Innovation leads to revolution in Virtual Production

At an event to celebrate The Royal Television Society’s Awards on 23 March, Mo-Sys' Product Manager – Remote Production & Image Robotics, Florian Gallier presented this year’s Creative Technology Lecture, titled ‘The Future of Broadcast is Virtual’. The lecture focused on virtual production, one of the fast-developing areas in the production sector as quantity increases, costs need to be controlled and sustainability prioritised.

The Future of Broadcast is Virtual at RTS Awards 2022

Gallier’s presentation highlighted how Virtual Production (VP), while not a new concept, is experiencing a surge thanks to recent innovations and advancements in technology that mean it can be achieved in real time using computer hardware aimed at the consumer market. This revolutionary shift means VP is often more cost-effective than building conventional sets and creates truly immersive content that captivates and holds viewers’ attention.

Recent examples of sets created using augmented virtually include Strictly Come Dancing during the Covid-19 pandemic, when audiences were absent; and the BBC’s coverage of the Tokyo Olympics and Beijing Winter Olympics, which were based in Salford due to travel restrictions.

There is an environmental benefit to VP too, according to Gallier. With less travel and a reduced need to ship large quantities of equipment to various locations, the carbon footprint of a production comes down drastically.

The lecture, livestreamed to RTS members, was followed by a discussion with Gideon Ferber, Product Director, Broadcast at disguise which can be watched in full here:

The Future of Broadcast is Virtual at RTS Awards 2022 Q&A