The Voice of Virtual Production Episode 6: Lighting for Virtual Production with Jeff Webster and Chris Probst, ASC
The sixth episode of The Voice of Virtual Production, the interview series co-created by Synapse Virtual Production and Little Black Book, brings two of the industry’s most accomplished lighting minds together. Returning to the show is Chris Probst ASC, chief innovation officer at Synapse and cinematographer behind projects including Mindhunter, Nike, Google and BMW campaigns, and music videos for Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Eminem. Joining him is Jeff Webster from Magnopus, a veteran gaffer whose credits include The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, Legion, and Greenland.
For Christopher and Jeff, the magic of virtual production lies in creating a sense of authenticity and immersion that feels completely natural to the viewer – and achieving this requires meticulous attention to detail. In this episode they discuss how virtual backgrounds, in particular, demand a heightened sensitivity to how light behaves, how walls and surfaces interact, and how the human eye perceives depth.
To address these challenges, both explain how they advocate for early involvement in virtual production workflows. They reveal how collaborating during the previsualisation stage in engines like Unreal, helps influence lighting design, set rigging, and virtual asset integration long before the cameras roll.
During this discussion, the pair also emphasises the importance of blending practical lighting with digital assets to maintain realism. From moving light sources that track with virtual sun positions, to synchronising flickering fire effects between physical and virtual elements, the process demands creativity, technical knowledge, and collaboration across multiple departments.
They touch on how one particularly innovative sequence from The Book of Boba Fett involved a complex elevator shot that seamlessly integrated multiple levels and background swaps within a single continuous take.
Throughout the conversation it becomes clear that, ultimately, their work underscores the fact that virtual production is as much about human craftsmanship as it is about cutting-edge technology.
As the technology continues to evolve, filmmakers like Christopher and Jeff are leading the charge, blending innovation, collaboration, and artistry to create worlds that are as immersive as they are believable. And for audiences, the result is a seamless experience where the boundary between reality and digital magic simply disappears.
To listen to the full conversation, check out episode 6 of The Voice of Virtual Production, available now on YouTube.
For more information about or to register your interest in getting involved with The Voice of Virtual Production, please contactlily@lbbonline.comorabi@lbbonline.com
