XR Studios pioneers Disguise’s new virtual zoom feature

Disguise’s extended reality (xR) workflow, released to the general public in April 2021 through its r18 software, has been enhanced to include a new virtual zoom feature, which extends the virtual scene to allow cameras to zoom in and out of each scene.

xR pioneer and Disguise partner XR Studios was among the first to incorporate the feature into its workflow and explore its full potential. Its first project using virtual zoom was with singer Katy Perry. For what is now the third collaboration with Perry, XR Studios used the new feature to enhance her performance for the Lazada, the Malay e-commerce platform, annual Super Party that was simulcast across Southeast Asia.

“The virtual zoom allowed us to work outside the box because we can now simulate shooting in a space that is ten times larger than ours,” said JT Rooney, chief creative officer at XR Studios.

Silent Partners Studios was the xR content designer on this project. Perry performed against a giant Pierrot statue, Escher-inspired architecture, swan sculptures and a fireworks display, with the camera zooming in and out on her in the virtual space – creating a huge sense of scale.

Of course, using this kind of technology for the first time isn’t without its challenges. Not only were there tight turnarounds and short deadlines, but there was the added challenge of incorporating a brand new input into the workflow.

“As always, creating worlds and content in xR is challenging, but it’s consistently a rewarding adventure to figure out the virtual space,” said Rooney.

“This new workflow is something that has been discussed for a long time and the XR Studios team was excited to see how we could help push it further, give suggestions, and test and develop it in a live show environment.”

By using the new virtual zoom feature, XR Studios was able to achieve shots that were previously unattainable. “Adding the virtual zoom to the workflow meant we could creatively see more of the scene and build a more elaborate environment,” explained Rooney.

“Over the past 12 months, XR Studios have been trailblazing the use of our xR workflow,” said Disguise CEO Fernando Kufer. “From their early days delivering Katy Perry’s first xR-powered performance on the American Idol season 18 finale, to, nearly a year later, pioneering our latest software features in their third collaboration with the artist. We love seeing them constantly break boundaries in xR production.”