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.

Production Mobility Matters

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

The 2.5D Renaissance

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

Cost Consciousness Takes Center Stage

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."