Physical Sets
Physical sets provide more authenticity. Contours and shadows of the backdrop are natural, giving a realistic look. Talent can interact with set pieces and their surroundings. Depending on the set you have in mind, you might have to wait for set pieces to be built or you can use existing set pieces to customize the set to your liking. Physical sets are great when creating a home environment or talk show type of set. They are very practical especially for interviews that are taking place remotely.
Virtual Sets
Virtual sets give you the flexibility to be creative with the environment you want to create. Using a green screen you can choose to roll-in a still or in motion visual that will coincide with the theme or brand of the project. The look is fully customizable. This gives you an opportunity to create engaging visuals similar to what you would use at a large-scale conference presentation or TV show or film. If it’s for an ad or website, virtual sets are great for shooting B-roll footage. With a wraparound green screen, you can even shoot a 360-degree scene enhancing the depth and look of your production. Options are endless.
Hybrid Sets
Combining both options, hybrid sets consist of physical set pieces and partial backdrops with green screens. It is a physical world filled with virtual features and keyed backdrop/s. For instance, if you wanted to create a home environment with windows and a beach view that you can see through the windows, a green screen will be incorporated into the physical set and then edited in post-production. Several box office movies have used hybrid sets such as Avengers where the cast is surrounded by crops and a large green screen in the background.
But Studio Sets Take a Long Time to Build and require a Huge Area?
Actually, NO!
Set design has become extremely portable. The average set can be setup in about 2 hours and in a space as small as 12′ X 14′ area! Using LED light kits, portable drop backgrounds, and some imagination, creative sets give any production a “Studio Look”.
