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The Virtual Production Glossary

Level Of Detail (LOD) in Virtual Production

Level Of Detail (LOD)  in Virtual Production

Level Of Detail (LOD) is a Real-Time Engine 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 Level Of Detail (LOD) in virtual production?

This term is used to refer to the representation of a 3D asset, with a specific image quality and render performance. For example, when creating a computer-generated image for a movie or television show, LOD can be adjusted so that objects in the background appear more blurry than those in the foreground. By doing this, you can create a more realistic visual effect while also saving on computing power.

The use of Level Of Detail (LOD) in virtual production is essential for achieving great-looking results. By using a range of different levels of detail, it is possible to create highly detailed environments that look lifelike and immersive. In addition, adjusting the LOD allows for greater control over render times, allowing scenes and animations to run more smoothly, even on low-end hardware. Moreover, by varying the level of detail across different parts of a scene, it is possible to enhance contrast and draw attention to certain elements. 

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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.)