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.