Broadley Studios recently embarked on an ambitious journey with Old London, a dystopian short film virtual production directed by Kieran Belshaw and produced by Kathryn O’Reilly.
Set in a ravaged post-apocalyptic London, the film delves into themes of societal change and the tension between the old and the new. This case study explores the innovative virtual production techniques employed by Broadley Studios to bring this chilling vision to life.
Old London presents a stark portrayal of a future devastated by nuclear catastrophe. The film follows a survivor navigating through iconic landmarks of London, such as the V&A Museum and Trafalgar Square, now reduced to ruins. The narrative is conveyed through the eyes of the protagonist, played by Ellie Duckles, of The A-List.
The film’s creative team, including scenic artist Kieran Belshaw, known for his work on Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, and producer Kathryn O’Reilly, sought Broadley Studios' expertise to realise their intricate vision.
Their goal was to create a visually compelling representation of a crumbling London using advanced virtual production (VP) techniques.
The scope of Old London required an advanced approach to short film Virtual Production. Belshaw and O’Reilly envisioned a complex array of visual effects, including full CG environments, cloth and particle simulations, and real-time destruction. To meet these demands, Broadley Studios implemented a hybrid virtual production pipeline.
Richard Landy, Managing Director of Broadley Studios, recognised the potential in collaborating with this talented team. He noted,
Broadley Studios utilised its state-of-the-art Virtual Production facilities to bring Old London to life. The studio’s setup included:
• Brainstorm Infinity Set: A crucial component in integrating virtual environments with live action.The VP setup was instrumental in achieving the film’s complex visual requirements. According to VFX Supervisor Kieran Lowley, “Considering the VFX needs - robust object tracking, iterative virtual set creation, and simulations - a hybrid pipeline was the optimal approach.”
The short film virtual production of Old London was executed over a single weekend, with one day dedicated to pre-lighting and preparation. Broadley Studios designed ten bespoke lighting setups and created 20 unique virtual environments to capture the film’s varied and detailed landscapes.
The studio’s recent investment in MRMC robotic rail systems played a pivotal role. These systems allowed for precise and smooth camera movements, which were crucial for the film’s wide shots and dynamic sequences. The use of Sony FR7 robotic PTZ cameras coupled with the FreeD data protocol enabled Broadley to deliver consistent and high-quality results.
The collaboration between Broadley Studios and the film’s creative team on this short film virtual production was highly successful. Producer Kathryn O’Reilly praised the experience, stating,
The project not only showcased the capabilities of Broadley’s Virtual Production technology but also pushed the boundaries of what is possible in world-building and visual storytelling. Richard Landy expressed his enthusiasm, noting, “It’s been a pleasure working with such a creative and talented team. We’re excited to see how the film will resonate with audiences.”
Old London is currently in post-production and is slated for release in 2025. The film promises to offer a visually spectacular and thought-provoking experience, highlighting the future of Virtual Production in film.
Broadley Studios’ work on Old London exemplifies the power of Virtual Production in creating immersive and visually stunning narratives.
The successful integration of cutting-edge technology with creative vision underscores our studio’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of film production.
As the film approaches its release, it stands as a testament to the innovative spirit and technical capabilities of Broadley Studios.
For more information about our Virtual Production capabilities, and to find out how we can help you and your short film, please call us on +442077255858 or email us at [email protected] today.
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