Lightcraft Technology has launched a major update to Jetset, its mobile virtual production app, bringing advanced cinematic compositing directly to the iPhone and introducing Gaussian Splat support for near-photorealistic quality at a fraction of traditional virtual production costs. The update positions the technology as accessible at every stage of production, from early concept development through final edits.

Watch the Jetset Cine in action at NAB 2024:

On-Set Revolution: The update brings high-end virtual production capabilities to a device that fits in your pocket.

Jetset's latest version bridges the gap between imagination and creation without requiring expensive stage setups or complex technical workflows. This represents a significant democratization of virtual production technology.

• The app now delivers live cinematic compositing through Accsoon SeeMo integration, allowing cinematographers to frame virtual production shots with confidence, even outputting at 24fps while the iPhone runs at 30fps

• New Gaussian Splat support enables near-photorealistic environments created from photos, videos or LiDAR scans at real-time speeds

• The update integrates with Aximmetry, creating a fast path to Unreal Engine workflows for YouTube content, live broadcasts or LED wall productions

• Camera connectivity has expanded to work with professional cinema cameras from Sony, Canon, RED, ARRI and more

Post-Production Pipeline: Jetset introduces "Superdailies" that could fundamentally change editing workflows.

By combining real-time compositing with high-quality 3D virtual backgrounds, Jetset enables editors to immediately access complete shots with integrated 3D elements.

• Editors can begin cutting with fully composited shots right away, rather than waiting for VFX department deliveries

• Cinematographers can upgrade shots by re-rendering backgrounds directly on the iPhone without external hardware

• The system captures the camera's original video, real-time composite, LiDAR depth map and complete tracking information in organized data sets

• With Tentacle Timecode support, productions can easily match timecode between different cameras, Jetset's metadata and the new Superdailies

Pre-Production Toolkit: The expanded feature set positions Jetset as a powerful planning tool for directors and cinematographers.

The update enhances Jetset's utility during the crucial planning phases of production, allowing for faster, more cost-effective decision-making.

• New Object Locators let directors interactively move CG characters and objects with their fingers, enabling quick idea testing without returning to 3D applications

• Over 200 virtual camera types and sensors have been added, allowing operators to simulate different looks during previz

• 3D Garbage Matte Controls enable users to extend small greenscreens to create bigger shots in limited spaces

• Enhanced remote controls for Jetset Cine and Pro users cover most functionality, including choosing scene locators and triggering remote scanning

Final Cut: This update signals a fundamental shift in who can access high-end virtual production techniques and at what budget level.

Lightcraft's enhancements to Jetset represent a potentially paradigm-shifting development in how productions of all sizes approach virtual production. As founder and CEO Eliot Mack noted, they're "making virtual production 20 times cheaper with near-photorealistic quality."

The democratization of these tools has significant implications for the industry, particularly for independent and mid-budget productions that previously couldn't afford virtual production workflows. With standard licenses available for free and professional versions priced at $20-80 per month, the barrier to entry has been dramatically lowered.

As these mobile virtual production tools mature, we can expect to see a new generation of content creators leveraging techniques once reserved for big-budget productions, potentially transforming both creative possibilities and production economics across the industry.