How virtual production transformed the latest Robert Zemeckis film ‘Here’
By Jennifer P
In this article by Chris Wells for RedSharkNews, the transformative impact of virtual production on Robert Zemeckis’s latest film, Here, is explored in depth. The film, which tells the story of a single spot of land over millions of years, utilizes cutting-edge technologies that showcase the evolution of virtual production beyond its origins with LED volumes, such as those popularized by The Mandalorian. Callum Macmillan, the virtual production supervisor for Here and co-founder of Dimension, provides insights into how real-time technologies integrated into every aspect of the production process, elevating the storytelling to unprecedented levels.
The article delves into the extensive pre-production work that laid the foundation for Here. Unlike traditional visual effects, where many decisions occur in post-production, virtual production demands early and meticulous planning. The virtual environment beyond the physical set’s windows was crafted using Unreal Engine, ensuring seamless alignment between the real and digital worlds. This pre-visualization process allowed the production team to integrate the physical set’s CAD files, camera parameters, and lighting schemes into the virtual realm, resulting in realistic reflections and immersive backgrounds that could respond dynamically to changes in lighting and weather.
The unique use of a fixed camera angle in Here further underscored the importance of the surrounding environment as an integral character in the film. Virtual production techniques enabled the creation of realistic backgrounds, including curated vehicles and dynamic weather systems, all of which were controlled in real-time to synchronize with the narrative. Macmillan’s team developed innovative solutions, such as simulating vehicle interactions and utilizing physics-based effects for rain and snow, to enhance the sense of realism. These advancements not only benefited the visual storytelling but also supported actors by providing immersive and responsive settings.
During principal photography, the production team employed state-of-the-art tools like Nvidia GPUs and a real-time depth camera system to optimize the fidelity and functionality of the virtual environments. The article highlights the complex interplay between the physical and virtual elements, where real-time adjustments to lighting and set details were made on the fly to meet the director’s vision. Innovations such as synchronized physical and virtual lighting systems ensured a harmonious integration of the two realms, further blurring the line between reality and digital artistry.
Ultimately, the article emphasizes how Here exemplifies the rapid progression of virtual production as a storytelling medium. By harnessing advanced technologies and real-time workflows, the film achieves a level of visual and narrative depth that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. As Macmillan notes, the ultimate goal of these innovations is to fade into the background, allowing the story and characters to take center stage while technology quietly enhances the cinematic experience.
Read the full article by Chris Wells for RedSharkNews HERE