With the second half of Bridgerton Season 4 released on Netflix, the team at Visualskies is excited to pull back the curtain on our capture process. We want to reveal Behind The Scenes secrets on how we created the extravagant, large-scale period environments for such an iconic series. This requires more than just a camera; it requires a sophisticated and streamlined VFX pipeline and a “no-compromise” approach to hardware and tech.
As a London-based 3D scanning company working with major studios worldwide, we know that the quality and accuracy of the initial scan dictates the success of the final shot. And in this blog you can find our trade secrets on how to produce production-ready models with millimetre accuracy.
Millimetre Accurate 3D Models
For any environment at any scale, be it sprawling streets of the Ton to intricate lavish interiors, accuracy is everything. To ensure seamless camera tracking, set extensions, and realistic lighting reference, we always utilse a hybrid capture approach.
We provide the VFX team with two essential components:
Millimetre-accurate geometry derived from reliable LiDAR scanners
High-resolution texture data from high-spec photogrammetry
The Visualskies Standard: High-quality, spatially accurate models guarantee that CG elements sit perfectly within the live-action plate, eliminating friction in post-production.
3D Geometry From LiDAR: Leica P50 & Trimble X7
A stable dataset requires a solid foundation. For large environments, at Visualskeis we like to double-up on LiDAR scanners, for both time efficiency and assurance that every single nook and cranny has been captured.
Leica P50
Its superior range and positional accuracy allowed us to maintain registration consistency across the entire filming location. This is critical for VFX teams aligning CG elements across multiple shots.
Trimble X7
We paired the P50 with the Trimble X7 for rapid capture and real-time registration. Using the X7 allowed us to verify 100% coverage while still on set, eradicating blind spots and increasing overall efficiency.
Capturing the Ton from Above: Aerial Photogrammetry
Almost every exterior set needs a drone to capture any rooftops and maintain alignment across large areas. Our drone of choice for the Bridgerton sets was the DJI M300, mounted with a Sony A7R IV. This guaranteed 2 key features necessary for data rich models –
Efficiency
The extensive flight time of the M300 allowed for uninterrupted capture throughout the day
Density
The 61-megapixel full-frame sensor of the Sony A7R IV provided the image density required for high-fidelity photogrammetry.
By combining drone data with ground-based LiDAR, we ensure that the top-down geometry aligns perfectly with the street-level details.
Creating Asset Textures from Photogrammetry
When the camera gets close, the textures must hold up. For our albedo texture maps, we always use the Sony A7R IV paired with a variety of lenses to capture every single detail.
The optical sharpness ensures that the fine surface details, from weathered brickwork to ornate chandeliers, are completely preserved. We prioritise texture sets captured on a cloudy day; flat lighting produces balanced data with no baked-in shadows, allowing VFX artists to re-light the assets accurately in any digital scene. It goes without saying that the colours also need to be completely accurate, so we always carry an X-rite Colour Checker which is vital to correctly colour balancing every single image to produce film-ready assets.
From Scan to Screen
The result of this rigorous process is a digital environment that is indistinguishable from reality. When comparing our raw scan data to the final Bridgerton footage, the value of high-spec equipment becomes clear.
At Visualskies, our objective is always the same: to deliver spatially accurate, high-resolution, production-ready environments that move cleanly into VFX pipelines without friction. Whether we are working in London or on location worldwide, we provide the data that makes movie magic possible.
LET’S BUILD THE DIGITAL FOUNDATIONS
OF YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Whether you’re designing an immersive art installation, training an AI model on real landscapes, or building complex VFX-ready sets, Visualskies provides the trusted spatial backbone your project needs.
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WHERE TO FIND US?
Visualskies is proud to offer our expert Photogrammetry services for VFX across multiple locations worldwide. Our presence in key cities enables us to provide prompt and efficient service to our clients. You can find us in the following locations.
GLOBAL BASES
LONDON
Unit 4S Hewlett House, Battersea
SW8 4AS, UK
BERLIN
Wilhelminenhofstrasse 92
12459, Germany
NYC
546 West 48th St
NY 10036, USA
ITALY
Via Fratelli Lumiere, 86/c
52100 Arezzo
HONG KONG
20 Wang Hoi Road
Kowloon Bay, HK
