When going for real-time on set compositing and especially when aiming for final pixels there could be a good reason to buy into an already existing system. This list contains some of the best software(that I know of) that can incorporate Unreal Projects or have a tight integration.
To begin with, independent filmmakers or small studios often start by using Unreal Engine’s internal compositing tool, Composure, for real-time compositing. This approach is initially attractive due to its direct integration within Unreal Engine and the cost-effectiveness for those on a tight budget.
However, as your project’s complexity increases, you’ll likely encounter significant limitations with this setup. This is the point where you might begin to understand why more advanced virtual production software solutions come with a higher price tag. These tools are specifically designed to handle the intricate demands of real-time compositing more efficiently and with greater flexibility.
Composure, as an internal tool within Unreal Engine, offers an accessible starting point for those new to virtual production. It allows for real-time compositing directly within the Unreal environment, which is particularly beneficial for filmmakers who are already familiar with the engine. The seamless integration means there’s no need to export scenes or switch between different software, thus streamlining the workflow and reducing the learning curve.
Moreover, Composure is highly cost-effective, making it an appealing option for small studios or independent filmmakers operating on tight budgets. By leveraging the power of Unreal Engine without incurring additional software costs, creators can achieve a surprising level of sophistication in their projects. For those just starting out, this can be a crucial advantage, allowing them to experiment and hone their skills without significant financial investment.
Despite its advantages, the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of Composure come with certain limitations. As your project grows in complexity, you may find that Composure lacks the flexibility and advanced features required to manage more intricate real-time compositing tasks. For example, handling high-resolution assets, complex multi-layer compositing, or advanced color grading can become cumbersome within this basic framework.
The constraints of working solely within Unreal Engine can also hinder collaboration. Larger teams may find it challenging to coordinate efforts when all tasks are confined to a single software environment. The need for more sophisticated tools becomes apparent as you seek to enhance the quality and efficiency of your production pipeline.
This is where advanced virtual production software solutions come into play. These tools are designed to handle the intricate demands of real-time compositing with greater efficiency and flexibility. By transitioning to more specialized software, filmmakers can overcome the limitations of Composure and unlock new creative possibilities.
Advanced virtual production tools often come with features specifically tailored for high-end compositing. These include more robust color correction capabilities, support for higher resolution assets, and more intuitive multi-layer compositing workflows. Additionally, these tools are typically designed with collaboration in mind, offering features that facilitate teamwork and streamline the production process.
Undertaking real-time compositing solely within Unreal Engine can certainly be an ambitious endeavor. While it’s entirely possible to achieve, the process can become overwhelmingly complex. Building your own compositing pipeline in Unreal requires not only a deep understanding of the engine’s capabilities but also considerable time and patience to manage the intricacies involved. For those willing to navigate these challenges, the outcome can be rewarding, but the journey is often fraught with technical obstacles that could slow down your production timeline.
Developing a custom compositing pipeline involves a steep learning curve. You need to master various aspects of Unreal Engine, from its rendering engine to its scripting capabilities. This process can be time-consuming and may require a significant investment in training and development. Furthermore, troubleshooting and optimizing your custom pipeline can introduce additional delays, potentially impacting your project’s overall timeline and budget.
What we are looking for in a software is a tool that seamlessly blends in-camera VFX with ease of use. It should feature interactivity with Unreal Engine and be easy to collaborate in a cutting-edge production suite. The ideal solution would offer a balance between advanced features and user-friendly interfaces, enabling both technical and creative team members to work together efficiently.
Interactivity with Unreal Engine is a key consideration. The software should integrate smoothly with Unreal, allowing for real-time updates and feedback. This is crucial for maintaining a dynamic and flexible workflow, where changes can be made on the fly without disrupting the entire production process. Additionally, the ability to easily import and export assets between Unreal and the compositing software ensures that all team members can access and work on the latest versions of project files.
Ease of collaboration is another critical factor. The software should support multiple users, enabling team members to work simultaneously on different aspects of the project. Features such as version control, project sharing, and real-time collaboration tools can significantly enhance productivity and streamline the production process. By facilitating better communication and coordination, advanced virtual production software can help teams achieve their creative vision more effectively.
Below are my top 4 Virtual Production Software list with no internal order!
The system that’s probably the most adapted in the world of broadcasting. Features as Hyper-realistic rendering and compositing in Unreal Engine, produce in one-system, real-time Native 4K/UHD/SDI production, lens calibration & talent
tracking
More info: https://www.zerodensity.tv/
Infinity Set is a complete system that integrates natively in Unreal Engine. It has all the bells and whistles for example ray-tracing and internal keyer. But what I find most interesting with it is an tool called “3D Presenter” which converts the talent into a 3D object on the fly by generating a true 3d representation from a video feed. This in turn makes it easy to cast real shadows and reflections and also add or change lighting on the talent. Really cool stuff
More info: https://www.brainstorm3d.com/products/infinityset/
Aximmetry is an all-in-one virtual studio and 3D graphics software for the broadcast and entertainment industry. They also have more subscription-solutions that better suite indie-producers. The software is very intuitive to use and is a node-based system that makes it easy to build your own setup. The keyer is great and has a lot of built in tools such as light wrapping and more. Of course a tight integration with Unreal Engine, even though their own 3D-Renderer is excellent.
More info: https://aximmetry.com/
Pixotope is probably the sleekest looking software of them all. And my impression of the software is that it could be the most userfriendly of them all. Built to enhance the fast turnarounds and changes on air.
More info: www.pixotope.com
These were some of the software that I know of. If you think I missed something shoot me an email and I’ll add them in.
