Smart stage in Virtual Production

Smart stage is a Virtual Production 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 Smart stage in virtual production?

A smart stage is a type of purpose-built virtual production platform that combines LED walls, tracking systems, real-time animation, performance capture, and VR capabilities. It has been designed to make remote video conferencing and online productions more efficient, interactive and immersive than ever before. Smart stages allow people to create content in real time with realistic lighting, audio and visuals – giving them the opportunity to truly bring their vision to life. 

A smart stage typically consists of an LED wall or screen, multiple cameras for tracking the movement of performers, specialised computer programs for managing motion capture data and live animation, as well as specialized headsets for immersing viewers into virtual environments. The main components are the LEDs (for display), cameras (for capturing movements), software (for controlling/manipulating visuals) and headsets (for creating immersive experiences). 

Some of the best smart stages in the world include 'Freespace', an impressive studio at Hollywood's Paramount Pictures; 'The Epicenter' in Melbourne, Australia which features a two-storey projection mapped wall; 'The Voice Box' in London which offers voice recognition technology; and 'SightHear Studios' in Austin, Texas which hosts augmented reality technologies. All these studios demonstrate how cutting edge technological advancements can be implemented within traditional film and television industries. 

Smart stages have many uses ranging from movie making, gaming and visual effects to product demonstrations, training applications, and educational modules. They offer users greater flexibility when creating virtual worlds while allowing them to take advantage of numerous advanced technical features. Their similarities with smart homes lie in the fact that both are geared towards providing convenience through automation - with the difference being that smart stages are focused on automated processes related to entertainment media production rather than home maintenance tasks such as lighting or climate control.