The answer is there is no one-size-fits-all. Depending on your production there are three ways you can go about executing your vision. You can use a virtual set, a physical set, or a hybrid set. Many TV shows, films, and live stream productions have used these different styles. Since video has become more than an entertainment tool to become a key communication method, businesses are taking advantage of converting their events into full productions. From product launches to trade shows to conferences, there are many ways to get creative in a studio. More and more pre-recorded and live interviews are taking place from a studio because simple video on zoom just doesn’t cut it. You can’t get the same quality and add visuals just using a video conferencing platform. Whether you are hosting a show or event, one of the advantages of shooting from a studio is having plenty of room for creativity especially when it comes to selecting what type of set to use.
Each type of set on stage has its perks. Here are some advantages for each.
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.
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.

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.

What Sets San Francisco Media Group Apart From Other Production Houses
What is advantageous about using a virtual or physical set in studios like ours is having robotic cameras that can film from different angles and are controlled remotely from the control room. In times like these where physical distancing is necessary, on-screen talent will have the stage to themselves while the crew can work from the Producer’s Room and Control Room. You can have a physical set on each end of the stage to mirror each other or two different sets for different segments. The same goes for a virtual set where it is available on both sides. Excitingly enough you can even shoot on a stage with cyclorama such as ours to do a 360 degree virtual shoot. If you are thinking about something on a smaller scale, insert studios are perfect for smaller sets and single talent. Ours can be used with a virtual and physical set.
With all the possibilities it can be overwhelming which is why it is important to schedule a pre-consultation meeting with one of our experts to help you plan out and provide you with realistic expectations.