In an innovative move to redefine collaboration in the filmmaking industry, Strada XR organized a groundbreaking event in conjunction with the CSC aimed at uniting two traditionally siloed disciplines – cinematography and visual effects. Titled “Crafting Realities in Virtual Production,” the event, held on December 1 at Strada XR’s state-of-the-art Mississauga studio, went beyond just LED volume technology to explore the creative avenues between directors of photography and VFX artists. The event marked a significant step forward in bridging a long-known gap between these two essential roles, offering valuable insights into the integration of real-time, in-camera VFX (ICVFX) workflows and their impact on modern storytelling.
The day included a two-panel session discussion, the first moderated by Ian Fursa, creator of the VP Toolkit and a veteran of virtual production workflows. It focused on how LED volumes are revolutionizing the art and science of cinematography. The second panel, moderated by Laurence Cymet of WeFX and Chair of the Toronto chapter of Visual Effects Society, took a deep dive into new and evolving tools and techniques that aid DPs during ICVFX shoots. The event featured Douglas Koch csc alongside associate members Andres P. Galicia and Christina Ienna, with additional hands-on contributions from Max Gleiser, Josh Payne Smith, and Robin Yang. The panel examined practical case studies and best practices for real-time pixel acquisition. The CSC’s involvement was invaluable, bringing unmatched expertise that elevated the discussions.
“This event was designed to demystify the complex technology behind virtual production workflows while fostering deeper collaboration between traditionally distinct roles in the filmmaking process, such as cinematographers, directors, and VFX supervisors,” said Ivan Reel, Strada XR’s Technical Director and Business Development Manager. “Our large LED volume served as the centerpiece, demonstrating how live, in-camera VFX and real-time pixel acquisition can open new creative possibilities and redefine storytelling.”
The hands-on demonstration of in-camera VFX (ICVFX) was a highlight, featuring a two-camera, two-frustum setup designed to showcase dynamic blocking and real-time rendering. Strada XR Senior Producer Angelo Barovier described the experience as a milestone in exploring new creative tools. “The ability to innovate continues to thrill me in this ICVFX frontier,” he said. “It’s not a canned or sterile process, as the uninitiated may believe. There is so much uncharted territory for this method of filmmaking. Both here at Strada XR and among our colleagues and peers in the wider ICVFX community, that sense of adventure is vibrant and alluring.”
The event emphasized bridging the gap between on-set teams and VFX artists, creating a space for fruitful dialogue. Reel underscored this point, noting the importance of breaking down barriers between technical and creative workflows. “It’s not just about the hardware; it’s about knowing how to use it effectively to serve the story,” he said. “The industry’s longstanding ‘fix it in post’ mentality often isolates critical parts of the production process, creating inefficiencies and missed opportunities for collaboration. This event challenged that mindset by providing a space where DPs and VFX artists could engage in meaningful dialogue during the acquisition phase. This approach encouraged a shared creative vision from the outset, ensuring a more seamless and collaborative workflow that directly benefits the final product.”
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about the possibilities of virtual production. “It was invigorating to feel the engagement of the industry community toward ICVFX,” Barovier said.
Feature photo credit: Courtesy of Strada XR
