Screen Queensland Studios and SteelBridge Studio host Virtual Production Show & Tell

SteelBridge Studio and Screen Queensland co-hosted a virtual production showcase event for the local screen sector at Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane on Friday 29 September to demonstrate the latest technologies and techniques in this rapidly evolving field in the entertainment industry.

SteelBridge Studio led the demonstrations of virtual production tools and case studies of virtual production techniques used in projects to streamline production processes, enhance creativity and reduce costs.

The open day welcomed an incredible audience of 250 Queensland-based crew — from agencies, production companies, directors, producers, and students. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in hands-on working sessions to learn how to use virtual production tools and techniques.

Initiated by head of Screen Queensland Studios, Mark Melrose with the purpose of enabling local practitioners to deep dive into the capabilities of virtual production, the event used in an In-camera 3D VFX (IC3DVFX) LED Volume to illustrate how the technology can best be utilised in production.

Says Melrose: “The collaboration with Brisbane-based SteelBridge Studio ensured their experienced crew and leading technology could underpin a packed day of presentations, demonstrations and panel discussions featuring industry experts exploring the practical applications of virtual production, such as its impact on storytelling and filmmaking techniques.”

The opening address was made by SteelBridge Studio founder Colin Renshaw, who shared what a virtual production pipeline may look like, specifically focusing on the importance of the Virtual Art Department (VAD) and how that should align with traditional VFX.

Other sessions throughout the day were led by industry experts such as highly regarded practitioners Susan Stitt, Mark Wareham, Jason Hargreaves and John Stokes, who shared how their individual experiences of virtual production applies to their roles as cinematographers.

After a networking fuelled ‘crew’ lunch, Rebel Fleet’s founder Mike Urban provided a demonstration of Sidecar software — showcasing the value of optimising metadata in a production pipeline.

The final panel led by Emmy-nominated producer, Livia Hanich and joined by art director, Laura Elkington (APDG), cinematographer Mark Wareham ACS, VFX supervisor Bryn Morrow and Colin Renshaw discussed the ways in which crew collaborate on set when working in an LED volume.

SteelBridge wrapped the day with a hands-on demonstration that allowed attendees to experience the on-set environment, including how different departments come together to create the stunning in-camera shots that virtual production allows.

VIP guest, La Brea producer, John Mabry was in attendance and said: “Throughout my twenty years of working on large scale studio and network projects, few teams have impressed me as much as the team at ALT VFX/SteelBridge. Having partnered with them in recent years, I fully support their approach to quality work on screen. With teams that specialise in VFX, concept design and now virtual production they continue to provide collaborative resources to help any production achieve their mission. Their specific approach to virtual production at SteelBridge Studio is what we’ve been missing as we make virtual production accessible for all projects. This is exactly the type of imagery, collaboration and end-result that is needed in today’s ever-changing landscape.”

Says Renshaw: “We’re so happy to be able to showcase the capabilities of IC3DVFX and virtual production with our friends at Screen Queensland Studios. I’d like to extend a huge thanks to all of our sponsors, crew, panellists and invited guests who made it such a successful day.”

Says Melrose: “I’m very excited to have brought this event together to showcase the virtual production capabilities available to the Queensland screen industry. Thank you to the teams at SteelBridge Studio, Pixel Line, Lemac, and Logemas for helping make it happen. Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane is well-equipped to support this type of production, and we hope to host more film, series and commercial work in this area in the future.

For more information on SteelBridge Studio, please visit www.steelbridge.studio or email: celeste@steelbridge.studio and for Screen Queensland enquiries please contact MMelrose@screenqld.com.au.