Semi OT: Of Unreal Engine and The Mandalorian and massive LED screen backgrounds providing lighting

tj_1ca9500b

So, I just read this article on Ars:

https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/02/the-mandalorian-was-shot-on-a-holodeck-esque-set-with-unreal-engine-video-shows/

Apparently, they have swapped out green screens for LED screens, which display the backgrounds in real time for the actors to interact with, and in this case using Unreal Engine to generate the backgrounds, and also provide the bulk of the lighting for the scene.  And, as noted in the article, swapping in and out lighting elements is apparently much easier to do, using just an Ipad.

The displayed LED backgrounds providing lighting part is in a way very similar to how a number of us around here use HDRIs for some of our art.  And of course swapping in and out buildings, backgrounds, and such as needed.

Those huge LED screens must cost a pretty penny of course!  But then Disney has cash to burn...

 

I just find the 'parallels' to the techniques we often use in our own Daz Studio related rendering fascinating.  I don't follow Hollywood VFX development closely, but this seems like a very recent development.  It does make me wonder if we'll be be seeing more and more of the assets we see in the store around here on the big screen though... Say some of Orestes' HDRI planetary environments.

Just had to share!

 

 

mdl062168

Many thanks for posting this!