Virtual production is shifting to portable, cost-effective setups with pre-built equipment racks and video-based content, according to Disguise's latest innovations at NAB.
Disguise has expanded beyond selling individual servers, now offering complete Studio Pro packages with pre-configured racks containing servers, render nodes, video routing, and support equipment.
The industry is moving away from permanent installations toward portable, temporary stages that can be quickly deployed where needed.
Studio Pro racks are shock-mounted, allowing for easy transportation between different filming locations
Complete packages include everything from servers to DMX lighting control in a single rack
Rental models are increasingly preferred over purchasing permanent equipment
Video-based content is experiencing renewed interest over fully-virtual Unreal Engine environments.
60-70% of virtual production work already involves video playback for car process shots and similar applications
2.5D techniques using video plates arranged in 3D space provide photorealistic results with less development time
Photoshop and After Effects workflows are more accessible to existing talent than complex Unreal Engine asset creation
The future of virtual production isn't about having the biggest LED stage but maximizing versatility.
Film and TV productions, especially in Los Angeles, are prioritizing budget efficiency
Multiple smaller, reconfigurable stages are replacing single large permanent installations
Pre-existing video assets can be repurposed for backgrounds rather than commissioning custom virtual environments
As Eli from Disguise noted, "It's not about getting the biggest stage in your country. It's about how many stages can you offer with that same amount of LED."
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