How Image-Based Lighting Upgraded Our Rear Projection Workflow
In Camera Realism Perfected
At Rear Projection Driving™ in North Hollywood, our goal has always been simple: make virtual driving scenes feel completely real. Our newest upgrade brings us closer than ever. The stage now runs a full image based lighting system using Quasar Science Double Rainbow tubes all connected over Ethernet.
Every light on the car set now reacts directly to the projection plate. The color, brightness, and direction of light match the background perfectly. When the road plate shifts from bright daytime to evening cityscape, the Quasars follow frame by frame. Actors are lit by the same world they see on screen, and cinematographers get natural reflections with exact color fidelity straight out of camera.
Why Image Based Lighting Changes Everything
Until now, filmmakers often relied on “gag” lighting to fake motion. They would chase lights across dimmers or flicker gels to simulate passing traffic. Those tricks took time, were rarely accurate, and often broke continuity between takes.
With our new image based system, that process is gone. The lighting data comes directly from the projection feed itself. Each change in the driving plate translates instantly into moving color across the Quasar tubes. Headlights sweep across dashboards, city lights glide through windows, and every reflection reacts in real time.
For cinematographers, it means:
True color matching between projection and practical light
Consistent, realistic reflections on metal and glass
No more guessing exposure or faking motion
Technical Simplicity Behind the Scenes
The rig runs across 4 DMX universes, combining a steady base fill with dynamic chase data from the plate.
Base Fill: daylight at about 5600 K or tungsten at about 3200 K to provide balanced soft light.
Chase Layer: driven through a second computer system mirroring the motion and tone of the projected image.
Network Control: all fixtures connected by Ethernet for zero lag and exact repeatability.
This setup replaces every old manual chase or gag light. What you see in camera is exactly what the background dictates, take after take.
A Better Experience for Everyone on Set
Directors and DPs gain real control and visual accuracy. Producers save time and reduce the number of lighting resets between takes. Clients see final-looking results right out of camera.
The upgrade makes Rear Projection Driving™ one of Los Angeles’s most practical environments for in-camera VFX, commercials, and narrative projects that need believable light and motion without LED wall costs or heavy post work.
Book a Tour or Test
Visit RearProjectionDriving.com or call 213-794-6796 to schedule a walkthrough.
Skip the green screen. Skip the gag lights. Experience true image based lighting that moves with the story, only at Rear Projection Driving™ in Los Angeles.
Mobile Projection — In-Camera VFX Comes to You
Behind the scenes of our mobile projection setup at BLT Studios in Los Angeles. Our Projection Crew prepares the screen, projectors, and playback system for an in-camera VFX shoot.
When most people think of rear projection, they imagine driving plates on a studio stage. But now, we can bring the entire system directly to your set.
Our new mobile projection service delivers cinematic backgrounds for driving scenes, treadmill shoots, and creative environments, anywhere in Los Angeles.
Why Mobile Projection?
Not every project fits inside a stage. Maybe you’re shooting in a warehouse, a soundstage that doesn’t allow green screen, or a unique location that needs flexibility. With mobile rear projection, we set up a 16-foot screen, professional projectors, and a complete playback system right where you are.
The result is the same: in-camera VFX with zero green screen, zero post-compositing. Your actors and camera see the background live, which means better performances, natural reflections, and faster turnaround.
What We Bring
Our Projection Crew arrives with everything needed:
16×9 rear projection screen
High-brightness projectors (20K + 10K)
Computer Playback “brain bar” for cueing and looping footage
Full LED lighting kit (Aputure Novas, Quasar tubes, rim lights)
Optional hazer or treadmill rigs (available on request at no extra cost)
We also provide access to our HollywoodDrivingPlates.com cinematic driving plates library, or we can run your supplied content if you already have footage prepared.
Flat-Rate, Turnkey Service
Unlike traditional rentals that nickel-and-dime, our model is flat-rate and turnkey. No hidden fees, no surprise overtime charges. We handle the load-in, setup, alignment, playback, and strike. You get a complete package that’s ready when cameras roll.
See It in Action
The photo above, shows our Projection Crew in action during a mobile setup. What you see is exactly what you get: a reliable, camera-ready solution for narrative films, commercials, music videos, and corporate shoots.
Book Mobile Projection Today
Ready to bring cinematic projection to your set?
Book Now or call 213-794-6796 to check availability.
Skip the green screen. Skip the post work. Choose mobile projection — in-camera VFX, anywhere in Los Angeles.
Why Rear Projection is the smartest choice for filming car scenes in Hollywood
Discover how rear projection in North Hollywood delivers cinematic car scenes—no green screen or costly post-production needed.
In-camera magic is back. From classic Hollywood to today’s most stylish productions, rear projection is making a massive comeback—and for good reason. At Rear Projection Driving™ in North Hollywood, we specialize in the art of creating believable, cinematic driving scenes without the pain of post.
Here’s why our clients—from indie filmmakers to commercial directors and studio heads—are rethinking how they shoot car scenes.
1. In-Camera Realism That Feels Cinematic
Rear projection puts your actor in the environment while you're filming. There’s no need to fake eye lines or lighting in post. The road moves, the reflections hit the windows naturally, and your DP has total creative control on set.
We use:
4K cinematic driving plates filmed all over Los Angeles
Image-based lighting that match the moving background exactly.
A fully enclosed, state of the art North Hollywood studio
The result? Zero post headaches. Maximum realism. And actors who actually feel like they’re driving through the city.
2. Save Your Budget (and Your Sanity)
Shooting on a process trailer is expensive and requires location permits, road closures, and crew coordination nightmares. Green screen introduces spill, lighting mismatches, and countless hours of VFX tracking.
Our turnkey system eliminates all that:
No post tracking or keying
No external location fees
No LED wall rental costs
You walk away with a final shot right out of the camera.
3. Trusted by Working Filmmakers
We’re not just a warehouse with a screen. We’re a working film studio designed by and for filmmakers. Directors who use our studio include:
Studios doing episodic TV
Music video creators on tight turnarounds
Commercial directors avoiding green screen costs
Indie film teams needing realism without a 100-person crew
We also provide:
Free use of our 4K driving plates with every rental
Custom lighting setup for your exact scene
Stage tours before you book
4. Perfect for Features, Commercials, Music Videos, Indies and More
Our setup is made to flex. Book us for:
Feature film scenes
Indie projects
Car commercials
Social campaigns
Music videos
Web Series
If it happens in a car, we make it happen.
5. You Can Book Today (And Start Shooting Tomorrow)
Located in North Hollywood, Rear Projection Driving™ is available 24/7 for productions that need flexibility and quality. We even offer free driving plates when you rent the studio—the same 4K footage sold on HollywoodDrivingPlates.com.
Goto our website to book our stage. www.RearProjectionDriving.com
Want to see it in action? WATCH OUR 2 MINUTE EXPLAINER VIDEO or schedule a tour!
Our Rear Projection Driving Studio in North Hollywood, California