named them VP lights. These function as virtual lighting devices. “The other part of this technique involves the interplay of large mirrors and reflectors we’ve designed to bounce that light off and use it to illuminate the foreground characters. Of course, we can always add any other light source. However, gradually we have discovered the advantages of working in this way of elegant simplicity,” he continues. While the integration of VP techniques is evolving the dynamics in production, Amoedo suggests that the fundamental essence of the DOP role remains unchanged. “We work with light, texture and composition; the LED volumes are essentially a different source of light servicing the storytelling,” he contemplates, adding that due to
the new layer of complexity, effective collaboration with different experts has become crucial. For tackling challenges around colour accuracy when working in an LED volume, Amoedo tells us that the viewer perceives chromatic inconsistencies in a scene as a lack of realism – so avoiding this is essential. In most cases, the light emission from LED panels is based on narrow-spectrum RGB emitters, meaning their colour rendering index (CRI) doesn’t reach the usual values of standard wide- spectrum cinematic lighting sources. “Mixing these lighting sources can lead to metamerism, where colours appear differently under different light emitters,” he cautions. Amoedo advocates for a strategic approach to maintain consistency: “Using reflectors and mirrors significantly simplifies achieving uniform lighting. This method not only amplifies the volumetric effect of light in a scene, but also ensures a harmonious consistency between backgrounds and characters, mitigating the risk of chromatic discrepancies.” In larger studios, where the volume covers more than 180° of the workspace – and the incidence of the emitted light is extremely large – these challenges are already resolved. “We need to adapt the scalability of this system for each industry sector, ensuring lighting solutions are effective
regardless of the project’s scope or its complexity," Amoedo urges. Looking ahead, he shares his vision for the future of VP, calling for increased adoption and support. “There is a wide world of possibilities to explore and more boundaries to overcome. But this journey requires collaborative efforts from all the manufacturers, distributors and industry stakeholders, to provide the necessary education and support through a filmmaking lens. Also, having more and better tools to support film requirements will help boost this still-new production method specifically.” ROE Visual is the recipient of a Definition Virtual Production Excellence award for its significant impact and innovation in the field of LED technology. Discover more about its range of market-leading LED solutions at roevisual.com
SHAPING THE SCENE Using an LED volume let Amoedo and the team achieve more with less
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