Field of view (FOV) in Virtual Production

Field of view (FOV) is a Cinematography term in filmmaking. In virtual production, the nuances of this term take on special meaning. Here, we break down the definition to give you a starting point.

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Basic Definition:

What is Field of view (FOV) in virtual production?

 It refers to the portion of the world that can be seen at any given moment by a person or camera, and is measured in degrees based on the focal length of the lens and size of the image sensor or film back. 

In virtual sets, FOV involves understanding the amount of space visible within the set boundaries and how those boundaries appear from different angles. This information helps with choosing the appropriate lenses for shots as well as setting up cameras, blocking out scenes, and other aspects of pre-production. When shooting a scene, one should consider what type of FOVs are necessary for the project such as wide angle shots or close-ups. Different lenses have their own specific characteristics which can drastically change the look and feel of a particular shot. 

FOV also plays an important role in creating realistic digital environments. In order to create believable depth in these environments, one must carefully adjust things like the horizon line, vanishing points, and background elements. With 3D technology, this process can become even more complex as adjustments need to be made across multiple planes. All of these parameters come into play when deciding how far something needs to be rendered away from the camera so that it falls within the desired field of view. 

The most common use of FOV in virtual production is to increase immersion in a story by allowing viewers to better identify with characters through shots. Shots with wider fields of view tend to evoke feelings of spaciousness and give a sense of scale, while narrower fields can help direct attention towards certain objects or dialogue. Ultimately, FOVs should be adjusted according to how they serve the narrative and how they contribute to the overall tone of the piece.