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environment, using the familiar tools found on live action sets. "The goal wasn't to generate each shot in the computer, but to photograph the digital environment as if it were a real set," said Legato. The film, which was directed by Jon Favreau, pushed the abilities of modern technology, utilizing advanced computer graphics to create a never before seen photorealistic style. Beyond the final look, the project embraced new technology throughout, including during production, utilizing a cutting edge virtual environment. Blackmagic Design was not simply a par t of the system, but the backbone for the process, providing the infrastructure for the virtual world, as well as the studio as a whole. According to VF X producer Mat t Rubin, " We used [Blackmagic Design] products first as video routing for the entire building and at ever y stage of handling video, from capturing footage shot by the team using DeckLink cards, through Micro Studio Camera 4Ks as witness cameras, Teranex standards converters and various ATEM video switchers, such as the ATEM Production Studio 4K and ATEM Television Studio HD." Editorial and VF X were net worked together via Smart Videohubs that allowed both departments access to the screening room and ac ted as sources to the screening room for shots. During virtual production, as the computers generated the virtual environment, DeckLinks captured the footage and played through a video net work, feeding into a control station and being recorded on HyperDeck Studio Mini recorders. Once footage was shot and captured onto computers, the setup was turned over to VFX company MPC to create the photorealistic imagery. Throughout the process of reviewing footage and maintaining an up to date edit, Legato and his team utilized DaVinci Resolve Studio and DaVinci Resolve Advanced Panels in two suites, with Legato applying color to shots as guides to the final colorists. The DaVinci Resolve Studio project was often updated many times a day with new footage from MPC. Legato only screened for Favreau in context of the cut, rather than showing individual shots, so it was important to be able to balance shots to provide a smooth screening experience. The facility shared a DaVinci Resolve Studio database to allow various team members around the facility to view the same timeline without tying up a screening room. Despite the cutting edge systems used to virtually shoot the film, the final product reflects the true art form of filmmaking, simply by providing real tools for cinematography and a creative workflow throughout. "The virtual environment created a truly flexible world to shoot in," said Legato. "From [DP Caleb Deschanel] being able to move the sun to achieve the right time of day, or the art director able to place trees or set pieces during production, the virtual world allowed us an amazing platform to shoot the movie. It was definitely a new type of filmmaking, one with all the trappings of standard production, but even more flexibility to be creative." For more information on how Blackmagic Design's products are used for real time virtual production, visit www.blackmagicdesign.com.