Good Afternoon! In this weeks virtual production round-up, we have:
Cover Story: SXSW London - WE NEED YOUR VOTES!
What's Hot: Live concerts, VP in barns and more!...
Starting Pixel News: Lighting issues, DOF, tracking systems and node crashes...
Events & Training: NAB Final Call, XR Festival & more...
Let's do this!
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Why is SXSW London so important?
In short, it’s a game-changer. This is the first time a creative festival of this scale has landed in the UK, and London—one of the world’s leading creative hubs—is the perfect stage. The audience will be massive, bringing together both creatives and the decision-makers who drive innovation.
For virtual production, awareness is still limited. SXSW London presents a golden opportunity to showcase its flexibility and potential as a creative powerhouse. By demystifying its practical applications and building momentum as a community, we can drive adoption and make an impact that resonates far beyond the event.
SXSW is in London this summer and there are a number of sessions that need your votes!
It's a bit of a pain, as you need to register HERE, then click on the links below:
Starting Pixel Virtual Production Meet up https://applyto.sxswlondon.com/entry/vote/lZArWWKl/oPLELwwp
The CMO Aha! Moment: Embracing Virtual Production in Advertising https://applyto.sxswlondon.com/entry/vote/lZArWWKl/wpLyOzVj
Beyond the LED Wall: Debunking the Myths of Virtual Production https://applyto.sxswlondon.com/entry/vote/lZArWWKl/VLGZNoZR
Virtual Production: Advancing Innovation and Training https://applyto.sxswlondon.com/entry/vote/lZArWWKl/yenxwVPW
Gaussian Splatting - The Next Big Thing In The World of 3D? https://applyto.sxswlondon.com/entry/vote/lZArWWKl/RpgAOYpY
Markerless Mocap: Direct Your Own Film Live in Realtime https://applyto.sxswlondon.com/entry/vote/lZArWWKl/yrJrxvqD
Future of Film: How New Technologies, Workflows, and Virtual Production Are Shaping Limitless Creative Storytelling https://applyto.sxswlondon.com/entry/vote/lZArWWKl/rmmqXOda
Even if you're thousands of miles away and won't be able to make it, your vote will really help with the awareness and adoption of this super cool world we love.
If you are enjoying the newsletter and see its value, please consider supporting the newsletter and the community by buying the team a coffee.
WHAT'S HOT
Using VP for brand storytelling HERE
Greenscreen VP for shots of Kenya and Ghana HERE
Shoot chroma-key & ICVFX in the same take with Ghostframe HERE
Live concerts with real-time visuals at Sphere, Las Vegas HERE
Virtual Production in a barn HERE
Canon C400; stream focus, aperture and zoom data into Unreal HERE
VP with Zero Density for Reporter TV, Asia HERE
STARTING PIXEL NEWS
The Top WhatsApp Chats from Last Week:
Flickering Shadows in Unreal Engine Scenes:
A problem with shadows flickering in Unreal Engine scenes was discussed. Contributors suggested that issues often arise from poorly optimized marketplace assets, such as incorrect geometry or UVs. Suggestions included fixing meshes and textures, reducing lighting complexity, and avoiding overlapping surfaces. Properly preparing assets for the lighting system was highlighted as crucial.
Simulating Natural Depth of Field
The group explored ways to create natural-looking depth of field in Virtual Production. Participants shared tips on using tools like 7-denier stockings over lenses, split-field diopters for dual focus planes, and AI-driven blur techniques. There was an emphasis on balancing sharpness, avoiding overly "gamey" effects, and using hardware like anamorphic lenses for cinematic depth.
Troubleshooting Camera Tracking Systems:
Queries about Mosys Startracker's compatibility with Brompton's hidden marker feature led to suggestions for hardware updates, like replacing sensors or LED filters. Contributors also mentioned specific software configurations that might resolve issues and referenced documentation for further guidance.
nDisplay Node Crashes
The group discussed frequent crashes of nDisplay nodes in Unreal Engine. Suggestions for resolving these issues included checking for plugin or file path mismatches, investigating Unreal Engine logs, and ensuring synced configurations across nodes. Debugging tips for Switchboard errors and hardware setup were shared to streamline production workflows.
STARTING PIXEL BLOGS
SPONSOR MESSAGE
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EVENTS
20th Dec | Final Call to apply to talk | NAB Las Vegas | HERE
4th Feb | Barcelona | Starting Pixel After Party @ISE | HERE
24th Feb - 26th March | Belfast | XR Festival | HERE
5-9th Apr | Las Vegas | NAB | Reg interest HERE
6th Apr | Las Vegas | Starting Pixel After Party @NAB | HERE
14th May | London | Starting Pixel After Party @MP&T | HERE
2-7 June 2025 | SXSW London | Reg Live | HERE
10-14 Aug 2025 | Vancouver | SIGGRAPH | Submit | HERE
15th Oct 2025 | London | SPL25! | Reg your interest | HERE
TRAINING
21st Jan | Wakefield UK | Screenskills VP Supervision | HERE
If you have any events or training drop us a note hello@startingpixel.com
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