Environment Creation
Choosing the Immersive Package means you can either…
Hire Golden Hour to build Unreal Engine environments
Build your own Unreal Engine environments
Every project is different, and with virtual production the creative possibilities are endless. To receive a quote for Unreal Engine environment creation, schedule a video call with our team.
HIRING GOLDEN HOUR
Required Environment Creation Time: 2-5 Weeks
Virtual Art Design Process
Launch Meeting
This crucial initial meeting sets the foundation for the entire project. We’ll discuss the roles Golden Hour will fill, including any production crew, as well as what the client (you) will handle. We’ll cover areas such as the art department, wardrobe, and makeup artists to ensure a seamless collaboration.
Design Phase
The exciting part begins here. We assist you in selecting and optimizing virtual environments. During this phase, we’ll make necessary tweaks and adjustments. Budget considerations come into play as we determine the extent of customization required. We’ll either browse the Unreal Engine marketplaces for CGI assets or decide if unique environments need to be built from scratch. At this stage, the client’s storyboard should be finalized.
Pre Production
This stage closely mirrors traditional production. Set designs are finalized, styles and looks are locked in, and wardrobe fittings are conducted. It’s all about ensuring everything is ready for the shoot.
Optimization
Here, we rigorously test the virtual environments. We’ll display them on our LED Volume, assessing how they appear on camera with real-time parallaxing. This phase involves evaluating colors, shaders, and textures. Key personnel such as the client, DP, DIT, virtual production manager, and virtual artists are essential. This process can be done remotely.
Blocking and Staging
Often referred to as “Pre-light Day,” this phase involves much more than just lighting. We plan the movement and timing of sets, providing a loose run of the show. It’s an ideal opportunity to stage multiple environments in advance, with availability to prep and stage near the volume for easy load-in. Lighting, lenses, and angles are determined ahead of the shoot day, ensuring efficiency and minimizing downtime. Pre-light Day is an additional day rate charge, and although it is not required, it is highly recommended (especially for those who are filming virtual production for the first time).
Production Day
The production phase remains largely the same as traditional methods, but with one significant advantage. By this stage, much of the post-production process is already completed, bringing the client closer to realizing their project. All traditional roles are still recommended to ensure a smooth shoot.
BUILDING YOUR OWN
With the rise of virtual production as a leading choice in filmmaking, the available resources are continuously expanding. At Golden Hour, we utilize a blend of custom CGI assets built from scratch and assets purchased from public marketplaces. We encourage our clients to explore these marketplaces and identify any environments or virtual assets that capture their vision. Utilizing pre-built assets can significantly reduce costs compared to creating new environments from scratch.
For clients who wish to bring their own Unreal Engine environments, we offer a seamless integration process. Simply provide us with your pre-built environments prior to production, and our team will optimize them for use on our LED Volume. This ensures your production runs smoothly and efficiently, leveraging the full potential of virtual production technology.
Take a look at some of the marketplaces we love to utilize:
