Virtual Production vs Green Screen

For decades, green screens have been a go-to tool for filmmakers, offering a way to place talent in any environment imaginable. But let’s be honest - green screen comes with its headaches. Lighting inconsistencies, endless post-production tweaks, and performances that can feel disconnected from the world around them. Enter Virtual Production (VP) - a game-changing approach that’s revolutionising content creation for producers, agencies, and brands alike.

If you’re weighing up your options, here’s why VP is the smarter, faster, and more immersive alternative to traditional green screen workflows.

Green screen (or chroma keying) is a post-production technique where a solid green background is replaced with a digitally inserted environment. It’s been a staple in films, commercials, and corporate videos for years, allowing productions to create complex backgrounds without physical sets.

Pros of Green Screen:

• Low-cost setup with minimal equipment
• Flexible background replacement in post-production
• Works with a wide range of camera setups

Cons of Green Screen:

• Time-consuming post-production for keying and compositing
• Lighting mismatches make seamless blending a real challenge
• Actors struggle to visualise and interact with their surroundings, leading to less authentic and motivated performances

Virtual Production replaces green screens with massive LED walls displaying real-time, photorealistic environments. Instead of guessing what the final shot will look like, directors, cinematographers, and talent see the scene live on set - no imagination required.

Why Producers Love Virtual Production:

• True-to-life lighting & reflections – The LED walls cast real light onto actors and props, eliminating post-production headaches.
• Instant background changes – No need to wait for VFX teams; tweak environments live on set.
• More natural performances – Actors interact with real visuals, creating more authentic and engaging content.
• Faster turnaround times – Get final-quality shots in-camera, reducing the need for lengthy post-production work.
• One studio, unlimited locations – Swap between a Tokyo skyline, a New York loft, and a desert landscape all without leaving the set.
• Fewer reshoots – Immediate feedback means you can fix issues in the moment, saving time and budget.

1. Less Time in Post, More Time Creating

Green screen means extensive post-production to key out backgrounds, tweak lighting, and make it all look seamless. VP removes that burden - what you shoot is what you get, drastically reducing time in post.

2. Total Creative Control On Set

With VP, you’re not waiting until after the shoot to see how a scene comes together. Adjust lighting, camera angles, and environments in real-time, so you get exactly what you imagined.

3. Better Performances, Better Content

It’s tough for actors to give their best when they’re standing in front of a blank green wall. With VP, they can see and react to the environment, leading to stronger, more natural performances.

4. Cost-Effective & Sustainable

Forget costly set builds and travel-heavy location shoots. Virtual Production keeps everything in one controlled environment, slashing costs while reducing your carbon footprint.

5. Scalable for Any Type of Production

Whether you’re shooting a corporate film, a high-end commercial, or branded content, VP adapts to your needs. From compact LED stages to massive virtual landscapes, the technology is built to flex with your project’s scale.

Green screen has had its moment, but Virtual Production is taking filmmaking to the next level. Faster turnarounds, more immersive visuals, and total creative freedom make it the ultimate tool for forward-thinking producers.

At CUBE Studio, we’re leading the charge in virtual Production, helping brands, agencies, and filmmakers bring their biggest ideas to life - seamlessly and efficiently.

Let’s talk about your next project. Get in touch today and experience the future of production firsthand!