Bristol practical effects outfit InCamera came to Distortion Studios with a video idea for their popular YouTube channel. In keeping…

It’s June. The sun (might) be shining, you’ve (maybe) got your shorts on, and Christmas feels a million miles away. But for those of you in advertising and production, the festive season is probably already looming. While everyone else is planning their summer holidays, you might be deep in mood boards, storyboards, and the inevitable panic of how to bring that perfect Christmas magic to life – often in less-than-magical weather conditions!
This year, why sleigh your production woes and deliver stunning Christmas commercials without the stress: Virtual Production (VP).
You all know the drill: filming a snowy wonderland in July, battling unpredictable weather, and schlepping crews and equipment to multiple, often far-flung, locations. It’s costly, time-consuming, and let’s be honest, not exactly kind to the planet. What’s the solution? Virtual Production of course!
Step into the Virtual Wonderland
Imagine creating those idyllic frosted window scenes, bustling Christmas markets, or the heartwarming “driving home for Christmas” moments, all from the comfort and control of a single studio. That’s the power of VP.
Distortion Studios has seen firsthand how VP transforms TV commercial production. They’ve produced multiple TVCs using virtual production, all benefiting from the incredible ability to shoot diverse sets in a remarkably short period (10 completely different scenes in 2 days…). No more wrapping up warm in August to pretend it’s December!
One of the standout advantages for those quintessential Christmas ads is car shoots. Forget expensive road closures or complex rigging for driving scenes. With VP, you can achieve that perfect “driving home for Christmas” shot, with a stunning backdrop that precisely matches your vision, all while the vehicle remains stationary in the studio.
Save Time, Money, and the Planet
Beyond the sheer convenience and creative control, VP offers significant time and cost savings. Consolidating multiple “locations” into one studio eliminates travel expenses, reduces logistical headaches, and allows for a far more efficient shooting schedule. And, of course, a smaller carbon footprint makes it a win for sustainability too.
Still wondering if it’s the right fit for your festive masterpiece? Virtual production has already been embraced by major players for their commercials. Although not specifically a Christmas Ad, this McDonald’s advert produced by Pixmondo gives you a little taste of what a Christmas VP TVC could look like.
Bristol practical effects outfit InCamera came to Distortion Studios with a video idea for their popular YouTube channel. In keeping…
Virtual production is an incredible tool, but it can’t do everything. We still need to employ many of the skills…