Livingstone Christian College is using a 16′ by 9’ LED screen, Blackmagic cameras and switcher with DaVinci Resolve, and an HTC VIVE Mars CamTrack system.

The first LED-based virtual production studio in an Australian high school is using cameras and a switcher from Blackmagic Design.

Livingstone Christian College, near Brisbane, has installed a 16′ by 9’ LED screen, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K digital film cameras and an ATEM Mini Pro live production switcher for keying and syncing images with Unreal Engine.

The products are used in conjunction with an HTC VIVE Mars CamTrack system, which provides accurate camera tracking and real-time compositing for virtual production. Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve is used for editing, grading, visual effects (VFX) and audio post production.

As part of the school’s arts programme, film and TV production teacher, Kenji Lee, built a virtual production workflow that would allow students to learn and create using the same tools as employed in Hollywood.

Since he joined the school, Lee’s students have created several productions, including a short film on anti-bullying and social impact music videos during the pandemic. For their first virtual production project, the students created a spaceship background shown on the LED screen.

“We want to have the students create films that change the way people think, but also prepare them for a career in filmmaking,” said Lee. “Virtual production is the future of filmmaking, so it makes sense to teach it.

“Lots of universities are thinking about building LED walls and are starting to teach virtual production. But high schools have not seen the potential yet. At Livingstone, we mirror the universities and get the students to learn hands-on with the technology professionals use.

“It was important that the students get hands-on with every aspect of virtual production and learn that it was not just standing in front of an LED wall. You must ensure every piece of gear on set is in sync and understand how lighting, props and actors impact timing. It could be very intimidating for students if the technology is too complicated.

“The Pocket’s genlock features make them invaluable for virtual production. They are easy to set up, so instead of trying to figure out how to make the cameras work, the students can focus on their creativity. And even though they are easy to use and learn on, the cameras get you the most amazing cinematic images, so there is no sacrificing the quality of work.”

Reference : AVinteractive