Explore the main functions for this competency, the skills related to virtual production and what you need to know and understand.
Identify camera equipment and tracking technology (DP role)
- Identify camera equipment which suits the type of location, power supply, LED screen and the expected use considering the likelihood of mixed reality
- Ensure compatibility between camera and screen
- Ensure that any camera used for VP is gen lock enabled
- Ensure third party suppliers are aware of the camera systems being used
- Ensure artistic requirements of the director and DOP are prioritised when choosing a volume and camera equipment
- Check which Realtime Player is being used and which version of the software to ensure correct integration ( e.g. UE5 or UE4.27 etc)
- Currently used models of camera, their compatibility with LED volume - accessories and grip equipment and major obsolescent models and its features, uses, benefits, limitations and costs including weight and manoeuvrability
- Synchronisation between camera and screen in terms of frame rate, and shutter angle
- FIZ Data and locational data required for tracking
- Lens calibration, and camera calibration for Unreal Engine
- Ensure colour pipeline is agreed between VP supervisor, DoP & DIT
- The advantages and disadvantages of the various shooting format options in relation to the requirements of VP
- How to check equipment is compliant with channel deliverables
- The relevant health and safety implications when determining resources for VP
- The importance of reaching an acceptable compromise between technical and artistic requirements (for now technology leads, but in the long run narrative will)
- Equipment suppliers and facilities houses for VP
Maintain and provide supplies of camera equipment and materials
- Confirm availability of required camera equipment with appropriate suppliers and hirers
- Liaise with production manager / producer about gear costs and delivery costs and timeframe
- Confirm timings with appropriate people to ensure an adequate supply of camera equipment and materials to meet production requirements allowing for redundancy where possible
- Ensure camera records include shutter angle, frame rates, lenses height and note any moire or artifacts observed during shooting
- Differentiate between what gear is required on test days, vs gear required on shoot days, and the cost implications of this
- Camera handling techniques and the implications of damage to cameras through mishandling
- Supplies of equipment and materials including cameras, lenses and accessories, digital camera memory cards, film stock, film camera magazines and digi-slates
- Actions to take to ensure equipment is ready for use including checking that it is clean, has been maintained and that digital memory cards are correctly formatted and of suitable size
- Cleaning and maintenance procedures and products for the camera equipment in use including cleanliness of all glass surfaces
- How to set up and equip a clean and completely dark dark-room and loading area
- Why it is important to maintain good working relationships with camera rental houses and studios
- The role of others involved and when to liaise with them including camera operators, and 1st camera assistants or focus pullers – be aware of new roles emerging directly as a result of the needs of VP
- How to store cameras and lenses safely and securely
- Any special requirements to ensure the safety and security of equipment when left unattended
- Relevant manufacturers' instructions for the equipment in use
- The requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures
Further considerations
- Rigging track, mounts, dollies, lights and monitors – be sure to synchronise cameras with LED wall, and real-time engine. E.g. Unreal Engine, Unity
- Packing camera equipment for transport – ensure any replacement or additional equipment is notified to the VP supervisor, the producer and the LED tech to ensure compatibility
- Maintaining film cameras – be aware that shooting on film in a volume is an option: film has successfully been used
Explore more competencies:
Setting up camera and related equipment for virtual production
Using equipment to capture quality images for virtual production
Learn about lighting competencies for virtual production here.