The ASC (American Society of Cinematographers) will hold a two-day, online Master Class from Saturday, July 24th to Sunday, July 25th, focused on the topic of Virtual Production, lighting in a Virtual World, and using LED Volumes. This Master Class was created due to the elevated need and demand for vast knowledge regarding the mixed reality ecosystem.
The growing demand for mixed reality productions
In recent years, there is noticeable elevated demand for experts that specialize in virtual productions. For instance, as a growing number of film producers embrace the idea of virtual production, ARRI has established a new organizational unit called ARRI Solutions Group, which is focused on the design and engineering of customized production infrastructures, including innovative mixed-reality environments. ARRI defines “Mixed reality” or “virtual production” as a powerful instrument within the filmmaker’s toolbox. In mixed reality, real actors perform in front of a virtual background powered by a Game Engine for green/blue screen real-time chroma keying and compositing or a LED Wall. In fact, mixed reality can be defined as the whole eco-system of a virtual set in which camera, lights, LED wall, and the rest of the infrastructure all operate together. Thus, in order to well orchestrate a virtual production, a solid knowledge base and professional tools are required.
ASC Virtual Production Master Class
The ASC has announced an online Master Class on Virtual Production. Derived and adapted from ASC signature in-person Master Classes, the seminar will have live interactions and Q&A with some of the world’s top working cinematographers, as well as experts from companies involved in LED walls and associated technology. The confirmed instructors are: Russell Carpenter, ASC (Avatar 2, Titanic, Ant-Man), and Baz Idoine (Mandalorian, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story).
Curriculum and program
The planned curriculum
Two pre-recorded lighting demonstrations, selected film clips, live instruction and interactive discussion periods — is designed to last about 6 hours per day, with each session starting at 8:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time (11:00 AM New York; 4:00 PM London; 5:00 PM Berlin; 8:30 PM Mumbai; 11:00 PM Beijing).
The program will include
- Welcome address by ASC member describing the online Master Class format.
- Presentations by ASC instructors followed by Q&A sessions, allowing students to address specific areas of interest or gain further detail.
- Participation with ASC Ambassadors — members in addition to primary event instructors — in break-out rooms for discussions and daily social sessions.
- Panel discussions with ASC members on select topics.
- Presentations by leading equipment manufacturers.
Price
The ASC Master Class Online on Virtual Production will be held on July 24-25th, 2021. Price: $900. The class size will be limited to 30 participants (it’ll be sold out pretty quickly so hurry up in case you’re interested). Attendees at the online Master Class will also be given a 10% discount on a future in-person Master Class.
Final thoughts
This ASC Master Class is a fine opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a mixed reality/virtual production ecosystem (lighting, cameras, technology and approach). For those who are not interested on attending this Master Class, ARRI offers “My First Mixed Reality Shoot” panel debate, hosted by the British Cinematographer Magazine, on the 7th July. Here’s the description: “On July 7, 6 p.m. UTC, join DPs Greig Fraser ASC, ACS, Martin Ruhe ASC, and Magdalena Gorka PSC, along with DNEG’s Paul Franklin, and director/DP Robert Payton as they share their early experiences shooting in mixed reality studios. Filmed at ARRI’s new MR studio in London with seasoned host Zoe Mutter, editor of British Cinematographer magazine, this must-watch panel discussion is brought to you by British Cinematographer and ARRI with support by Creative Technology”.
We’re hoping to cover this. Stay tuned.
