Show quality in Virtual Production

Show quality 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 Show quality in virtual production?

Show Quality describes virtual content determined to be of sufficient visual quality to be suitable for final pixel, in-camera visual effects. In other words, show quality refers to materials that are good enough to appear in a finished product or project on screen. 

Determining whether any given piece of content meets the criteria for show quality can be tricky. Certain considerations are taken into account when deciding if something is fit for use in a finished work: its technical performance, aesthetics, resolution, color correction, and more. Each detail must measure up to rigorous standards before it is deemed appropriate for inclusion in a completed product. That said, there is no single source of authority when it comes to judging if material is “show quality”; oftentimes, the responsibility lies with directors and producers who have an eye for what will look best onscreen.

At the end of the day, show quality depends on the opinion of the viewers – those people whose attention and appreciation will determine the success or failure of a given product. For this reason, digital creators strive to ensure their content is as high-quality as possible by considering each element critically and carefully.