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The Virtual Production Glossary

Light card in Virtual Production

Light card in Virtual Production

Light card 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.

View the full Virtual Production Glossary here »

 


Basic Definition:

What is Light card in virtual production?

It is a virtual light placed on the surface of the volume and it can be any shape, hue, intensity, and opacity. It is essentially a software-based version of a physical lighting unit that allows filmmakers to achieve precise control over the look of their scenes. 

The primary person responsible for light cards in virtual production is the Lighting Artist. This skilled technician is tasked with manipulating the parameters of the light card to ensure the desired look is achieved. Through careful placement and manipulation of the lights, the Lighting Artist creates stunning scenes that are evocative and powerful. 

Light cards have numerous uses in virtual productions. From creating a subtle yet effective ambiance to adding depth and dimensionality to scenes, these versatile tools offer filmmakers an unprecedented level of control over how they represent their story. Furthermore, by combining multiple light cards together, one can create mesmerizing visual effects that enhance the viewing experience. 

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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.)