What Is XR-Powered Set Design and Pre-Visualization?
XR-powered set design and previsualization (previs) is the process of using immersive XR tools to plan, design, and interact with film sets, scenes, and camera movements in a virtual environment before actual production begins.
Instead of relying on 2D sketches, storyboards, or static 3D models, filmmakers can step into a virtual scene, view it from any angle, rehearse shots, and test lighting or effects in real time.
Why It Matters
Traditionally, previsualization required a lot of guesswork and post-production changes. With XR, filmmakers can:
- Visualize complex scenes interactively before shooting
- Collaborate remotely in real-time 3D environments
- Reduce production time and costs by solving issues early
- Experiment creatively with camera moves, lighting, and set elements
Key Features of XR-Powered Previs
1. Virtual Location Scouting
- Directors and cinematographers can walk through virtual environments using VR headsets (e.g., Meta Quest, HTC Vive).
- Enables real-world scale and spatial accuracy before building physical sets.
2. Virtual Set Design
- Production designers can design and iterate on sets in 3D space using tools like Unreal Engine, Blender, or Unity.
- These sets can later be used directly in virtual production with LED walls or green screens.
3. Camera Simulation
- Virtual cameras can simulate real-world lenses, rigs, and movement.
- Operators can use physical camera rigs with tracking systems (e.g., Mo-Sys, Vive trackers) to practice shots in VR.
4. Real-Time Lighting and VFX Previews
- Simulate realistic lighting setups and see how light behaves in a scene.
- Test visual effects and environmental conditions (fog, explosions, etc.) before shooting.
5. Live Collaboration
- Multiple team members (director, DP, VFX supervisor, production designer) can join the same XR session remotely.
- Makes decision-making faster and more interactive.
6. Scene Blocking & Actor Rehearsals
- Actors can rehearse scenes in virtual space using avatars or mocap suits.
- Helps with spatial awareness and blocking for action-heavy or VFX-heavy sequences.
Technologies and Tools
Software:
- Unreal Engine (with Virtual Camera Plugin, Live Link, and Lumen/Nanite)
- Unity (Cinemachine, HDRP, XR Interaction Toolkit)
- Blender + VR add-ons
- ShotGrid, Frame.io, and SyncSketch for XR-enabled review pipelines
Hardware:
- VR headsets: Meta Quest, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Apple Vision Pro
- Camera tracking systems: Mo-Sys, Ncam, Vive Trackers
- Motion capture suits: Xsens, Rokoko, Perception Neuron
- XR stages with LED volumes (e.g., StageCraft)
Use Cases in Film & TV
The Mandalorian
Used XR-powered previs with virtual sets in Unreal Engine, allowing the team to scout, design, and shoot on LED volumes with real-time lighting and parallax effects.
The Lion King (2019)
Jon Favreau’s team used VR headsets to direct scenes virtually, placing cameras and actors in a fully digital savannah.
Avengers: Endgame
Marvel Studios used XR previs to plan complex action sequences and coordinate massive VFX-heavy scenes with digital doubles and environments.
✅ Benefits of XR Previs and Set Design
- Saves time & money by avoiding physical prototyping and reshoots
- Improves team communication with real-time visuals
- Boosts creativity by enabling experimentation in 3D
- Reduces post-production surprises
- Streamlines virtual production workflows
- Supports remote & global collaboration
The Future of XR Set Design
- AI-powered previs that auto-generates set layouts and camera angles
- Cloud-based XR stages for remote real-time collaboration
- Integration with LiDAR scans and photogrammetry to bring real-world locations into virtual space
- Haptic feedback and volumetric displays for even more realistic planning
- Full integration with production pipelines, from concept art to final VFX shots
Summary
| Feature | Traditional Previs | XR-Powered Previs |
|---|---|---|
| Visualization | 2D/3D static | Fully immersive |
| Collaboration | Asynchronous | Real-time |
| Interaction | Limited | Hands-on / spatial |
| Camera/Lighting Testing | Post-only | Real-time preview |
| Cost & Efficiency | Higher | Lower long-term |