We Tested Hollywood Movie Tech (feat. MKBHD)

This new tech is changing how movies get made. So @mkbhd and I tested it out...
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I’ve been obsessed with sci-fi movies since I was a kid. I love being transported to another world. But lately, I’ve been wondering: How do those worlds look so… REAL? The tech behind movies has exploded in complexity and realism, changing how stories come to life on screen.
Luckily, at the same time, those tools are becoming more and more available to more people telling stories. It’s not just blockbusters like Avatar 2 or Avengers or Dune. It’s also smaller budget films like Everything Everywhere All at Once or even… KZbin creators?
In this video, Marques Brownlee and I test out 3 movie-making tools that are changing how movies, shows, and maybe even KZbin videos (??) get made. We’re at ZeroSpace Studios in New York to show you how each of these crazy technologies work - and how you might be able to use them. Along the way, we hit big questions like: What is the future of video? Can actors stop aging? Can WE? Do you care if an actor has a digital double? Should the audience choose where the camera goes? Most of all, what we discover is a new world of video creation, hopefully open to more and more people’s creativity.
Chapters:
00:00 How do movies look so real?
1:18 The future of green screen?
3:31 The problem with green screen
4:33 How was The Mandalorian filmed?
6:11 How to shoot two scenes AT ONCE
8:39 How motion capture works
10:06 Why was Avatar 2 filmed underwater?
11:05 What happens if you can be... anyone?
13:51 What is volumetric video?
15:33 What's the future of video?
Thank you to the entire team who helped make this video possible! They are:
From ZeroSpace:
- Creative Director: Kevin Peter He
- Head of Research: Evan Clark
- Technical Director: Eric Chang
- Producer: Elena Piech
- Mocap Operator: Sammy Sords
- Mocap Asst./ PA: Kimani Reid
- Disguise Asst. / PA: Omar Jones
- 3D Modeler: Maya Lila
- CEO: Jon Kreutzer
- CTO: James Tunick
From 4Wall Entertainment (a joint partnership on the XR/ICVFX Stage):
- VP of Special Projects: Ben Danielowski
- VP of Special Projects: Mathew Leland
- L1: Zach Sager
From Scatter Depthkit (a joint partnership on the volumetric video):
- CEO & Co-Founder of Scatter, creators of Depthkit: James George
- Lead Technical Producer: Cory Allen
From Cause + Christi Immersive XR Design:
- Co-Founder: Austin Caine
- Co-Founder: Christi Fenison
From Scheimpflug:
- Photogrammetry Lead: Joachim Pfefferkorn
You can find me on TikTok here for short, fun tech explainers: / cleoabram
You can find me on Instagram here for more personal stories: / cleoabram
You can find me on Twitter here for thoughts, threads and curated news: / cleoabram
Bio:
Cleo Abram is an Emmy-nominated independent video journalist. On her show, Huge If True, Cleo explores complex technology topics with rigor and optimism, helping her audience understand the world around them and see positive futures they can help build. Before going independent, Cleo was a video producer for Vox. She wrote and directed the Coding and Diamonds episodes of Vox’s Netflix show, Explained. She produced videos for Vox’s popular KZbin channel, was the host and senior producer of Vox’s first ever daily show, Answered, and was co-host and producer of Vox’s KZbin Originals show, Glad You Asked.
Additional reading and watching:
- ZeroSpace Studios: www.zerospace.co/
- Scatter Depthkit Volumetric Video: www.depthkit.tv/
- Cause + Christi: Immersive XR Design: causechristi.com
- Quantum Computers, explained with MKBHD (our previous collab!): • Quantum Computers, exp...
- Avatar Scenes Without CG, The Things: • Avatar Scenes Without CGI
- Why 'The Mandalorian' Uses Virtual Sets Over Green Screen, Insider: • Why 'The Mandalorian' ...
- VFX Artists React to Avatar 2 CGi (ft. Weta FX), Corridor Crew: • VFX Artists React to A...
- Did We Just Change Animation Forever? Corridor Crew (I love Corridor Crew): • Did We Just Change Ani...
- Why volumetric video matters, by James George: / expressing-our-true-li...
Vox: www.vox.com/authors/cleo-abram
IMDb: www.imdb.com/name/nm10108242/
Gear I use:
Camera: Sony A7SIII
Lens: Sony 16-35 mm F2.8 GM and 35mm prime
Audio: Sennheiser SK AVX
Music: Musicbed
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Welcome to the joke down low:
What do you call security guards at Samsung stores?
Guardians of the Galaxy.
Use the word “galaxy” in a comment to let me know you’re a real one :)

[@midhunkrishna2409]

It’s nice of cleo to feature small creators like MKBHD

[@Dante-fk4yi]

Dude😂

[@AMAZINGDAVE]

Waiting for the dude that'll get whooshed

[@mahtab.tonmoy]

😂😂😂 she is actually attracting the 'Tech Nerds' from Marques fanbase into her videos. And that's why collabs are done

[@amaansiddiqui4641]

@@mahtab.tonmoy woosh

[@iiztainkallaiid4188]

The KZbin Subscription numbers speak for themselves 😊

[@rejithkumarg]

Cleo and Marques give off such amazing vibes when they get so excited about tech

[@dandao2594]

And

[@SembaChabi]

@@dandao2594 iM LOVING THIS

[@dtechwhisperer1146]

I agree….I would take it a step further say they have really good chemistry!! hmm…sorry significant others!

[@mashpayne]

They are definitely..

[@marcoslightspeed5517]

​@@mashpayne😂😂

[@TungstenWu]

Cleo and MKBHD are an iconic duo, indisputably

[@zeroturnpete4174]

I'm seeing a pattern 😏

[@agarengames3101]

Clarques Mareo

[@CodyX7MAK]

Maybe they might date 😏😏😏😏

[@user-zy5fw5rx6s]

​@@CodyX7MAKshe's married

[@CodyX7MAK]

@@user-zy5fw5rx6s really how u know

[@Glarses]

OK that xr screen alternating thing is kinda insane

[@tanishq420]

yo, gimme a free keyboard

[@thotslayerk7022]

On what switch did you write this on?

[@dotxh4]

I didn't understand that properly..Can anyone please explain what was that and why it was significant in simple terms..

[@gabrielgingras814]

@@dotxh4 Now you can have completely different backgrounds and lighting shot at the same time. You can have a background and lighting that better suit each camera angle, with no need of reshoot. You can explore other variables while shooting the scene.

[@dotxh4]

@@gabrielgingras814 thanks

[@ee_official]

Wow! Two great tech influencers collabing?! This just made my day better

[@ak_hoops]

truly love it!

[@flurit]

they did this before too about quantum computer

[@laurenpinschannels]

i love being influenced

[@tanmaybhosale1844]

I don't think Cleo is a Tech Influencer.

[@ee_official]

@@tanmaybhosale1844 ... i think so

[@SpirosPolikandriotis]

More of this collab, please. You guys look good together!

[@Bella-wp7wz]

Yes they do, I like watching both of them 😊

[@kfcbrahmin]

Thank you MKBHD for introducing me to Cleo’s channel.

[@AlexWaardenburg]

9:47 Did not expect to be able to guess a celebrity impression so easily. I'm dying.

[@matt45540]

And a little later when he makes a cameo 10:42 😂

[@JIEON.C]

@@abdulhamidhamdiyewill smith

[@JamarD421]

I'm still trying to figure out what he's referencing that involves Will Smith?

[@susskinsgamer]

I am SO GLAD that Marques led me to your channel. I’m already enjoying your content. You have an amazingly clear voice, both in writing and narrating your work. If you have a team backing you up, they are top notch. I love what I’ve seen so far. Kudos!

[@reels100kviews8]

@@Saiputera why are writing this in every comment? are you mad?

[@user-ns7qw9hd5y]

also shes hot af

[@Ferodra]

As a 3D artist, it's so amazing to see Unreal Engine not just being capable of doing this but actually being used in big productions. Like, this originally solely was a freaking game engine, and now we're at such a photorealistic level that it can be used in movies and shows

[@LeDelan13]

God I love your enthusiasm for tech and science. It's so contagious :D

[@Madabasto]

so true, Cleo are very enthusiastic, clever and beautiful sciences trailblazer. 😍

[@DSLRguide]

Using a high frame rate display for different camera angles is beautifully efficient

[@pawelstuglik4737]

It's mind-blowing to me that they can perfectly synchronize multiple cameras. ;o

[@KalpeshMange92]

What a collab. Never seen so many smiles on Marquees’ face. 😇😊

[@Dantheman1219]

I think he has a crush

[@reels100kviews8]

@@Saiputera okay

[@Spoggi99YT]

Didn’t expect my favorite KZbin crossover to come back so soon!

[@HeisenbergFam]

What a nice duo, I bet collab with this unknown Marques guy is gonna give him millions of subs

[@divinequansah6727]

you are funny

[@UnderCtrl]

Great to see Cleo helping out small KZbinrs

[@user-lp6sp7xz4f]

😂

[@Dante-fk4yi]

@@UnderCtrlI see what you did there ?

[@chitsanzokatholowamo459]

😂

[@TheRohitRZD]

My only take from this video: Please keep collaborating. The chemistry between you two is so natural. Also, the content you guys bring out together. First supercomputers and now this XR stage. I'm very much engrossed in the tech world and I keep reading about these things a lot. Only reason I watch you guys is the way you people simplify the information and make it accessible. Both of you are amazing, keep making amazing content.

[@Leooel9]

I had no idea the LED Volume tech could do the 120fps into two 60fps outputs thing. That is incredible and I had the exact reaction as Marques.

[@Daniel_WR_Hart]

I just assumed that all the camera angles were figured out ahead of time so that the virtual cameras could switch at the same time that the real cameras start/stop recording, unless it turns out that all of the real cameras record everything at the same time and the cuts are decided on afterwards

[@ak_hoops]

I was curious why you two dropped videos around the same time! Seriously love your take on tech & science! Really are all here for such an approach.

[@HeroesReforged]

6:11 - the amazing part about this is that when you’re shooting something complex and you’re unsure if it’ll need additional fixes later on, you can capture one camera with a baked in background and one camera with a greenscreen and layer in VFX elements easily. Amazing stuff!

[@ohgeez9971]

This is awesome and scary at the same time. Imagine how it's going to affect politics, blackmail, commercials, porn, etc. In a not so distant future, it's going to be so difficult to tell the difference between real and generated.

[@RikJSmith]

Oh wow . I wonder how many people , like myself , have never thought of that ? That could turn in to a serious problem very quickly . You're a very insightful person mate . Cheers . 🎸

[@sailaab]

It already has

[@biblionerd]

@@sailaab Yeah. Deepfake p*rn is already a problem

[@shieldmate7444]

I think the default view will be that everything is fake/computer generated until proven real

[@sebastiantovarmarquez1902]

Cyberpunk is here

[@garynoor76]

You two need to make these collabs happen more often, love the chemistry

[@TheDoctor715]

The frame rate switching trick is also used in sports media. To show different stadium ads to different TV audiences around the world, the displays sync with the cameras in the same way.

[@HardwareLust]

Love it when you and Marques do a collab. The sum is always greater than the parts.

[@itsmanuto]

Now this is legit tech content...the enthusiasm and everything . So on point. Plus the narration 🎯❤

[@goodgremlinmedia2757]

That is such a god damn elegant solution to the multi camera problem. I woulda never thought of frame rate being used in this way

[@litapd311]

i was hoping they'd talk more about how exactly they get the cameras to sync up!

[@spacemangalaxy9987]

@@litapd311 This is how 3D TVs work (with "shutter" glasses that block one of your eyes at a time alternating left and right). In that case, there's an infrared LED on the TV that pulses to set the sync of the shutter glasses. I assume there is a similar clock/timing signal for the cameras (although it might be wired, not IR).

[@djevanclark]

@@litapd311 I work at this stage, we use a masterclock that generates a 59.94 tri-level genlock signal on separate outputs. We use a timing offset in the clock, so the second camera has a timing offset of a certain number of sync lines that lines up with the same offset in the processor.

[@wompa70]

Whaaa??? Different cameras capturing different images from the same screen depending on frame rate is mind blowing!

[@Thisath100]

I love how genuinely excited you are about the things you make videos on, Cleo! I also really like your collaborations with Marques -long may they prosper.

[@manqobashongwe1301]

Cleo and Marques' styles complement each other so well. More collabs please.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@yorkinkhidirov2907]

I'm a potential filmmaker and you - giving insight in the emerging accessible tech in filmmaking industry makes me really excited for the future of the filmmaking. Thank you both, you did an amazing job guys

[@TheAkdzyn]

Great video. Corridor crew introduced me to this technology and they'd definitely be in their element here. You did a fantastic job explaining complex concepts in a very simple yet elegant way. Great to see Marques in different spaces. The refresh rate tech was so cool 😂

[@doogzmedia]

Fantastic colab! You and Marques are both lovers of what you do and it shows in your content. Keep up the great work Cleo.

[@ofthenearfuture]

This was an incredible video and deep dive, I really appreciate the behind the scenes look at these new technologies.... it really does feel like this is just the beginning. You and MKBHD were also awesome, hopefully see some more collabs in the future!

[@JamesOKeefe-US]

Y'all should do an ongoing show! Always enjoy these collabs so much!

[@VivaLaZee]

Cleo x Marques videos are the tech duo I never knew I needed or wanted

[@Yashshah2635]

As always great video, and two of my favorite KZbinrs collaborating. ❤

[@MminaMaclang]

This was a fantastic episode, Cleo. Good work on this one.

[@HundredMillionViews]

Cleo is just so bright and earnest and interested! Really think this series is gonna survive the test of time

[@cullenroth]

A galaxy of possibilities out there for entertainment! I love that you published this video alongside LTT's new game linked production explanation video last week. I've learned so much about production tech the last two weeks my head is spinning

[@That_AuCh_Geek]

U read the description box🙌

[@Xamimus]

You 2 are an amazing duo! These videos are amazing!

[@RbNetEngr]

Thank you both for putting together this great video. Keep up the great work!

[@SelectatraXxX]

The joy of seeing a notification of your new upload is unreal 🥳🥳

[@rushja]

You two are great together. I felt like this was a Marques shopping spree. I could see the cogs whirring "how could I use this giant led screen". He's totally gonna get one

[@iokaravas]

Nailed it at the end, it's always about the stories. These are just tools to say our stories. Say your story, do it however you can, with whatever tool is available.

[@jbobby1841]

This is wild to think about, especially during a writers strike and actors strike fighting it

[@esaedvik]

If this piques your interest, Corridor has a whole VFX Artists React series which is all about how the sausage is made. Tons of directors and VFX supervisors chatting about their work. They actually had the dude who created the scanner you just used on the most recent ep.

[@spock7945]

Thanks! Look forward to it too.

[@gormauslander]

What people don't seem to get about art as the world tech progresses rapidly... we don't _want_ to level the playing field. In art, this just means reducing effort, and reducing effort reduces the entire point of art, what makes it art, why we appreciate it.

[@ANAKCreates]

That’s so sick!! I love watching the 2 of you together too, so glad you guys are doing more! Great co-hosts!!!

[@fiziktetrinet2330]

One of my most favourite Huge if True videos! ❤

[@matt45540]

Can we get a cost estimate for how much they would bill the studios for the time you had on set. That's impressive access! I'm sure the hourly rate on a studio like that is immense, All those camera stats 🤯

[@xDbrad]

What's even crazier is Marques Brownlee is considering buying one for his studio lmao

[@misterscottintheway]

That isn't exactly what he said. He's trying to figure out a way he can integrate some of that tech in some way in his studio. I imagine it will be a very scaled down and slightly home brewed version that allows him to do something cool but in a pretty limited way

[@bendanielowski608]

It's broken down by day rate and type of project. Also how much tech is being used for the type of shoot (plates vs real-time).

[@DisHumen]

I was smiling and laughing whole the time watching all this awesome and mind bending tech, Thanks for such a great video... ❤

[@arjunfingas6941]

The balancing act of these videos such as the amount of educational value versus the weight of information is so perfectly excecuted on such a consistent basis. Some of the best videos out in the world.

[@javed8]

In all honesty this is the best channel on KZbin, in my humble opinion!! The videos keep getting better and better. I only subscribed like a month ago and already watched everything.

[@201950201950]

Having two cameras look at the scene is like having two eyes looking at the real world

[@joshn1678]

Cleo, you seem like genuinely the nicest person I've ever known in my life, if you're half as nice as you appear to be, you're a wonderful person and I hope to see you more in the future with more incredible videos.

[@diegoabella4406]

I’m so in love of your videos! It’s just outstanding what you’re doing and the way you mix your storytelling with visual tech like the animations and stuff… so amazing!!

[@OlliHuttunen78]

This one was great! I allready knew about virtual production techniques and methods but I didn't know about that FPS trick which they use to have different background for each different cameras. That was cool and new info to me. Thanks for making this video!

[@meetasankhyadhar4980]

Very great video😊

[@sr_0736]

This is blowing my mind on so many levels, and not being able to fully comprehend this is truly painful.

[@ErAyushvarshney]

Please do more collabs you guys explain tech really really well

[@minimumwage2169]

Cant believe will smith had a cameo on this one.😂

[@abdi3932]

Need BLACKED version of this

[@eaterdrinker000]

Don't hold your breath; but you may choke your chicken.

[@staticostrich4689]

You guys are such a good Collab! I really enjoy your videos together. Keep making it interesting!

[@shreyar1810]

worth the wait! Really a fun watch. Love your videos Cleo!!

[@ChrisBrown-pw2lb]

Another offering from the world's hottest scientist.

[@flaviusmuntean6391]

🤨

[@flaviusmuntean6391]

nah im jk

[@eaterdrinker000]

Don't know who's my favorite pale noodle, Cleo Abram or St. Vincent.

[@themightyant.]

Love these colabs! Great content as ever. Love the enthusiasm

[@lloydmccullough5316]

loved this video! you guys make a great collaboration team and the editing and Cleo's way of explaining things is so great. I want to watch Avatar and The Mandalorian now really looking how they filmed it, i also wonder how long its been around, curious if Interstellar could have used it for some galaxy scenes.

[@design.dmitri]

I’m mad: How come YT algos haven’t shown me a single video from this channel, yet? MKBHD brought me here. And this content here is totally the stuff that interests me! And Cleo has such pleasant enthusiasm. Subscribed instantly.

[@Marquettes2010]

Awsome video - thanks guys for this vid! I work in the TV industry and really appreciate the new tech and especially the "Volume" tech that is being used and maybe someday work with this tech.

[@abbosjonkudratov7669]

Great collab! Will be really looking forward for more stuff from you guys together

[@VictorLubega]

Hey Cleo I have subscribed, nice video with Marques but am curious about the future tech.

[@akramaslam]

Great video, I’m glad I discovered your challenge through MKBHD.. Amazing content. Thank you for your great work!

[@chandraabudiman]

I want more videos wiith Cleo and Marques! Love their dynamic together

[@martins.2502]

I love the AD timer. I've noticed I watch your ads more because of it.

[@NBTJacklyn]

This is so well shot

[@dorothykern8537]

In the future, two humans could be watching two different movies on the same tv screen with that kind of XR teCH.

[@Alex_Stuff]

Incredible work Cleo!

[@152iq9]

Dope tech, great video Cleo as always

[@sevensevensix]

Another great vid! Loving this team-up.

[@SynysterNick]

I noticed that something was off. But it was because of the audio, not the background. Really good stuff!

[@MeppyMan]

That was awesome... the tech and the collab!

[@venkatthota2691]

What a tech, cool thanks for bringing in this episode

[@TiffInTech]

Yes!! The best collab 🤩🤩

[@crackedwindow4821]

Love seeing these two colab together

[@Artaxo]

The refreshing at 120 fps and capturing at 60 fps bit is also how 3D tvs with active glasses used to work. Both sides contained liquid crystal and would turn opaque to change what each eye see. This way you wouldn't lose resolution or color, like in polarizing or red/cyan glasses.

[@alikhan81]

MrWhosetheboss: “Jeez you two… get a room” mkbhd & Cleo: “ok” “sure”

[@elias6883]

I just love, that your videos always have such a good vibe.

[@t.pisani8239]

I'm really enjoying the Cleo and Marques collabs. Keep em coming.

[@vornamenachname316]

My two favorite creators in the same video, love it

[@mayurteli91]

Shared with so much transparency 🙌🏼, Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@ratatata6611]

Love the vid! Excited for the future. Thumbs up all around 👍👍👍👍

[@nirajsheth506]

As a vfx student this is such a great explainer video. Sometimes its so hard to explain this stuff but you did it in the easiest way possible.

[@indian_doc]

Here from marques's video. This is so exciting. Great collab.

[@SolomonJagwe]

Welcome to our mocap world!! This is so awesome!!! Subscribed :)

[@shah.kairav]

Me switching between Cleo and Marques same as the VR screen. Just insanely mind-blowing tech!! Such a time to be alive

[@jlucero1]

Great video! I think it's awesome that you're including Marques. I love his channels too. Off-topic question: How many times do people say that you bear an uncanny resemblance to Keira Knightley?

[@lion_towers3d]

Always nice to be on the forefront of this kind of tech!

[@rusty283]

It's always fun to watch Cleo asking questions to Marques.

[@jakejuracka]

It can go further than just holding your phone to look around a 3D MKBHD or Huge if True video. Imagine putting on a VR headset and sitting across the table from Cleo or Marques as they hold out a new piece of tech for you to look at. This can be such a powerful tool for immersion, and I can't wait to see what people do next with it!

[@paulharvey4403]

These are the conversations that need to be had. How do we live in a world where every image or video may or may not be real. As for an actor's image as IP, that needs sorting and I am fully behind the actors and writers strike.

[@mk84jam]

I absolutely love your videos, so so much to learn in this wonderful world. Thank You😊