Lightcraft Jetset Expands iPhone Virtual Production Tool with a Dozen New Features
Virtual Production Now Accessible at Every Stage of the Production Process; Shape Films and Shows with the Phone In Your Pocket
Today, Lightcraft Technology announces a major update to Lightcraft Jetset, a production-proven mobile app that lets anyone create what’s in their head without the costs and complexity that drag productions down. With the new update, Jetset introduces live cinematic compositing, Gaussian Splats support and new integrations with Aximmetry that provide a fast path to Unreal Engine for everything from YouTube and live-to-tape to LED wall-based productions.
With Jetset, users can access virtual production at any stage of the creative process — from the earliest story hacking sessions to the last days of post. Built off Lightcraft’s Emmy-winning Previzion system, Jetset puts Gaussian Splats, compositing, keying, tracking, scanning and more all in one place, giving artists everything they need to make fulfilling films and shows. And because it runs on an iPhone or iPad, Jetset can bring more freedom to any environment, allowing creatives to blend real-time 3D and live-action footage in whatever place seems best — including living rooms, stages and remote outdoor locations.
“People just accept that productions have to be slow and heavy, when they really don’t,” said Eliot Mack, founder and CEO of Lightcraft Technology. “With Jetset, we’re making virtual production 20x cheaper with near-photorealistic quality. Now, anyone can make films and shows their way, with less friction and more fun.”
The latest release upgrades Jetset even more for film, episodics and broadcasts by giving crews everything they need to make decisions on set. Running on an iPhone, Jetset can operate as the primary camera, or connect with mirrorless cinema cameras including the popular Sony FX3 and Canon R5 or production icons like RED, ARRI and more. Once connected, Jetset will capture the camera’s original video, a real-time composite, a LiDAR depth map and the complete tracking information, so an organized set of data can be used throughout the entire production.
New features include:
First Cinematic Compositing in the iPhone
Cinematographers need to know exactly what they’re shooting with 3D included. With live compositing in Jetset — made possible by Accsoon SeeMo — filmmakers can now frame virtual production shots with confidence, making it easier to test ideas, block shots and create dailies in rapid fashion. Because Jetset is handling the rendering and compositing, it can generate 24fps output footage, even though the iPhone is running at 30fps.
Gaussian Splat Support
Thanks to Gaussian Splat support, the quality of the composited footage can reach new heights, achieving near-photorealism at real-time speeds. The new darling of modern production, Gaussian Splats allow anyone to create 3D environments or objects using photos, videos or LiDAR scans. Users can employ them for more realism in their shoots and combine them with other Jetset elements like USD scenes, 360 video backgrounds, object locators, animated characters and audio for more elaborate productions.
The Birth of “Superdailies”
By combining cinematic compositing and Gaussian Splat support, Jetset can dramatically improve the editing process through the use of “Superdailies.” After the production has recorded live footage, editors will immediately be able to access complete cinematic shots with high-quality 3D virtual backgrounds. Cinematographers can even upgrade the shot by re-rendering the background directly on the iPhone — no outside hardware or expertise required.
Aximmetry Integration
Known throughout the broadcast world for its high-quality keyer and virtual production software, Aximmetry is now supported in Jetset, so any production can quickly connect to the power of Unreal Engine. Whether used for live-to-tape productions, YouTube content or VFX projects, this opens up a fast path to an Unreal Engine-based workflow. The integration works with the Professional, Broadcast and free Studio versions of Aximmetry, making it accessible to any level of user.
Other New Features Include:
- Tentacle Timecode Support – Tentacle devices provide real-time timecode generation and syncing across an entire production. These devices now link to Jetset, making it easier to match timecode between different cameras, Jetset’s recorded metadata and Superdailies.
- Object Locators – Artists can now interactively move around CG characters and objects from Maya, Blender or a game engine with their fingers, making it easier for directors to try out ideas without going back into a 3D application.
- New Camera Types and Virtual Sensors – Over 200 options have been added, so operators can simulate/cycle different looks during the previz process. Popular cameras from RED, Alexa, Sony, Canon and more are all included and easy to find in seconds.
- New Remote Controls – Jetset Cine and Pro users have access to new remote controls, crucial for fast operation on set, now covering the majority of Jetset’s functionality, including choosing scene locators and triggering remote scanning.
- 3D Garbage Matte Controls – Users can now extend small greenscreens to create bigger shots in tighter quarters. While Jetset’s 3D Garbage Mattes automatically detect where a wall begins and a greenscreen ends, users can also adjust coverage by dragging corners out in the app.
- User-selected Project Storage – Jetset now supports local storage, which can be useful for IP-sensitive projects that need complete security over their footage/assets.
Pricing and Availability
The new Jetset update is available now in the standard, Pro and Cine versions. Standard licenses are free, while the Pro and Cine versions — which come with even more production-focused features — are priced at $20 and $80/month. For a full feature breakdown, please visit the Jetset pricing page.
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