We’ve Pioneered Virtual Production for a Decade–Let’s Catch You Up.
Key takeaways:
- Cobalt Stages has been at the forefront of Virtual Production since 2015, when we introduced the emerging technology to the East Coast.
- Virtual Production pushes cinematic boundaries, opening up creative possibilities and stretching budgets.
- You can choose your Virtual Production workflow, either Traditional (where the final compositing happens in post) or Final Pixel (which generates live, finished composites while you film).
- We take a consultative approach to help you get started or go next-level. We’re here to share our love of Virtual Production with producers at any stage – beginners and seasoned pros, alike.
Based on a Presentation for the Woodstock Film Festival by Kara Vedder, President of Cobalt Stages, and Partner, Alex Fernbach:
Cobalt Stages has been leading the charge in Virtual Production since 2015, when we brought the tech to the East Coast. It wasn’t exactly a warm welcome—industry vets pushed back with the classic, “But we’ve always done it this way.” Change is tough. But we stuck with it because we saw what Virtual Production could do. Eventually, we boiled it all down to three words: pushing cinematic boundaries. And honestly? That’s what it’s all about. The creative freedom is real—even on a shoestring budget. (Trust us, as producers, we’ve lived those trade-offs.)
Virtual Production opens up new possibilities like:
- Staging your story anywhere imaginable-–past, present or future.
- High production value on a shoestring budget.
- No more weather days, or chasing the sun.
- Shooting entire projects on stage in a controlled environment.
- No more travelling cast & crews.
- Fewer box trucks….. Loading & unloading….
What Is Virtual Production?
Virtual Production integrates computer-generated environments with live action, allowing filmmakers to see the composite in real-time, during the shoot. This creates a seamless blend between physical and digital elements, giving directors unprecedented creative freedom and control.
Virtual Production: LED Volumes & Chroma Key Screens
Time to bust a major misconception…. Virtual Production isn’t synonymous with LED volumes. LED walls are an option, not a requisite. Chroma key screens work just fine in most cases. In fact, you can take a Hybrid approach using green screen for wide shots and LED walls for close-ups. If you’re shooting highly reflective live action elements (like cars or sparkly wardrobe) this is where LED walls really shine (pun intended ;)).
LED volumes and green/ blue screens are just tools. All of them work with the Virtual methodology. Our system handles BOTH LED & green/blue screen.
Workflows in Virtual Production
Choose your Virtual Production workflow; either Traditional where the final compositing happens in post, or Final Pixel, which generates live finished composites while you film.
With Final Pixel, you can expect to spend more time in planning and pre-production, but you won’t have post to worry about.
Where to Find Budget-Stretching Virtual Assets
Creating virtual environments doesn’t mean building everything from scratch. There are plenty of online marketplaces where you can find ready-made 3D models for a fraction of what a physical set would cost:
- TurboSquid
- Unreal Marketplace (FAB)
- Scans Factory
Check out this Soviet Bunker for $10.
Image from TurboSquid.com.
You can hardly get a breakfast sandwich for $10 these days.
Speaking of Cost Savings
We saved the budget convo for last because cost-savings can turn off producers who equate it with cutting corners on quality. We founded Cobalt as a “By Producers, For Producers’ company, so we get that.
Virtual Production can help you achieve the quality you want, while stretching the budget you have, allowing you to eliminate expenses like these where you think it makes sense:
- Location scouting
- Travel
- Permits
- Security
- Weather days
Virtual Production in Action, Brought to You by Cobalt Stages
Take a deeper dive into the elements of Virtual Production, and get ideas for your next project.
- Jimmy Fallon’s Christmas Spectacular: 3 cameras, 12 sets, dozens of A-listers – shot in 3 days
- Hackerland Episodes 36 & 37: 10 scenes, 4 countries – shot in 3 days
- LG commercial: Virtual home set, minimal practical elements – shot in half a day
FAQs About Cobalt Tech
At our house or your house?
We provide green screen/ blue screen technology (cost-effective for wide shots), LED wall displays (ideal for reflective surfaces and interactive lighting), and hybrid approaches that balance creative vision with budget constraints.
Your choice. You can opt for a Traditional Workflow where final compositing happens in post-production, or you can go straight to Final Pixel (where the finished composite is generated live as you film).
Our consultative approach includes explaining all available options, helping you weigh the tradeoffs, and providing ongoing support throughout the production process—regardless of your experience level.
As producers ourselves, we focus on achieving your goals—not selling you the flashiest technology. We work as partners to find solutions that enhance your storytelling within your budget.
Want to learn about Virtual Production and how to use it?
Cobalt’s got you covered. As the first company to offer Virtual Sets on the East Coast, we have the experience to guide you. Let’s have some fun.