I Recreated the Viral Video Game Loading Screen Trend at Ren Faire

Martin Wong ·

Key takeaways

  • The trend. Loading and menu screens (from 1:13).
  • Ren Faire. Perfect location (from 3:00).
  • Variable ND. Darken the scene (from 5:00).
  • Fight daylight. Light the subject (from 7:00).

I recently came across a viral trend where creators turn their friends into what looks like video game loading screens, menu screens, or character select screens.

The moment I saw it, I knew exactly where I wanted to try it: the Renaissance Faire.

Gear used:

• Nikon Zf: https://geni.us/NikonZfMirrorless

• Nikon 35mm f/1.4:https://geni.us/NIKKORz35mmf14

• DJI RS 5 Gimbal: https://geni.us/DJIrs5

• DJI Osmo Pocket 3: https://geni.us/DJIPocket3Camera

• Insta360 GO Ultra: https://geni.us/Insta360GOUltraCamera

• Variable ND Filter: https://geni.us/KFVNDFilter

• ZhiYun 100W RGB LED Light: https://geni.us/MOLUSX100RGB

00:35 Why These Shots Look Like Video Games

01:13 The Viral Trend That Inspired This Shoot

03:00 Why Ren Faire Was the Perfect Location

03:40 Bringing in a VFX Artist

04:14 Camera Setup & BTS Cameras

05:12 Creating the Video Game Look

06:14 Lighting Setup Breakdown

07:16 Using a Reflector for Motion

07:48 DJI RS 5 Gimbal Setup

08:18 ActiveTrack for Cinematic Movement

09:12 Final Results & Thoughts

FAQ

How do you get the video game loading screen look?

Darken the environment with a variable ND, then light the person brightly so they're the focus.

Keep reading

Questions? Ask me in the comments on the video on YouTube.