For RITUALS' first ever Virtual Live Event, the goal was to deliver a seamless live experience for 1.600+ Store Managers worldwide. We created a virtual studio where attendees could log in, grab a virtual set, and interact with the host through the chat and emoji's which were visible in the digital space. This immersive approach made the message more engaging and memorable. I designed the event branding, featuring the iconic RITUALS cherry blossom tree as its centerpiece, and directed the environment art and cinematography of the virtual studio.
The studio was built in Unreal Engine, allowing us to place a live host in front of a greenscreen into the 3D enviroment. With a motorized dolly cam we created smooth crane and tracking shots, making the space with the host feel real. The environment itself reflected a RITUALS store, with the cherry blossom tree in full bloom year-round. To keep the experience intimate, we limited the virtual audience to 200 seats, placing viewers into the space when they asked a question. This created the illusion that everyone was present without overcrowing. As DoP, I directed the live cinematography and camera switching, ensuring a polished final result.
Live virtual production requires meticulous coordination from everyone. To give us a breather, we used pre-recorded segments to transition smoothly between moments and allow time for technical adjustments. The virtual studio ran on five linked computers, each powering a part of the experience. As Virtual DoP, I managed live camera switching, aligned new shots with the team and guided the greenscreen cast to position themselves naturally in the digital environment, ensuring their performance felt authentic within the space.
