dock10’s new lighting system mixes real and virtual worlds

UK TV facility dock10 has developed and launched a real-time system that allows both physical and virtual lighting to be controlled simultaneously using a standard lighting console.

This sounds like a handy innovation that will enable productions made at dock10 to fully integrate virtual lighting into their sets, live during filming. It works in harmony with any physical lights in the studio and any virtual lights added to the set design during the pre-production stages. All of the live lights are controlled via an industry standard DMX console in the lighting gallery, allowing LDs complete control and even to busk the setup.

Alongside this, the facility has developed a comprehensive menu of virtual lights that mirror the behaviour and impact of their physical counterparts. From focused beams to LED ribbons, any combination of virtual light can be added before or during filming, with the full impact of both the physical and virtual lights being seen immediately in the studio. This gives lighting directors complete control of all their lighting options and enables them to easily explore even more creative possibilities on set.

“Lighting is a fundamental creative element in making great television and our virtual lighting solution significantly expands the creative possibilities for multi-camera virtual production,” explains Richard Wormwell, Head of Innovation at dock10. “For the first time, lighting directors can have complete real-time control over all physical and virtual lighting in a live production, making multi-camera virtual production remarkably realistic. As a result, it raises production standards, allowing shows with smaller budgets to achieve the look and feel of a Saturday night show.”