Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1522701
j u ly • a u g u s t • s e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 3 c g w 3 1 "Sometimes, being tied into a product ecosystem can be expen- sive and annoying—Stage Precision takes that problem away," ex- plains Diacre. "Because the soware is platform-agnostic, there are no constraints on the technology we can use as there are many pro- prietary systems. This allows us to focus on creative execution rath- er than technical limitations or coming up with workarounds when someone wants to use a different camera." Maximizing Agility Reeling off a list of technologies, Diacre has found that the ability of SP to interface seamlessly with all the leading virtual production and XR tools in the industry has gied the team at Distortion with cre- ative freedom and agility. "Unreal Engine, TouchDesigner, Pixera; all of these can be connected into a single interface in SP. The soware just does its job and puts out the correct data," says Diacre. "The way we see it, it's a platform-agnostic pipeline for controlling our equip- ment." Having previously relied on programming to experiment with and process data, the Distortion team have found the no-programming environment that SP offers to be quick and flexible. "SP gives you multiple ways to approach problems and data, continues Diacre. "It creates a world where we don't need to rely on programming. We can quickly debug stuff, take data out and verify it. We can control any parameter or function from SP." For example, Distortion uses SP's seamless integration with Stream Deck to control camera positions and lighting functions to create quick and easy system controls. Stage Precision's Shield plug-in for Unreal Engine 5 is also in use at the studio. "Shield has become a potent tool for us, taking the leg- work out of controlling Unreal," says Diacre. "Our green screen work- flow is elevated as Shield facilitates a closer control and monitoring of Unreal Engine. It's not a complicated tool but it's exactly what we need." An indispensable asset within Distortion Studios tool kit, Stage Precision soware has revolutionized the traditional approach to vir- tual production and helped to create a space where creativity can thrive. Furthermore, Diacre and the team have cited the ongoing support from the Stage Precision team as a huge advantage. "I can't imagine running a studio without it," remarks Diacre. "It's the lynchpin of our operations and gives us the high level of control, flexibility and methodology we need to run a successful studio. It feels like a golden age for virtual production right now, and for us as a studio to have a direct relationship with Stage Precision is incred- ible." More about Distortion Studios Distortion Studios is a specialist virtual production studio based in Bristol, United Kingdom. Blurring the lines between fantasy and re- ality, the studio is run by an in-house team of specialists in immer- sive digital arts. Using cutting-edge equipment, Distortion's experts in virtual production are able to create stunning visual effects and captivating environments for film, television, music, events, and oth- er media in the most cost-effective way possible. The studio's team of award-winning live and film production in- novators with more than 20 years of experience includes masters in Unreal Engine as well as a global network of talent and resources to achieve every creative vision. facebook.com/CGWmagazine @CGWmagazine Immerse yourself in the latest industry news. Your destination for all things CG. Subscribe Today! CGW.com