Video Production × Virtual Technology: A List of Services You Can Adopt

Introduction

In video production, challenges such as "huge costs for arranging locations," "postponements due to weather," and "inconsistent video quality" are unavoidable. Adopting virtual technology, however, can solve these problems. In this article, we offer practical tips based on the technologies available, examples of support provided by WAN, and points to keep in mind.

The challenges facing video production

• Rising cost and time for arranging locations and building sets The cost and schedule of preparing for a shoot grow more than you might expect.
• Schedules at the mercy of weather and location Postponements due to bad weather or location constraints are common during shoots.
• Difficulty keeping shooting quality consistent Changes in sunlight, wind, and the surrounding environment affect video quality and add work in editing and correction.

These are important challenges that directly affect production efficiency, cost management, and the impact of the video.

Key points for adopting virtual technology

We have summarized the main virtual technologies and their features for expanding the possibilities of video production.

LED virtual set technology

• Overview: Composites real-time CG backgrounds using LED walls and camera tracking.
• Benefits: No location shoot required, highly accurate visual effects, and results can be checked on set.

Real-time CG compositing (Unreal Engine / Unity)

• Overview: Enables high-quality background compositing and interactive effects.
• Benefits: Immersive presentations and flexible scene management.

Motion capture (OptiTrack, Xsens, etc.)

• Overview: Reflects a person's movements in CG in real time.
• Benefits: More accurate performance and motion expression, with fewer editing hours.

360-degree video (Insta360, GoPro MAX)

• Overview: Records the scene in 360 degrees with an omnidirectional camera. Supports VR experiences.
• Benefits: Greater viewer immersion, which also leads to longer time spent on websites.

AR live effects (OBS Studio + filters)

• Overview: Applies CG effects to online streams in real time.
• Benefits: Customizing the viewing experience can be expected to increase satisfaction.

WAN track record: Yokogawa Genki Project

Overview

• Purpose: Support the development of motor skills and promote intergenerational exchange as parents and children move their bodies together at home
• Technical scope: 3DCG and character design production; XR video content from planning to production; support for web deployment

Challenges

• With outings restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, local parents, children, and seniors were losing opportunities to interact and exercise
• There was a shortage of videos and web experiences for parents and children to enjoy moving their bodies at home

WAN's response

• Planned a 3DCG animation combining exercises and a story, featuring friendly characters and an original song
• Integrated the website and video to provide a content experience suited to "dancing at home"
• From a UX perspective, designed the flow for parents and children after viewing, creating a path that leads from watching the content to exercising

Results

• Created an animation viewing experience in which parents and children move together, helping to support improved motor function
• Stimulated communication across generations
• Streaming on the project site (https://yokogawa-genki.com), where it has been well received

Points to keep in mind when adopting and implementing

1. Choose technology strictly according to your purpose The equipment and technology you choose differ depending on whether the goal is visual presentation or streaming.
2. Support for skill acquisition and workforce development go hand in hand Advanced technologies such as Unreal Engine also require support for in-house skill development.
3. Budget for maintenance and upgrades of equipment Estimate running costs after implementation in advance.
4. Strictly manage rights clearance for materials, CG, and audio A checking system is needed to prevent any missed usage permissions.
5. Verify connection stability for online delivery and live streaming Real-time effects depend heavily on the network environment, so advance rehearsals are important.

Summary

• Virtual technology leads directly to cost savings, more efficient production, and greater expressive power.
• Technologies available: LED virtual backgrounds / CG compositing / motion capture / 360-degree shooting / AR effects.
• In WAN's support cases, effectiveness has been confirmed for promotional videos, live streaming, and product introductions.
• When adopting, you need to consider goal setting, skill acquisition, cost management, rights clearance, and network measures.

World Area Networks provides end-to-end support for video production using virtual technology, from strategy planning to execution. If you are interested in optimizing costs or strengthening expressive power, please contact us through our free consultation and document download form.