The Starting Pixel Podcast

Starting Pixel
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The Starting Pixel Podcast brings industry pros together to explore how new technology is reshaping film, media, and content production. From AI and gaming platforms to on-set tools like virtual production and VR, we dive into how innovation drives creativity, reduces costs, and supports sustainability across film, TV, and social media. Share your work and join real, practical conversations.

  1. JAN 12

    #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/⁠⁠⁠ to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel TikTok: @starting_pixel Twitter: @Starting_Pixel

    47 min

  2. 11/06/2025

    #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 e: joshuamkerr@gmail.comwww.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/⁠⁠⁠ to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel TikTok: @starting_pixel Twitter: @Starting_Pixel

    1h 25m

  3. 09/10/2025

    #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/⁠⁠⁠ to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel TikTok: @starting_pixel Twitter: @Starting_Pixel

    41 min

  4. 08/11/2025

    #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 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/⁠⁠⁠ to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel TikTok: @starting_pixel Twitter: @Starting_Pixel

    48 min

  5. 08/11/2025

    #26 Sam Kemp: Why Virtual Production Works (and When It Doesn’t)

    In this episode, Rob talks with Sam Kemp from Garden Studios about the rapid evolution of virtual production and its real-world applications. Sam shares his journey from indie filmmaking into VP, the growth of Garden Studios since 2021, and how they balance permanent and bespoke LED stage builds. They explore where VP adds the most value—like driving scenes, pickups, and complex environments—plus the importance of early creative involvement, hands-on training for crews, and R&D showcases such as their stunt-filled “train fight” demo. The conversation also covers cost-efficiency, industry misconceptions, and the future of VP in advertising, drama, and beyond. Follow Garden On Socials: Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/gardenstudioshq/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/gardenstudioshq/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/GardenStudiosHQ/ 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/⁠⁠⁠ to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel TikTok: @starting_pixel Twitter: @Starting_Pixel

    47 min

  6. 07/28/2025

    #25 Ben Saffer: Storytelling, Technology and Tools of Tomorrow

    Ben Saffer has worn many hats in the film industry—from music video director to DIT on productions like Black Mirror and No Time to Die, to DP and Virtual Production Supervisor. In this episode of The Starting Pixel Podcast, Ben shares how reading a RED camera manual launched his career, why storytelling remains the hardest skill to master, and how technology like Unreal Engine, AI, and his new app “Shotpad” are reshaping filmmaking. We explore the hype versus reality of AI and virtual production, the evolving craft of cinematography, and the future tools filmmakers should be building for themselves.

    1h 3m

  7. 07/23/2025

    #23 Jonathan Brigden: From Cellos to Pixel. Not an Ordinary Journey

    Jonathan Brigden is the founder of Studio Giggle and co-owner of Distortion Studio, but his journey to running cutting-edge virtual production spaces is far from typical. Originally trained as a professional cellist, Jonathan made the leap from performing on stage to orchestrating immersive experiences for clients around the world. In this episode, we unpack how he combined a love for storytelling, music, and technology to build studios that push creative boundaries — from interactive events to real-time virtual production. It’s a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and why he believes creativity always comes first.Contact Jonathan: jon@distortion.studio www.distortion.studio 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/⁠⁠⁠ to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel TikTok: @starting_pixel Twitter: @Starting_Pixel

    1h 5m

  8. 07/23/2025

    #24 Christopher Nichols: Ray Tracing, Chaos and another way

    Christopher Nichols is a connector of dots across storytelling, technology, and innovation. As Director of Chaos Labs and host of the CG Garage Podcast, Christopher has spent years in the VFX, architecture, and creative industries, helping shape how artists adopt new technologies—from ray tracing to real-time rendering. In this episode, we explore his unique perspective on the convergence of art and tech, the steady rise of digital humans, and the role of AI in content creation. We also get into the behind-the-scenes of how new tools are tested, debated, and embraced across creative pipelines—and why sometimes the biggest shift isn’t the tech itself, but how people learn to trust 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/⁠⁠⁠ to sign up. Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: @starting_pixel TikTok: @starting_pixel Twitter: @Starting_Pixel

    1h 2m
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About

The Starting Pixel Podcast brings industry pros together to explore how new technology is reshaping film, media, and content production. From AI and gaming platforms to on-set tools like virtual production and VR, we dive into how innovation drives creativity, reduces costs, and supports sustainability across film, TV, and social media. Share your work and join real, practical conversations.

Information

  • Creator
    Starting Pixel
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Starting Pixel
  • Show Website
    The Starting Pixel Podcast