Plate in Virtual Production

Plate is a VFX 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 Plate in virtual production?

This refers to footage intended as an element in a composited visual effects shot. Plates often consist of locations or sets for use as backgrounds or other elements as needed. In essence, they provide the foundation and context of the environment being created in a project. 

The people responsible for plates in virtual productions can vary from place to place. Generally, the director is responsible for selecting the plates that will be used; however, it's not uncommon for VFX supervisors, DP’s, editors, and artists to be involved. Best practices for plates include scouting locations ahead of time, ensuring continuity between shots (i.e., same lighting conditions), and utilizing both digital and practical elements when possible. Additionally, editing multiple takes of various plates may make them more usable for seamless integration into a final product.

Fortunately, many virtual producers now have access to a library of pre-existing plates, which saves time and money. There are even companies dedicated to providing libraries of high-quality plates specifically tailored toward virtual production workflows. These resources allow teams to jump right into creating their content without worrying about having to capture additional plate footage.