A day in the life of an executive producer: Jess Loren shares a day navigating detailed image capture and LiDAR scans on location in Mystic, Connecticut.
When Global Objects, a production studio that utilizes the latest 3D capture technology to create digital twins of the real world, received an inquiry from FOX wondering if virtual production could address some logistical challenges for an upcoming docuseries, CEO Jess Loren jumped at the chance to demonstrate the company’s virtual production capabilities. The task was to transport Rob Lowe to Mystic Seaport but without leaving Los Angeles. The Global Objects team collaborated with Stephen David Entertainment, traveling to Mystic Seaport in Connecticut for detailed image capture and LiDAR scans.
Jess Loren: Arriving in Mystic, CT, felt like stepping into a whirlwind of challenges and expectations. Alongside me were five other crew members, including Erick Geisler, my partner in both business and life, serving as the virtual production supervisor and my brother, Nick Herscha, a vital member of our crew. Our mission was laden with obstacles, from battling a hurricane on the East Coast that forced us to change our flights multiple times, to navigating the stringent rules set by the museum in Mystic for our shoot.
The anticipation was palpable as we settled into our hotel, strategizing for the days ahead. Our plan was to scout and shoot plates and then proceed with photography and LiDAR scans the next day. However, the museum's restrictions on using our equipment during busy visitor hours presented a logistical puzzle. The looming threat of rain added urgency to our schedule, pushing us to maximize our efforts despite the museum's initial reluctance.
Early in the morning, under a hazy sky that whispered tales of seaports and revolutions past, Erick, Nick, and I, along with our dedicated team, met with the museum's on-site representative. To our relief, he was more accommodating than we had anticipated, allowing us to proceed with our LiDAR scanning and drone flights before the museum's opening hours. This flexibility was a godsend, enabling us to capture the data we needed of the seaport amidst the ocean's scent and the crispness of fall—an atmosphere that stirred a deep sense of connection to history.
Our job was to emulate the seaport for the recreation of the Boston Tea Party, so precise and high-quality imagery was crucial. Our team of six tackled photogrammetry, drone footage and LiDAR scanning, which included 12K plate footage shot with the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K. As virtual production supervisor, Erick oversaw all the technical aspects of the day with our on-site workflow, and the ultra-high resolution of shooting plates in 12K was essential to it. We could reframe shots with the flexibility needed to adjust content while on set without losing detail.
While we were tasked with capturing a shot of a specific building in the seaport, as well as on a historic ship, overall, the production company was light on what they wanted, so we over provided and shot the entire seaport in 360 degrees. The 12K resolution allowed us to shoot plates wider than normal, that way if we needed to punch in on specific areas of the footage or reframe in post, the image still had crisp detail. When it comes to virtual production, believability is key, so high resolution and flexibility in reframing meant visually stunning, rich, and detailed final digital environments.
Reflecting on the day's work, I'm reminded of the importance of leadership and foresight in overcoming the unexpected. Negotiating with the museum representative and adapting our plans on the fly were crucial to our success. This experience was more than a production challenge; it was a reaffirmation of the power of collaboration, professionalism, and personal relationships that define our dynamic as a team and as a family.
As the day ended, Erick, Nick, and I could take pride in our team’s achievements. Despite nature's fury and the museum's strict guidelines, our resilience and ingenuity shone through. This wasn't just another job; it was a testament to our collective spirit, our passion for our work, and the unbreakable bonds that make us not just a team, but a family committed to excellence.