eSkootr Championship “redefines live events” with virtual production powered by Zero Density
Credit: PopUp Media
The eSkootr Championship (eSC), the first competitive e-scooter racing series, claims to have set a new standard for live event broadcasting, thanks to the real-time virtual production techniques powered by Zero Density in collaboration with PopUp Media and Boombox Group.
PopUp Media teamed up with eSC broadcast partner Boombox Group and together they delivered a suite of creative solutions for the racing series.
Leveraging Unreal Engine and Zero Density’s platforms, PopUp Media brought to life the Electric Meta-City, a dynamic virtual environment designed for live event production with real-time data graphics, augmented reality, camera tracking and advanced rendering solutions. The company also managed onsite event operations for eSC racing events held in stunning urban and natural settings around the globe.
PopUp Media developed AR elements such as countdown clocks, race winners, rider speed indicators and on-track AR elements, all integrated into the live broadcasts.
With five render engines from Zero Density, the company achieved precise AR integration and delivered “breathtaking” visual effects while incorporating live remote talent using the 3D PixelPerfect Keyer.
The design of the Electric Meta-City was inspired by the vision of eSC founders. This futuristic, ecofriendly virtual city features electric trains, cars, e-scooters and lush green parks, showcasing what a sustainable future could look like. To make this lifelike XR city even more captivating, PopUp Media implemented 36 Transition Logic FlyCam positions, dynamic live weather environments plus crowd simulations.
“We are thrilled to see the results of this extensive collaboration. PopUp Media’s innovative virtual solutions and expertise in real-time rendering have significantly enhanced the live event experience, setting a new standard for virtual production in competitive sports,” said Brad Rumler, VP of sales and business development USA/Canada at Zero Density.
“This new and exciting competitive sport required us to push the boundaries of innovation, blending virtual reality and augmented reality to envision a futuristic, sustainable and green cityscape. Using Unreal Engine powered by Zero Density, we meticulously designed and constructed a 25sqkm digital city, seamlessly bridging the present with our visionary future. Our solution included real-time crowd simulations, intelligent traffic systems with collision detection, and a programmable flyover system controlled by Reality Hub, enabling seamless navigation across the cityscape. We integrated AR elements from this digital city into the live broadcast, delivering real-time data and enhancing the viewer experience,” said Ariel Stroh, CEO of PopUp Media.