2D Plate Filming & 2D Workflows

Fast, flexible, and cinematic. 2D virtual production built for speed and control.

Camera shooting scene in front of mountains screen

How 2D Workflows Bring Ideas to Life.

A faster path to stunning results. For producers who need control, consistency, and more scenes per day.

2D plate filming is a type of virtual production that gives your team the freedom to move fast and stay creative. Using pre-shot or AI-generated environments displayed on the LED wall, you can film multiple “locations” in a single day, with consistent lighting, reflections, and camera setups without post-composite work. It’s built to make your production budget and storytelling go further when added complexity like travel, permits, or weather start to stack up.

Forge’s Studio B is powered by Vū Studio: an industry-leading platform for real-time LED control and content playback. Producers can load 2D plates, adjust looks, and relight scenes instantly through Vū’s touch-based interface. No technical operator needed: just fast, intuitive, on-set control built for creative flow.

The Benefits of 2D Plate Filming

2D virtual production gives you speed, flexibility, and creative control—all without sacrificing visual quality. Whether you’re leading the shoot, managing clients, or tracking ROI, 2D workflows keep your team moving forward.

Workflow Advantage

FOR FAST-TURN SHOOTS

Speed


2D virtual production lets you move fast without sacrificing quality. Pre-captured or AI-generated plates make it easy to switch “locations” between takes, giving producers and clients cinematic results in less time.

  • Film multiple scenes in one day
  • Reduce setup and lighting resets
  • Keep creative momentum on set
  • Maintain consistent visual quality
  • Accelerate delivery for time-sensitive shoots
Production Consistency

FOR RELIABLE RESULTS

Predictability


2D plate workflows give teams reliable, repeatable outcomes. Every plate and lighting setup remains consistent across takes—ideal for interviews, branded content, or product shoots where visual continuity matters most.

  • Consistent color, reflections, and tone
  • Real-time playback for client approvals
  • Simplified lighting and camera setups
  • Minimized risk of reshoots
  • Dependable results for every scene
Creative Planning

FOR STREAMLINED PRODUCTIONS

Clarity


2D workflows make pre-visualization and asset optimization faster, so producers can align creative and technical goals early. That means smoother client buy-in, fewer surprises, and a more efficient production process overall.

  • Faster pre-vis and asset prep
  • Early creative signoff and adjustments
  • Simplified collaboration across teams
  • Clear expectations before shoot day
  • Controlled budgets without compromise

Comparing 2D and 3D Virtual Production Workflows

Choose the right workflow for your project: speed and repeatability (2D) or depth and immersion (3D).

Scenario: 2D Plate Filming 3D Software
Turnaround Speed
Fast, multiple locations per day
Moderate, requires pre-built assets
Creative Complexity
Simple-to-medium visuals
Advanced scenes with parallax and depth
Crew Size
Lean (3–6 people)
Larger with technical supervision
Ideal For
Branded content, interviews, product shoots
Cinematic narratives, complex movement
Realism Need
Photographic accuracy via plates
Full environment interaction and lighting

Explore the 3D Side of Virtual Production

Discover how 3D virtual production opens new creative possibilities while keeping collaboration at the core. Same studio, same team—just a deeper layer of storytelling.

If your project calls for more immersion, dynamic movement, or complex lighting, our 3D virtual production workflows might be the better fit. Forge’s 3D stage brings cinematic depth to life through real-time Unreal Engine environments and full camera tracking.

FVS_2D_WORKFLOW_3D_CTA

Plan smarter. Produce faster with 2D virtual production.

The Producer’s Blueprint turns 2D virtual production from a concept into a plan. Get a proven framework for shot-day setup, lighting grids, playback workflows, and cost-efficient scene planning, built for real shoots inside Forge’s Studio B.

1. See how 2D workflows scale.

Map out your next shoot with templates for budgeting, crew setup, and scene scheduling.


2. Streamline pre-vis and approvals.

Use our pre-built checklists to align creative, client, and technical teams before stepping on set.


3. Deliver cinematic results faster.

Learn how to combine LED wall playback, lighting sync, and AI-assisted plate generation to stay on time and on budget.

producer looking at video

Explore 2D Workflows in Action:

Three quick clips that show how 2D plates keep production agile and creative.
Loop Playback & Scene Swaps: Watch a producer instantly load new 2D plates and swap
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Compact Crew, Big Output: Small team, big efficiency. 2D plates let lean crews capture
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2D Workflow FAQs

Answers to common questions about 2D plate filming, LED volume setups, and producer-driven virtual production workflows. Learn how speed, control, and collaboration come together on set.

See All FAQs
Can I tour the studio if I’m not near Chicago?

Absolutely. We encourage in-person tours whenever possible—they’re the best way to experience the space and see what’s possible on our LED stages. But if travel’s a blocker, we can schedule a personalized virtual walkthrough to explore Studio A or Studio B with our team.

What happens during a 2D workflow session?

Every 2D shoot at Forge follows a clear process: pre-vis to visualize scenes and plates, asset optimization to prep for playback, and on-set execution where lighting and camera moves are dialed in live. Proper asset prep prevents dropped frames and keeps the illusion seamless—so everything runs smoothly on shoot day.

Do I need a virtual production specialist?

No. Vū Studio’s intuitive tablet control lets your producer or DP run the show. Our team is always on-hand to support if you need extra guidance.

What types of productions use 2D plates most?

Commercials, corporate content, social spots, interviews, and automotive work where you need speed, consistency, and photoreal results without heavy 3D prep.

Video production team members on site
From Vision to Studio

Ready to Plan Your 2D Shoot?

Let’s map your day on the LED volume. Book a tour to see Studio B in action and talk through your creative goals with our team. We’ll help you design a setup that fits your story and schedule.