Disguise Outlines Future Vision for Virtual Production 2.0

In a recent video from Disguise, VP of Virtual Production Addy Ghani outlined the next stage of VP, what they’re calling VP 2.0. 

The three pillars of this new stage of maturity includes modular stages, versatile content options, and streamlined workflows making it more accessible to productions of all sizes. 

The Breakdown of VP 2.0

1. The Evolution of Stages

The first major advancement is in stage design and functionality. Early virtual production stages were monolithic structures that required productions to adapt to their limitations. Today's stages feature complete modularity, allowing for rapid reconfiguration based on specific production needs. 

These modern volumes can transform from huge screens to smaller setups, shift between flat and curved configurations, and adapt to various shapes (90°, 180°, or horseshoe formations) to capture optimal shots.

This flexibility has given rise to "pop-up" LED volumes, enabling productions to bring virtual production capabilities directly to their filming locations rather than being tethered to permanent facilities.

2. Content Versatility

The second key development is in content deployment options. While VP 1.0 primarily served big-budget productions with real-time 3D rendered scenes, VP 2.0 offers a broader range of content choices:

• Video playback

• Still images

• Generative AI content

• 2.5D environments

• Real-time 3D rendering

• Creative combinations of multiple formats

This versatility allows productions to select the most appropriate and cost-effective content type for each specific shot. Switching between different content types now takes seconds rather than hours, putting creative needs ahead of technical limitations.

3. Workflow Integration

The third advancement is in system integration and workflow efficiency. Virtual Production 2.0 has evolved from its experimental origins into a streamlined, intelligent ecosystem. 

• Key improvements include:

• Enhanced color management with OCI and ASIS support

• Multi-server rendering capabilities through RenderStream

• Improved perspective mapping for driving plates

• Minimal latency in real-time rendering

Final Take

These three fundamental shifts - modular stages, versatile content options, and seamless workflows - are democratizing virtual production technology. The technology is becoming more accessible to mid-sized productions and independent creators, moving beyond its origins as a tool exclusively for big-budget productions.

This also ties into a trend of smaller, more user-friendly virtual production solutions, like ARwall and the Vu One Mini.

With the global virtual production market projected to reach $1.1 billion by 2028, these advancements are arriving at an important time for the industry's growth and adoption.