What a Volcap Day Looks Like

Pre-Production

Volumetric capture production is similar to 2D live-action production, with a few key differences. Metastage’s main stage in Los Angeles (our headquarters!) is especially unique in that it requires little to no set up time. Our stage is pre-set and production-ready. After a quick camera “calibration,” the capture team is ready to roll 🎥💥

As with other virtual production methodologies, thoughtful pre-production planning is vital to ensure a smooth shoot day.

For each project, Metastage’s technical and production teams deep dive into the creative – shot lists, storyboards, etc. – to assess what prep needs to be done for meshes to resolve cleanly and final assets look beautiful (e.g. without visual noise or “artifacting”). In many cases, standard film tricks such as dull-spraying reflective surfaces, applying double-sided wardrobe tape to loose garments, and smoothing down hair “fly aways” helps tremendously. Our goal is always to maintain the creative vision of a project while employing only minor technical adjustments.

Depending on the complexity of the wardrobe, props, blocking, and audio recording needs, pre-production can take anywhere from 2 months to 2 days! For most projects, a minimum of 2-weeks lead time is ideal.

At Metastage, our projects have run the gamut from highly intricate medical training scenarios and fashion activations with fun and flashy wardrobe to relatively simple monologue deliveries.

Shoot Day(s)

A day at Metastage is all about co-creativity and collaboration as we steward your project alongside your team’s creative ecosystem. Here’s a closer look at what happens during a typical day at our Los Angeles HQ:

Morning: Laying the Groundwork

Production days begin with a Metastage pre-call to calibrate the stage and coordinate on-set meals and craft services. After client/talent arrival, a quick production briefing sets the priorities: reviewing the schedule, fine-tuning the shot list, flagging any specific blocking challenges, and introducing team members 🫱🏼‍🫲🏾 

Mid-Morning: Rehearsals and Test Capture

While the capture technicians prepare the stage, production and client teams can further review the wardrobe selections and shortlist while talent heads to our green room for glam preparation.

More and more, talent that comes to Metastage is familiar with virtual production. Still, it can take time to acclimate to our specific performance space. 

By mid-morning, talent is glam-ready and free to run rehearsals inside the volcap stage with creative leadership. The performers use this time to familiarize themselves with the 8ft. capture “volume,” running through basic movements or lines with or without a teleprompter. 

All actions must take place within the 8ft circle.

If the wardrobe or props are complex, it may also be necessary to capture quick tests (2-5 seconds of capture) to validate that the final looks will resolve with integrity. These short tests also confirm that the cameras, lighting, and software are functioning perfectly. 

Capture

“Aaaaand action!”

When the camera is rolling, creative leadership can tune in via a video village setup just outside the stage. Takes are often short, but precision is critical. Every detail—from the subtle movement of a hand to the nuances of facial expressions—is captured in extraordinary detail. Between takes, the director provides feedback to fine-tune performances or adjust pacing, and glam teams may enter and exit for “last looks.”

Cut!

Lunch Break

After a busy morning, the team pauses for lunch. It’s a chance to regroup, check-in with the day’s milestones, and fuel up for afternoon pickups!

Capture Continues

Glam “touch ups” and calibration checks are typically performed at the top of the afternoon (and throughout the day) to ensure consistent capture quality.

Depending on the minute-count of each project, the afternoon is used to capture the remaining scenes and any necessary pick ups before wrapping talent. 

End of Day: Wrap-Up and Data Management

As the day winds down, the production team passes the baton to the post team. Cameras are powered down, and the captured data is securely transferred for processing. Cleaning, optimizing, and integrating the footage can begin immediately, but for the “day players” it’s a moment to reflect on a successful day.