The way film and television content is made is changing fast, and at the heart of this shift is virtual production. Once seen as a futuristic luxury, it’s now becoming the go-to method for studios, agencies, and even independent filmmakers who want more control, creativity, and efficiency.
But what exactly is virtual production, and why are LED walls such a big part of it? Here’s a more detailed look.
What is virtual production?
Virtual production is a filmmaking technique that blends physical and digital worlds in real time. Instead of shooting actors against a green screen and adding effects later in post-production, filmmakers can project digital environments onto huge LED walls that surround the set.
This means actors, directors, and camera crews can see the virtual background live, as if it were real. This results in more immersive and authentic performances, fewer surprises in editing, and a faster, more collaborative workflow.
Why use LED walls instead of green screen?
For years, green screens were the standard for creating visual effects. But LED walls bring several advantages:
- Realistic lighting: LED panels throw actual light onto the actors and props, creating natural reflections and shadows that are hard to fake with green screen.
- Better performances: Actors aren’t staring at a blank wall: they can see and react to the digital world around them.
- Fewer reshoots: Directors and cinematographers can frame shots and adjust the background live, avoiding the need to “fix it in post.”
- Time and cost savings: While LED walls require investment, they reduce travel, location fees, and complex set builds.
How do LED walls work in film production?
An LED wall is made up of thousands of modular LED panels that form a massive, seamless screen. These walls display real-time 3D environments created in specialist software such as Unreal Engine. As the camera moves, the background shifts too, thanks to advanced camera tracking.
This creates the illusion of depth, so the digital set feels just as convincing as a real one. For example, a scene on a mountaintop can be filmed without leaving a studio, with the background reacting dynamically to the camera’s perspective.
Who is using virtual production right now?
Virtual production is already being used on some of the world’s biggest shows and movies. You may have heard about Disney’s The Mandalorian, which made LED walls famous by shooting entire alien landscapes inside a studio.
But it’s not just for blockbuster productions anymore. Broadcasters, advertising agencies, and event producers are also using LED screens to create immersive visuals for:
- TV commercials
- Corporate events and product launches
- Music videos and concerts
- Training simulations and branded content
The technology is becoming more accessible, opening the door for mid-sized studios and creative teams to embrace it.
What are the benefits for filmmakers and studios?
The appeal of virtual production lies in flexibility and efficiency. Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Control over environments: No need to worry about bad weather, unpredictable crowds, or remote locations.
- Faster turnaround: Directors can review and approve shots on the spot.
- Sustainability: By reducing travel and building fewer disposable sets, LED walls help cut a production’s carbon footprint.
- Creative freedom: Filmmakers can design limitless worlds, whether that’s a photorealistic cityscape, a sci-fi galaxy, or a brand’s immersive stage backdrop.
Is virtual production right for every project?
Not every project needs an LED wall. Smaller productions may still find green screen more cost-effective. However, if your film, TV, or commercial relies heavily on immersive backgrounds, realistic lighting, or quick turnarounds, virtual production offers huge advantages.
Studios considering the move should ask themselves:
- Do we want to cut location costs and travel?
- Are we aiming for a faster, more collaborative workflow?
- Will realistic lighting and immersion improve our actors’ performances?
- Are we producing content that demands flexibility, like commercials, music videos, or sci-fi/fantasy?
If the answer to most of these questions is yes, LED walls could be a powerful investment.
What’s next for virtual production?
The technology is evolving quickly. As LED panels get sharper and software like Unreal Engine continues to advance, we can expect even more lifelike and cost-effective results. Extended reality (XR stages) are already pushing boundaries, combining LED walls, augmented reality, and real-time effects for live broadcast and events.
The future of film, TV, and advertising is leaning toward hybrid storytelling, where physical and digital worlds merge seamlessly. LED walls are at the center of this transformation, empowering creatives to bring visions to life in ways that were impossible a decade ago.