08.04 Virtual Production Story, Script, and Shot Planning Assignment

Assignment Deliverables

1. Short original script and narrative outline for a 30-60 second virtual production video.
2. Shot list identifying at least 4-8 planned camera shots.
3. Preliminary set and prop list describing the virtual environment, physical objects, and other production requirements.
4. Minimum 3 rough storyboard sketches or visual references showing important compositions.
   • Combine your materials into one document.
   • Label file YYYY-MM-DD Lastname Firstname Virtual Production Plan (.pdf, .docx)

Assignment Overview

In previous exercises, you examined cinematic framing, experimented with camera shots in the XR Studio, and edited footage to explore the timing of cuts. Now you will begin planning an original short video that could be recorded using the XR Stage and virtual production tools in the Interactive Media Lab.

This assignment requires you to develop a simple story, script, and shot plan that considers both the virtual environment displayed on the LED wall and the physical actors, objects, and props in front of it. Your idea does not need to be elaborate. Focus on telling a clear story through a sequence of carefully planned camera shots. You will have opportunities to revise your idea before production.

Think about impossible settings or situations that are only possible with virtual productions.

Process

1. Develop a Story and Narrative Arc

Create an original story or scene lasting approximately 30 - 60 seconds.

Think about the narrative arc of your story:

• Beginning: Introduce the character, location, situation, or central question.
• Middle: Something happens that creates a problem, conflict, discovery, or change.
• End: Show the result, resolution, reaction, or unexpected conclusion.

Your story does not need dialogue but may if you wish. Visual storytelling, physical action, suspense, and humor are all possibilities to explore. Write a one sentence summary of your idea, followed by a brief outline of its beginning, middle, and end.

2. Write a Short Script

Write a simple script of approximately one page or less describing what the audience will see and hear.

Your script should include:

• Location and setting
• Characters or performers
• Important actions and events
• Dialogue, if needed
• Relevant sounds or sound effects

Keep the script focused on what can actually be recorded. Describe actions clearly rather than relying on explanations of what a character is thinking.

3. Plan Your Camera Shots

Break your script into 4-8 planned shots.

For each shot, identify its shot type, camera position or movement, what happens, and its purpose in the story. Consider how long each shot might last and where cuts would help communicate the action. You do not need exact timing yet.

For example:

4. Plan Sets, Environments, and Props

Virtual Production combines digital environments with physical objects and performers.Begin planning what your scene will require. Create a short list of the virtual assets, physical props, and people needed for your proposed scene. You do not need to build or acquire anything yet.

Virtual Environment / Set

You do not need to 3D model anything but you may. There are many pre-made environments available on the FAB marketplace . There are also many asset packs that can me used to assemble new environments from pre-built blocks.

We will go over how to select and / or assemble 3D environments for virtual production in the coming weeks. For now begin to think about what setting(s) you want to have for your production.

• Where does the scene take place?
• What 3D environment or background will appear on the XR Stage?
• Will you use an existing 3D environment or need to model additional elements?
• What lighting, color, atmosphere, or perspective will support the story?

Physical Set and Props

Physical props and object on set really help sell in camera virtual effects. Having a few tree branches or pieces of grass in between the camera and the character can make a shot much more believable.

• What objects must physically exist in front of the LED wall?
• Will actors need to touch, hold, sit on, or interact with anything?
• Are furniture, costumes, or small physical set pieces needed?
• What can remain entirely virtual?

Practical Production Considerations

Co/Lab is a collaborative learning environment. Think about what assistance and coordination you will need from your classmates.

• How many performers are needed?
• Where will the camera and performers be positioned?
• Will any actions require special camera movement or tracking?
• Can the scene realistically be recorded in the XR Studio with the available time and equipment?

5. Create Rough Storyboards or Visual References

Include at least 3 rough storyboard sketches or reference images showing important moments in your scene. Your drawings do not need to be polished. Simple shapes or stick figures are fine.

Working from established references examples is a useful technique instead of staring at a blank void on the page. You may also use screenshots from films, games, or your own photos, videos, or 3D environments as references. Of course reference is just a starting point and your work will morph into a new original creation. Make sure to identify the sources of any borrowed images you reference.

Focus on:

• Camera framing and angle
• Placement of characters and objects
• Foreground and background
• Important visual changes between shots

Grading Rubric