This week we learned about extended reality (XR) and its importance. XR includes Augmented Reality, VR, and any kind of reality that technologies can modify or enhance. I have come to realise that XR industries are becoming more and more widely adopted. Especially in the film industry, studios have been known to use these technologies in the production process. Cat also mentioned there is “The Volume” studio located in Melbourne, which is an extended LED screen that acts as the green-screen substitution used for providing a backdrop and background for the scene. This invention fascinates me since it allows actors/actresses to feel emotions and perform according to the fantasy provided by the writer because they can actually see the setting rather than imagining it like they would in a green screen studio. Additionally, it is also easier for the director or cinematographer to visualise their visions, as a result improving their craft.

We also experimented with the Polycam software, which is a scanner programme that allows you to photograph an object in real life and convert it into a virtual 3D model. This is a really handy programme that I have used many times and has spared me from having to create a 3D model out of thin air for several projects. Instead, I’ll just use my phone to snap pictures. In addition to playing with our phones, we headed to the green screen studio for a brief shot and edit. It was basic work, but it was a bit challenging because we had to come up with concepts, film, and edit in a limited period of time. Luckily, Cat did not ask us to show our video as it looked very unrealistic.