The use of virtual production stages (also known to as volume stages) is becoming increasingly prevalent in film and tv production. In short, virtual production involves a studio being equipped with modular LED screens on which pre-prepared footage is played, serving as a digital backdrop to the film set.
The benefits to productions are extensive. They are less reliant upon external factors, produce a far more realistic environment than traditional green screens and the system enables the producers to maximise the productivity of expensive cast and crew.
However, whilst volume stages are inherently positive from a risk perspective, there are also risks which need awareness amongst production teams.
Recent claims have taught us that extreme care needs to be taken when de-rigging a volume stage and returning the panels to the supplier. If the process is rushed, extensive damage can be caused to the screens.
In another recent claim handled by Spotlite, set dressing blown around the set to give the impression of a sandstorm resulted in the entire LED virtual production screen requiring extensive refurbishment work. This was despite precautionary measures put in place to protect the screens.
The set dressing particles in this instance were particularly sticky and had infiltrated into the LED screens, meaning a simple cleaning process using compressed air was not possible. Instead, the LED ‘masks’ (i.e. the front grid-type panel that is applied over the individual LEDs in order to protect them and control the direction of the light) needed to be removed and replaced.
A typical virtual production stage has 700+ individual panels, all of which may need labour intensive mask replacement. So costs can quickly mount up.
The main supplier of virtual production LED panels is based in the Netherlands, where Spotlite’s parent company Van Ameyde has offices. This meant an experienced team of property adjusters were ready to attend quickly and inspect damage.
With volume stages typically being SFX heavy, any wind/rain effects used in front of the screens could result in physical damage being sustained to the equipment.
At Spotlite, we handle a broad spectrum of technical equipment losses and are able to draw on decades of expertise. We also have the ability to call upon our parent company, Van Ameyde, when local property adjusters and engineers are required to assess damage.
To find out more about any aspect our loss adjusting services for the entertainment sector please contact Tim Adams in the Spotlite Team.