AUO x Renovatio Pictures’ LED Smart Virtual Studio Solution, Ushering a New Era for the Film and Television Industry

Director Mango Chi further explained that aside from film or television, virtual production is a great boon for filming commercials and music videos, "These types of projects have short filming periods that could last a day or an entire week. If you prepare all of the content in advance, it's possible to rapidly complete a few scenes in the studio and utilize the "real-time display and interaction" function to immediately show clients the results, and make timely adjustments. This really speeds up the creative process and allows for more imagination.” The LED Smart Virtual Studio Solution, created through AUO's investment into LED display technology and the partnership with Renovatio Pictures, immediately creates the most optimal filming environment, standing out from thousands of virtual studios around the world.

The partnership with Renovatio Pictures resulted in an exclusive filming platform that integrates camera tracking software and Unreal Engine to allow the LED display wall to be toggled for real-time filming or previews. Andre Su stated, “Camera tracking software utilizes tracking to link virtual scenes within Unreal Engine with camera movement to immediately adjust the background lighting, filming angle, or special effects. Creators can utilize an external display to immediately preview scenes that have just been filmed to reduce uncertainty during filming, improve image quality, and greatly save on the time and costs of post-production.”

Two highlights that created major buzz at Touch Taiwan this year included the premiere of a sci-fi film and on-site performances. First, AUO's original work "New Future with Infinite Horizons" sci-fi showcase video, which was directed by Mango Chi and produced by Renovatio Pictures, was officially unveiled. The film explored the concept of "pursuit" and depicted the protagonist’s mystical journey, who pursued an RGB sphere symbolizing the three primary colors. Scenarios such as mystical forests, alien sand dunes, and infinite space were showcased during the film. The sphere of light dissolved into countless meteors and ultimately gathered in space to form a giant tree of light. The protagonist approached the giant tree, which emitted a breathtaking light, before it transformed into AUO's latest technology applications and new products of the year. In addition to this year's theme, the film also symbolized the craftsmanship spirit of "making no compromises in the pursuit of perfection." All artists want to surpass themselves and release better works; this is similar to AUO's commitment to pursue technology and quality. Both compliment each other with shared principles and goals.

Director Mango Chi's path began in 2D, 3D animation, sci-fi films with real actors, new media entertainment, LED virtual production, and resulted in a wealth of experience in Hollywood, leading various teams. The short film showcases his creativity and production capabilities integrating on-site filming and special effects as well as his ability to take on the challenge of sci-fi themes with real actors, a feat rarely found in Taiwan. Each scene and storyboard was constructed with grand and majestic aesthetics; each fictional creature found in the mystical forests, alien sand dunes, and infinite space left memorable impressions. Mango Chi explained, “I wanted to create a magical world that was magnificent, refined, and luxurious without being tacky. The style is a fusion of Hayao Miyazaki and Avatar, creating a type of balance between organic life and machines. The key to original concepts is being unique and making sure that every single aesthetic detail is on point and done in good sense. Although all scenes seem really short, they allow us to peek into this vast world. For instance, the light emitting fish in the forest were presented with a semi-transparent glass material that reflected the environment as well as the colorful RGB streams; the giant mechanical creature in the desert contained highly complex mechanical structures for the turbine on its back and the joints on the tendrils. This was emphasized by a simple, pure outer shell made with white engraved materials. Balancing the space, color arrangement, and the use of composition are all elements that carry significant functions. The most important aspect is how this type of 'balance' can be created." As such, Director Chi personally arranged all storyboards and original designs including details such as actor's costumes, 3D Previs, dynamic adjustments, and camera movements. His fine control of every aspect allowed him to lead his team in completing this breathtaking sci-fi blockbuster-like film in such a short period of time.

Following the biggest attraction of the show, the sci-fi movie premiere, the LED virtual filming show took place. Director Chi meticulously designed the entire performance, enlisting a professional filming crew, gimbal camera mount, and even a sci-fi film headliner who is known as “Little Captain America.” The venue suddenly transformed into Universal Studios. A film making demonstration was provided using the latest LED virtual filming technology, which transported the audience through space, on spaceships, through the desert, rocky mountains, and snow plains. Virtual production's full display of immersion, color, and lighting adjustments were demonstrated; the film crew even utilized a fan during a desert scene to simulate wind for the actors, resulting in a humorous yet immersive experience. The director gave a lighthearted yet professional talk that had the audience engaged. During the six shows throughout the three day event, as word-of-mouth praise for the show spread, crowds grew larger each day, with many audience members recording the show on their smartphones. Several industry professionals praised the international magnitude of the performance, calling it the best part of this year's Touch Taiwan as well as fully showcasing amazing LED virtual production technologies in front of a live audience.

The LED Smart Virtual Studio by AUO and Renovatio Pictures offers the most cost effective filming solution for the film and television industry. In addition to providing hardware and software equipment, Renovatio also offers professional special effects technology consulting or one-stop post- production services. AUO also offers services to assist film and television companies in the implementation of smart studios. Looking forward, AUO hopes to expand LED applications, with Andre Su stating, “Aside from the film and television industry, LED display walls can also be implemented in art galleries, museums, theaters, and other entertainment or education venues. We're working with Renovatio Pictures to develop even more possibilities and interactive experiences that integrate the virtual and real worlds, so that education becomes a vivid, interesting activity that engages all senses as opposed to letters on a page.” Finally, Mango Chi also expressed his thoughts on partnering with AUO, “This collaboration was an experience of different perspectives. In reality, "hardware" and "storytelling" can supplement each other. In the past, creators simply completed their work and played it on platforms, but if there exists a better display technology that can process images in a more refined manner, such as intricate colors and details, great content can come to life and allow the audience to truly immerse themselves. This is a process where all parties must shine together to progress forward."