Virtual production has rapidly become one of the most transformative forces in modern filmmaking. From commercials to large-scale cinematic projects, creative teams increasingly turn to LED volumes and real-time environments to elevate both efficiency and visual impact.
At One Location xR Studio, we see daily how these technologies reshape the way stories are planned, filmed, and brought to life. But what exactly defines a high-quality virtual production studio?
LED Volumes & Real-Time Backgrounds
A cornerstone of modern virtual production: high-resolution LED walls or curved volumes displaying computer-generated environments in real-time. These allow talent and camera to perform within photorealistic digital environments — captured “in-camera” rather than layered in post.
Why this matters: Faster turnaround, greater creative freedom on set, fewer surprises in post-production.
Real-Time Rendering & Game-Engine Integration
Virtual production leverages Unreal Engine and real-time rendering pipelines so that the digital environment responds dynamically to camera movement, lighting changes, and actor blocking. The One Location xR Studio works in 2D formats (photo, video) and HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging) - a 360° spherical image.
3D content - virtual scenes created based on the Unreal Engine, which dynamically respond to camera movement due to the tracking, providing a realistic perspective, depth of the frame, and integration with physical objects in the studio.
Why this matters: Preview the final output during the shoot, make adjustments on the fly, and compress production schedules.
Camera Tracking & Synchronised Virtual / Physical Spaces
For the LED volume and real-time renders to appear natural, the physical camera’s motion must translate precisely into the virtual world (ensuring correct parallax, perspective, and lighting). Camera-tracking systems and sensors enable this.
Why this matters: Shots feel immersive; actors and crew feel like they’re “in the scene,” not just in front of a blank wall.
Unified Pre-Production, Production & Post-Production Pipeline
One of the biggest shifts is how virtual production collapses the divide between pre-, during-, and post-production. Since the environment is built and manipulated in real time, there’s often far less waiting for VFX in post.
Why this matters: Projects launch faster, budgets are more predictable, and revisions become easier to absorb.
Enhanced Creative Control & Location Availability
Control over the lighting, weather, time of day, and location can all be changed instantly within a digital set. Moreover, a location of any complexity can be achieved without leaving the studio.
Why this matters: Creative visuals at a fraction of the time and cost of a traditional on-location shoot without compromising quality.
Dynamic Lighting
Fully integrated with LED screen content, it provides realistic reflections of the environment on cars, actors' faces, and other surfaces.
DMX protocol synchronization ensures precise alignment between virtual and physical lighting on set. This allows for real-time control of the time of day, simulation of sunrises or sunsets, and recreation of other atmospheric effects, all with perfect consistency between the virtual environment and studio lighting.
Why This Matters for Brand & Production
- Speed to market: Real-time rendering + LED volumes mean less waiting, faster iteration.
- Cost control: Fewer location costs and connected expenses, and leaner post-production.
- Creative flexibility: Change backgrounds, lighting, and camera moves on the fly.
- Sustainability: Less travel, fewer large physical sets, smaller carbon footprint.
- Scalability: Whether it’s a brand film, product launch, or XR event, the same infrastructure adapts.
The modern virtual production studio is not merely a tool, but a strategy for brands, filmmakers, agencies, and production houses that want to move faster, tell bigger stories, and stay ahead of the curve.
If you’re planning your next video, marketing activation, or immersive experience, let’s talk about how One Location xR Studio can elevate your story, streamline your operations, and deliver real impact.
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