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The Film Spring Open Foundation has developed a Mobile Virtual Studio, which aims to eliminate the green screen technique. Our Virtual Studio is based on rear projection and gives the possibility to introduce camera movement into the projected virtual background. Such a solution allows us to combine the background with acting in real-time. Contrary to other similar solutions, the system is mobile and economical.

We have built the first mobile and economical film studio in the world on board of the Cinebus. The green screen has been replaced by an interactive rear projection driven by an engine used in video games. We have developed a prototype system based on the 3D Unity engine, which enables shooting with the use of a virtual background projected behind the actors, and of side, projectors simulating additional light sources of the virtual scenery by displaying rendered images from virtual cameras. Moreover, we have created a prototypical sensor, which when installed on a camera or other object (car, actor, etc.) monitors its location in real-time (left-right rotation and up-down movement) in order to merge it with the projected background generated by the 3D engine or with footage filmed earlier.
We want to offer this mobile and low-cost solution to the audiovisual industry, wherever you are currently working on your project.

For example:
Nowadays, almost every film includes scenes shot in a car. In many scripts, such scenes involve car accidents or other dangerous situations. Shooting of such scenes can be very challenging, costly and in addition – still dangerous. A good actor is not necessarily a good driver.

The green screen technology, despite its many possibilities, has a major drawback: the director is unable to make use of what has been produced on the set. Thanks to the development of technology, especially in the gaming industry, a new possibility has emerged which we have been researching and developing for two years thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The envisaged solution is to combine the background with acting in real-time, so that the actor sees what until now only the director could see on the green screen. The solution is both mobile and economical: 

• we replaced large and expensive LED screens with laser rear projection 
• the film crew does not need to move to a specialised studio

The combination of these components (mobility and rear projection) reduces the costs of both buildings a Virtual Studio and its operating costs.
The Virtual Studio has been developed on the basis of the Cinebus and its integral parts: two tents measuring 4×4 m.

The Cinebus is a case study tool for introducing a modern, sustainable and environmentally-friendly film production system. It provides production and post-production services for small-scale feature films. It allows shooting a movie from scratch to the final DCP.

It can handle:

• Pre-production, including making of a Previs (an animatic or live acting trial version of the future audiovisual project).
• Transport of all equipment necessary for shooting low-budget films. On board you will find: a hydraulic lift, transport carts and a roof rack with a load capacity of 800 kg
• Shooting: the Cinebus has a make-up room, a costume wardrobe, a mobile director’s preview, a sound engineer’s room, as well as work stations for archiving, editing, visual effects and colour corrections, plus a social space with a coffee machine, an oven and a fridge.

The Cinebus ensures wireless image transmission from cameras on the set. All work stations are interconnected by a fibre optic network. Thanks to the power generator and the on-board wireless network (1Gb/s for 2000 members at a 500 m distance), the Cinebus is independent from external power sources and network solutions.

• Promotion: the Cinebus has a 5-camera Internet TV on board for promotion of films during their production. The stage on the roof and the external screening room also support the promotion of a film in the making.
• Post-production: simultaneous editing, colour correction and CGI effects are possible thanks to the fibre optic network and modernised infrastructure (work stations connected in the Black Magic Resolve 16 system).

Prototype Innovative Mobile Virtual Film Studio
Co-funded by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund, obtained from subsidies established in games subjected to state monopoly, in accordance with Art. 80 sec. 1 of the Gambling Law Act of November 19, 2009.