How To Pull It Off in Virtual Production
A Producer’s Blueprint For Using Unreal & 2D Plates Without Blowing the Budget:
This guide gives you the playbook to move fast, stay in control, and deliver with confidence whether you’re swapping 2D plates on the fly or building an Unreal scene with interactive lighting. Clear timelines, practical workflows, and what it really costs, so you can make the call and keep the shoot on track.
What's inside: 3 blueprint features to help you pull it off.
01.
Cost, Speed & Control:
Quickly compare Unreal and 2D plates side-by-side to pick the best approach for every shot, balancing both your budget and creative control.
02.
Tech & Timelines:
Get the details that matter on LED wall specs, camera tracking, and lighting, plus planning hacks for 1-day sprints or 3-day builds with zero confusion.
03.
Flex & Adapt:
Know exactly when you need to lock in assets and where it’s easy to change on the fly, so last-minute requests never throw off your day.
A Blueprint Built For Working Producers.
You run the day. You balance budgets, timelines, talent, and a client who expects you to deliver without drama. This guide is built for you, the producer who makes the call and keeps the clock honest. Whether you’re:
- Prepping a car commercial with fast company moves and tight light windows, or...
- Building a hybrid set for a 3-day shoot with layered lighting, multiple looks, and approvals baked in...
You’ll get straight answers other studios won’t spell out. What to use (Unreal or 2D plates) and when. What it costs. How long it actually takes. Who brings what, and what can change live on set. No fluff. Just practical, producer-tested workflows so you can plan with confidence and deliver on time.
Move fast. Stay in control.
Get the Producer’s Blueprint
Enter your info below and get the PDF instantly. No fluff, just the tools to plan your shoot like a pro.
Real-World, Pulling-It-Off Scenarios:
Shoot 5 Scenes, 1 Day
Balance tight timelines without compromise. Use our quick-pick matrix to select between Unreal or 2D plates, and follow streamlined lighting and plate prep checklists for seamless scene changes.
Location Change, Last Minute
Client request just hours before call? Implement live scene swapping in Unreal or reload 2D plates on the fly. Our workflow gives you contingency steps to stay on track, even when plans shift.
Pre-Vis Mockups Needed
Speed up client approvals with simple pre-vis flows and look development options for both environments. You’ll keep sign-off smooth and stakeholders looped in every step of the way.
Weather or Permit Problems
When travel or permits are at risk, pivot instantly. Compare on-location and virtual solutions with our at-a-glance templates, keeping quality high and your budget protected.
What happens next?
You’ve got the Blueprint, now let’s put it to work together. Whether you’re ready to visit the studio, still exploring your options, or just getting to know us, here’s where to go from here.
Schedule a Tour or Ask Us Anything:
See Studio A's 82' x 16' LED wall and full LED ceiling in action, walk the space, and map your shoot flow on-site. Our team can answer questions, talk through your needs, and help you plan with confidence.
Still Learning? Explore the Tech and Workflow:
Want to understand the tools and process before reaching out? Learn how we use Unreal Engine, Stype RedSpy camera tracking, RED cinema cameras, and Aputure lighting to support seamless, cinematic shoots.
Learn About Forge and Our Studio:
From our tech stack to our team, get a deeper look at what makes Forge different—and how we support producers from planning to post.