INTO THE BLUE
FLYING IN VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
CASE STUDY
background
Client: Laura Jameson
Hey Blondie LLC and Full-Service Enterprise LLC
Laura was an introduction from a friend, in one of our first meetings I established her need to use the Virtual Production technology to simulate flight in front of the LED volume to further compliment her upcoming film “Into the Blue.”
Laura and her team filmed most of the film in Orlando, FL at Fantasy of Flight and we completed shooting the film late November 2025 where we did 3 Test XR days and 1 setup day 2 actual shoot days. Film is expected to be shown in the SCAD End of year showcase June 2026 and begin its festival run accordingly.
initial proposal
The creative brief focused on capturing expansive skies, clouds, atmosphere, and a historic airport environment. After evaluating Cesium, prebuilt assets, and virtual production performance limits, I designed a hard-edged LOD system in Unreal Engine.
This system prioritized performance stability, reduced frame-drop risk, and allowed rapid creative adjustments on shoot day in response to cinematography needs.
Scheduling & Stage Coordination
Once approved by production, I coordinated closely with SCAD’s XR Stage Manager to lock in XR load tests and shoot dates. The schedule was structured to progressively validate performance, visual fidelity, and on-set workflows before principal photography.
XR TEST DAYS
Across three XR test days, the focus evolved from technical validation to creative refinement. Early tests established a functional environment using lightweight geometry, camera calibration, culling strategies, and large-scale geospatial data.
Subsequent tests increased fidelity with a 50km open environment, realistic aircraft assets, and improved skylight and atmospheric systems. These sessions helped the team assess realism, blocking, and lighting interaction within the volume.
Final testing addressed cloud fidelity and continuity. Standard Unreal cloud solutions were replaced with a more art-directable sky system, enabling real-time cloud development on stage. Environmental continuity was refined by matching the grass runway and surrounding landscape to the real Fantasy of Flight location.
Previsualization Tool
To support camera planning and motion control feasibility, the production required accurate stage dimensions and LED volume scale. Using available specifications and interpreted blueprints, a to-scale 3D model of the XR stage was created by an external collaborator.
This model became the foundation for a previz workflow, allowing the team to plan shots, blocking, and production design. To improve accessibility for non-technical stakeholders, the previz was adapted into a web-based visualizer, enabling remote shot planning and list development.
Last-Minute Continuity Changes
Despite months of planning, real-world changes occurred shortly before the shoot. Seasonal foliage shifts, trimmed grass, and newly placed hay rolls at the location created major continuity mismatches with existing environment data.
Within 12 hours, the virtual environment was rebuilt to match the updated location. Plant textures were procedurally adjusted, foliage assets were replaced and optimized, grass systems were reworked with aggressive culling, and new set elements were integrated—bringing the environment back into alignment for shoot day.
Shoot Days
On shoot days, I worked closely with the Assistant Director and SCAD stage management to maintain schedule and compliance. Collaboration with the Director of Photography focused on lighting integration, color balance, and real-time environment adjustments.
I coordinated with the camera, special effects, and motion control teams to art-direct clouds, integrate aircraft movement, and align physical and virtual motion. Assets and lighting data were handed off to post-production to ensure continuity beyond the stage.