Interview with Carlos Santos
“We had the opportunity to sit down with Carlos Santos, R&D Coordinator at Breda University of Applied Sciences, to discuss the growing field of virtual production (VP) and its impact on European filmmaking.
While virtual production technology brings exciting possibilities – like real-time scene visualization, expansive virtual sets, and more accessible production capabilities – it also presents obstacles, from high setup costs to a lack of experienced professionals. Carlos offers insight into how traditional production roles are evolving, where new skills are needed, and how the challenges of training the next generation of filmmakers are being tackled through innovative educational programs.
In this interview, Carlos discusses these opportunities and hurdles, touching on topics like the integration of VP into the university curriculum, the role of industry collaboration in hands-on learning, and the broader implications of virtual production for creativity and diversity in storytelling across Europe.
Q: What is your current occupation and your experience with the VP?
My current occupation is research and development coordinator in Breda Applied science University and I’m one of the researchers that are linked with studying the virtual productions and how is VP techniques and technology affecting productions and reproductions and the way films are made.
Q: How well established is virtual production in your region and in Europe?
Virtual production technology is still in its early stages and lacks widespread understanding and expertise. While it offers clear advantages, its full potential has yet to be realized due to challenges in implementation. Despite initial hype and investment in XR stages or LED volumes by some studios, the excessive costs associated with virtual production have hindered widespread adoption. The investment has been huge and now they are looking at how to get their investments back. As more studios enter the market and technical skills develop, costs may decrease, making virtual production more accessible. Currently, the industry faces challenges not only with virtual production but also with broader film production issues. Additionally, there are emerging concerns about the implications of AI on production processes, a topic that will likely be explored further in the coming years.
Q: What new roles or adaptations to existing roles, do you think, are necessary within a Virtual Production Studio project? Can you outline what these new roles involve?
New roles in virtual production often complement existing ones, requiring clarity and collaboration. For example, production designers must now work with virtual production designers to blend real and virtual environments, while technical roles focus on managing LED walls, camera tracking, and equipment setup. Traditional roles, like the Director of Photography and gaffer, may also evolve to balance digital and physical lighting and camera needs, emphasizing teamwork between classic film roles and digital specialists for a seamless final product.
Q: How do you think virtual production technology can or has changed the approach to the production pipeline?
Virtual production (VP) goes beyond LED volume setups, using real-time tech to streamline production from pre-production, allowing filmmakers to visualize and adjust scenes early. VP reduces reliance on a single vision, enhances predictability, and enables collaborative risk assessment, making complex productions, particularly in budget-constrained regions like Europe, more feasible. VP opens doors for ambitious, historically challenging productions, giving creators with limited resources access to elaborate virtual sets, and leveling the field between European and American filmmaking. This democratization empowers diverse creators, broadens genre exploration, and expands distribution options, pushing storytelling boundaries in exciting new ways. Continue reading
SOURCE:
Virtual Production Studio Network: https://www.vpstudionetwork.com/interview-with-carlos-santos-virtual-production-in-europe-challenges-and-emerging-opportunities/
