Projection for Film Shoots - A Creative & Technical Guide
In today’s filmmaking, projection still continues to be a powerful tool for both creative expression and technical efficiency. Once considered an “old-school” method used in classic cinema, projection technology has evolved dramatically, now offering filmmakers realistic backgrounds, immersive environments, and time saving alternatives to traditional location shoots. At Silvertown Studios, we provide projection designed to meet the demands of modern day productions, whether you’re creating atmospheric scenes or creating a visually stunning background.
Creative Benefits of Projection
Immersive Atmosphere
Projection can instantly transform a blank wall or screen into a bustling cityscape, a moving train carriage, or a serene mountain landscape. The visual depth it provides enhances authenticity.On-Set Versatility
Backgrounds can be swapped instantly, enabling multiple scene locations to be filmed in one day without the logistics of travel.
The Technical Edge
Modern projection systems go far beyond the bulky, low-resolution units of the past. At Silvertown Studios, we use high-lumen, high-contrast projectors capable of delivering crisp, colour-accurate images.
Key considerations when using projection for film include:
Brightness (Lumens) – A projector must be bright enough to hold its own against studio lighting without washing out.
Resolution – Higher resolutions (up to 4K) ensure sharpness and realism, even for wide shots.
Refresh Rate & Syncing – Matching the projector’s refresh rate to the camera’s frame rate avoids flicker and banding.
Colour Calibration – Accurate colour reproduction ensures that skin tones, costumes, and props appear natural in-camera.
Surface Quality – A clean, uniform projection surface avoids distortion and hotspots.
At Silvertown Studios, our projection setup is designed to integrate seamlessly into your production. With a large, acoustically treated studio space that ensures optimal performance, we provide access to high-quality projectors, screens, and mounting systems, supported by an in-house technical team who handle calibration, content playback, and troubleshooting. Flexible hire options make our facilities ideal for everything from music videos to feature films, and whether you’re experimenting with atmospheric backgrounds or delivering a technically complex visual sequence, we ensure your projection shoot runs smoothly from setup to wrap.
