Transliminal set in Virtual Production

Transliminal set is a Production Design/Art Direction 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 Transliminal set in virtual production?

Transliminal set is a term used in virtual production to describe a physical set that extends beyond the boundaries of LED volume doors. This type of set is important because it helps mitigate the proscenium feeling, which can occur when all the sets seem to be the same size relative to the volume. Transliminal sets can come in many different forms, from large-scale structures like walls and towers to smaller elements like props and furniture. 

When designing a transliminal set, it’s important to consider both the aesthetic quality of the design as well as its functionality within the space. For instance, how does the design interact with lighting or other technical considerations? How will an actor move around the set? What kind of impact does it have on the audience experience? It’s also important to think about how this type of set interacts with its environment; for example, what kind of materials should you use if you want the set to feel more organic or natural? 

Using transliminal sets has become increasingly popular due to technological advances, such as volumetric capture, photogrammetry, and video mapping. These technologies allow filmmakers and TV producers to create highly detailed environments that transport audiences into new worlds. This means there are fewer restrictions when it comes to building believable sets – even without a real stage.