging both physical and digital information. MR acts similarly to AR, yet goes further by making adjustments to physical space using 3D visualisations.
XR has been around since the early 1980s, however advancements in technology have allowed us to take it to whole new levels in recent years. One key area where this is true is within virtual production. Thanks to advances like photogrammetry, motion capture and other camera tracking technologies, cinematographers can now shoot entire films entirely inside a computer-generated world. This would not be possible without the extended reality’s contribution to creating realistic environments that are both creative and cost effective. Furthermore, directors are able to see how scenes will look before they even film them, allowing them to easily make changes when necessary.
XR brings together the best of both worlds: physical reality and technological advancement. In this way, creators have access to endless possibilities of creativity while still maintaining the same level of quality and efficiency as traditional filmmaking techniques. The importance of XR in virtual production lies mainly on its ability to provide filmmakers with the tools needed to create stunning visuals with minimal costs and effort.