Explore the main functions for this competency, the skills related to virtual production and what you need to know and understand.
Prepare camera equipment for shoots
- Identify camera equipment needed to meet production requirements
- Check the availability of camera equipment and associated materials with appropriate people
- Check whether the LED volume offers its own dedicated camera and lens package
- Make sure camera equipment is tested and calibrated for the specific LED wall and working prior to commencement of shoot
- Explore tracking options and chose most appropriate to the scene
- Discuss maximum frame rate that the LED wall can accommodate
- If shooting multi camera, discuss the availability of multiple frustrum
- Pre calibrate lenses for unreal engine and / or tracking
- Consider advantages and disadvantages of shooting anamorphic on the LED wall
- Be aware of additional prep time required for VP shoots, and make production aware of increased prep time.
- Key characteristics of current cameras, lenses and attachments and compatibility with VR stage
- Camera handling techniques and the implications of damage to cameras
- Cleaning and maintenance procedures and products for the camera equipment in use including cleanliness of all glass surfaces
- How to check the availability of camera equipment and associated materials
- How to interpret camera equipment needs from a call sheet
- How to load and organise the working layout of a camera truck
- The purpose of equipment bags, what they should contain and how to organise them
- The role of others involved and when to liaise with them including camera operators, and 1st camera assistants or focus pullers
- How to store cameras and lenses safely and securely
- Any special requirements to ensure the safety and security of camera equipment when left unattended
- Relevant manufacturers' instructions for the camera equipment in use
- The requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures including requirements for lifting and carrying
Assemble cameras, lenses, lens encoders including tracking systems and other attachments
- Check that all required lenses, filters and accessories are available and in the required condition
- Consider impact of LED wall on traditional filters
- In conjunction with tracking suppliers consider best tracking crown for style of shooting - will it be handheld, will camera be fairly static?
- Liaise with LED technicians on frame rate of the wall and the source material – select appropriate shutter angle and frame frate
- Consider moire and off axis colour shift when planning camera positions
- Ensure all changes made to camera settings are communicated with both the Brain Bar and LED technicians
- The importance of mounting lens encoders and tracking systems and understand how this is done and why
- How to check the required condition of lenses and filters including that they are clean and scratch free and that irises function
- The function of pan and tilt locks, fluid head controls and platform and centre locks and how to maintain and store fluid heads
- Mechanical and electrical attachments including focus and zoom motors
- How to attach matte boxes without causing vignetting
- How to attach filters in the correct alignment
- Recording media required for camera type and how to attach it or load it including how to format digital recording media
- The role of others involved and when to liaise with them including directors of photography, camera operators, directors and 2nd camera assistants
Test the functions of cameras before shoots
- Confirm all required accessories are fitted and secure specific for VP
- Carry out sync and gen lock tests, calibrate tracking and ensure 3D tracking is functioning
- Daily check of colour drift and colour balance
- Check FIZ data and camera
- Establish daily check list in conjunction with VP supervisor
- Whenever possible conduct these tests on the actual wall you will be using.
- The importance of doing both a conventional test independent from VP and a VP specific test
- The importance of testing before you get to the shoot
- The importance of daily test to make sure everything still functions
- Why you need to involve the entire crew in testing
- Common problems encountered with test results and how to resolve them
- The purpose of frame leaders and how to shoot them in different aspect ratios
- What is involved in checking power sources including the suitability and condition of cables and connectors and battery charge levels
- How to tactfully suggest solutions to any problems or restrictions
- The role of others involved and when to liaise with them including directors of photography, camera operators, directors and 2nd camera assistants
Further considerations
- Loading film in camera and set up accessories – Liaise with the DIT and the VFX department on the deliverables and file format and workflows. Discuss use of show LUTs, playblack LUTs. Ensure that the show LUT is multiplied to the LED wall, so the DIT can then work to prevent double lutting.
- Setting up exposure monitoring – Ensure camera output meets monitor requirements (rec709, rec 2020, show LUT)
Explore more competencies:
Supplying and maintaining camera and related equipment for virtual production
Using equipment to capture quality images for virtual production
Learn about lighting competencies for virtual production here.