Latest moviemaking technology makes its way to Utah through SLCC

SALT LAKE CITY — Imagine as a director you want to film a scene that takes place at the Great Wall of China. In the past, you would have to send the crew, the actors, and hair and makeup people to China. And probably producers. And you’d have to pay them.

Admittedly, a very expensive endeavor for a few scenes.

Or, maybe someone builds a set of the Great Wall. But it probably will not look great. In more recent decades, you could use a green screen. In this option, actors perform in front of the screen. Then editors add pieces of pictures and videos of the wall with a computer. The problem is, audiences are becoming aware of when a green screen is being used  — think car scenes on TV’s “Seinfeld.” They can make scenes seem unreal, a no-no in films and television.

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Enter the virtual production stage. It’s an LED wall that uses video game-like technology to project videos of any background from any location for use on screen. No need to send everyone to the Great Wall of China. Instead, you can send someone with a drone to get the images you need. Then, you project them on the virtual production stage. This saves money and allows actors to see what they are supposed to see in a scene. Overall, it creates more authentic images.

Sounds great, right? It would, if more people knew how to use it. Luckily, Salt Lake Community College has its own stage, the only school to own one in Utah. It allows Salt Lake Community College film students to learn the ins and outs of the technology while also getting a leg up on job prospects.

Read more from KSL.com here.