Mo-Sys Engineering has unveiled a groundbreaking 'Scan-to-Shoot' workflow that makes photorealistic virtual environments accessible to independent producers and in-house teams. The new technology dramatically reduces the time and expertise needed to create convincing digital worlds, potentially changing how productions approach location shooting.

From Location to LED Wall: How 'Scan-to-Shoot' transforms virtual production workflows

The 'Scan-to-Shoot' workflow represents a significant leap forward in making high-end virtual production techniques accessible to a broader range of creators by simplifying the traditionally complex process of environment creation.

• Locations can be scanned in under 10 minutes using a hybrid approach that combines LIDAR and 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) techniques

• The system integrates with Mo-Sys' VP Pro software and XR Set Extensions, allowing crews to shoot beyond the LED wall into virtual environments seamlessly

• Productions gain more dynamic and dramatic camera movements without requiring massive LED volumes

• Technical barriers are reduced, eliminating the need for specialized 3D modeling and optimization skills

Global Production Without Boarding a Plane: The technology enables unprecedented remote collaboration

In a real-world demonstration, Mo-Sys partnered with Thailand-based Studio X Beyond to showcase how the workflow enables truly international productions without the traditional logistical challenges.

• A London location was scanned and the data transferred to a Bangkok studio, where the Studio X Beyond team shot with the digitized UK environments

• The entire production process—from concept to delivery—was completed in record time, with the actual shoot taking just one day

• Travel costs for crew and talent were eliminated, demonstrating significant production savings

Final Cut on Virtual Innovation: This technology marks a turning point in making photorealistic virtual environments financially viable for mid-tier productions

The 'Scan-to-Shoot' workflow addresses one of virtual production's persistent challenges: creating believable digital environments without massive budgets or specialized technical teams.

• By dramatically shortening the environment creation pipeline, productions can make decisions closer to shooting dates with more flexibility

• Independent and regional production companies can now compete with larger studios on visual quality and production value

• The line between physical and virtual locations continues to blur, potentially changing how location scouts and production designers approach their roles

• As Linda Lim, CEO of Studio X Beyond noted: "We delivered a global production in days, not weeks, because with Virtual Production, the location really does come to us"