The Starting Pixel Podcast

#31 Chris Jorna: One Day, 35 VFX Shots, One White Wall

What does AI actually do for filmmaking? Chris Jorna shares how he made a sci-fi film in one day with minimal budget by rethinking what tools are for. Discover why the most powerful use of AI isn't about impressive visuals — it's about supporting authentic performance, enabling independent storytellers, and building worlds from a single image. Become a member of Starting Pixel, receive our exclusive weekly e-bulletin, join our WhatsApp chatrooms, and receive early access to live show tickets. Just head to ⁠⁠⁠www.startingpixel.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHYxeXMwZENDdklzODdhV1B6VERVdkZ1MjhHZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttVTQ2WmhBakVMbGVWMU1TYTBKZXUyUjFMem1BRldOODA5WlVhRmM1elExbGFhT3Z2d3FLT2FFYVZvNWNST2RMWFg3ellZVFdnMThPakJRM2M0cXhrRFIzYkxkZHE1OEd3QkRIUE1KSFZ2bG9XdHhubw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.startingpixel.com%2F&v=-Nu7Ec_LCZU] to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel [https://www.instagram.com/starting_pixel/] TikTok: @starting_pixel [https://www.tiktok.com/@starting_pixel] Twitter: @Starting_Pixel [https://bsky.app/profile/startingpixel.com]

#30 John Murphy: Making Virtual Feel Invisible on Live TV

In this episode of The Starting Pixel Podcast, Rob is joined by John Murphy, Design Director at BBC Sport, for a deep dive into the creative and technical realities of virtual studios in live broadcast.John reflects on BBC Sport’s early adoption of real-time game engines, green screen, and later XR and LED workflows—beginning with Match of the Day and evolving through major global events including the Olympics, World Cups, and European Championships. He shares candid insight into balancing creativity within engineering-led environments, managing risk in live transmission, and bringing presenters, directors, and operations teams along on the journey.The conversation explores what it really takes to design virtual broadcast environments that serve editorial purpose rather than spectacle, the lessons learned from early virtual studios, and how hybrid approaches combining real locations with virtual elements often deliver the strongest results.A practical, experience-led discussion on virtual production for broadcast—covering green screen, Unreal Engine, LED XR, creative process, and why technology should always support the story, not distract from it. Become a member of Starting Pixel, receive our exclusive weekly e-bulletin, join our WhatsApp chatrooms, and receive early access to live show tickets. Just head to ⁠⁠⁠www.startingpixel.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHYxeXMwZENDdklzODdhV1B6VERVdkZ1MjhHZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttVTQ2WmhBakVMbGVWMU1TYTBKZXUyUjFMem1BRldOODA5WlVhRmM1elExbGFhT3Z2d3FLT2FFYVZvNWNST2RMWFg3ellZVFdnMThPakJRM2M0cXhrRFIzYkxkZHE1OEd3QkRIUE1KSFZ2bG9XdHhubw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.startingpixel.com%2F&v=-Nu7Ec_LCZU] to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel [https://www.instagram.com/starting_pixel/] TikTok: @starting_pixel [https://www.tiktok.com/@starting_pixel] Twitter: @Starting_Pixel [https://bsky.app/profile/startingpixel.com]

#27 Joshua M Kerr: YouTube First, Virtual Production, Storytelling and Geekery

Filmmaker and YouTuber Joshua M Kerr joins Rob Chandler at the Dean Street Podcast Studio to unpack the rise of YouTube-first virtual production and what it means for indie creators. Joshua shares how his fascination with The Mandalorian led him from claymation to building one of the most practical and educational VP channels on YouTube. Together they dive deep into accessible filmmaking tech — from low-cost LED panels and green screen workflows to real-time tracking with iPhones — exploring how Unreal Engine, AI, and virtual production are redefining what’s possible for storytellers without blockbuster budgets. They discuss the creative freedom these tools unlock, the ongoing myths around “expensive” virtual production, and how today’s “lo-fi done right” approach might just be the next revolution in independent filmmaking. 🎥 Topics include: * Building a VP channel from scratch * Low-budget real-time filmmaking * Green screen vs LED vs AI keying * Creative paralysis inside Unreal * Monetisation and creator burnout on YouTube * The future of indie virtual production More from Joshua M Kerr: www.youtube.com/@JoshuaMKerr [https://www.youtube.com/@JoshuaMKerr] e: joshuamkerr@gmail.com www.joshuamkerr.com [https://www.joshuamkerr.com/] Recorded at The Dean Street Podcast Studio, powered by VeePod. Become a member of Starting Pixel, receive our exclusive weekly e-bulletin, join our WhatsApp chatrooms, and receive early access to live show tickets. Just head to ⁠⁠⁠www.startingpixel.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHYxeXMwZENDdklzODdhV1B6VERVdkZ1MjhHZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttVTQ2WmhBakVMbGVWMU1TYTBKZXUyUjFMem1BRldOODA5WlVhRmM1elExbGFhT3Z2d3FLT2FFYVZvNWNST2RMWFg3ellZVFdnMThPakJRM2M0cXhrRFIzYkxkZHE1OEd3QkRIUE1KSFZ2bG9XdHhubw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.startingpixel.com%2F&v=-Nu7Ec_LCZU] to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel [https://www.instagram.com/starting_pixel/] TikTok: @starting_pixel [https://www.tiktok.com/@starting_pixel] Twitter: @Starting_Pixel [https://bsky.app/profile/startingpixel.com]

#29. Tucker Downs: Everything you needed to know about LEDs but didn’t ask

In this episode of The Starting Pixel Podcast, Rob Chandler talks with Tucker Downs, colour scientist at ROE Visual, about the hidden science behind LED panels in virtual production. Tucker breaks down the essentials of pixel pitch, brightness, scan ratios, reflectance, and why these factors matter to filmmakers and cinematographers. The conversation explores how colour order systems like Munsell and standards such as Rec.709 and ACES shape what we see on screen, and why cameras and LED walls don’t always “see” colour the same way. Tucker also unpacks the challenge of moiré patterns, the compromises in LED wall design, and how RGB vs. full-spectrum solutions affect skin tones and immersion. The discussion closes with perspectives on the economics of large vs. smaller VP stages, how AI might streamline shot planning and workflows, and where LED panel technology is heading. Become a member of Starting Pixel, receive our exclusive weekly e-bulletin, join our WhatsApp chatrooms, and receive early access to live show tickets. Just head to ⁠⁠⁠www.startingpixel.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHYxeXMwZENDdklzODdhV1B6VERVdkZ1MjhHZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttVTQ2WmhBakVMbGVWMU1TYTBKZXUyUjFMem1BRldOODA5WlVhRmM1elExbGFhT3Z2d3FLT2FFYVZvNWNST2RMWFg3ellZVFdnMThPakJRM2M0cXhrRFIzYkxkZHE1OEd3QkRIUE1KSFZ2bG9XdHhubw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.startingpixel.com%2F&v=-Nu7Ec_LCZU] to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel [https://www.instagram.com/starting_pixel/] TikTok: @starting_pixel [https://www.tiktok.com/@starting_pixel] Twitter: @Starting_Pixel [https://bsky.app/profile/startingpixel.com]

#28 David C Smith: Capturing 360 Driving Plates and when UE is a Good Idea

In this conversation, Rob Chandler and David C. Smith delve into the fascinating world of virtual production, particularly focusing on driving plates and the technology that enhances realism in filmmaking. They discuss the evolution of driving techniques, the importance of 360-degree filming, and the challenges of managing data in high-fidelity productions. The conversation also touches on the role of Unreal Engine in creating immersive environments and the future of driving plates in the film industry.Plate Pros email: contact@platepros.comInsta: www.instagram.com/plate_proswww.platepros.com [www.platepros.com] Become a member of Starting Pixel, receive our exclusive weekly e-bulletin, join our WhatsApp chatrooms, and receive early access to live show tickets. Just head to ⁠⁠⁠www.startingpixel.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHYxeXMwZENDdklzODdhV1B6VERVdkZ1MjhHZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttVTQ2WmhBakVMbGVWMU1TYTBKZXUyUjFMem1BRldOODA5WlVhRmM1elExbGFhT3Z2d3FLT2FFYVZvNWNST2RMWFg3ellZVFdnMThPakJRM2M0cXhrRFIzYkxkZHE1OEd3QkRIUE1KSFZ2bG9XdHhubw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.startingpixel.com%2F&v=-Nu7Ec_LCZU] to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel [https://www.instagram.com/starting_pixel/] TikTok: @starting_pixel [https://www.tiktok.com/@starting_pixel] Twitter: @Starting_Pixel [https://bsky.app/profile/startingpixel.com]