Tue Mar 25 02:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Hollywood Thriller “Flight Risk” Takes to the Skies…Virtually

**Las Vegas, NV** – The new thriller “Flight Risk,” starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace, pushed the boundaries of virtual production, filming almost entirely within a meticulously crafted virtual Alaskan landscape. The film, directed by Mel Gibson, used a groundbreaking LED volume stage to create the illusion of a Cessna 208 flying 14,000 feet above the snowy terrain.

Cinematographer Johnny Derango and visual-effects supervisor Michael Ralla opted for virtual production to achieve unparalleled realism. Instead of physically shooting in Alaska, a massive, bespoke horseshoe-shaped LED wall (33′ tall x 65′ wide) in a Las Vegas studio provided the backdrop. High-resolution 360-degree background plates, captured by a custom long-line camera array suspended from a helicopter over the California High Sierras, were seamlessly projected onto the LED wall.

The team faced unique challenges. Capturing the necessary vertical angle of view for the plane’s panoramic windows required a complex aerial camera system. Furthermore, the close proximity of the actors and camera to the LED wall necessitated careful focus adjustments to avoid moiré effects. Innovative lighting solutions, utilizing Aputure fixtures and virtual light cards, were employed to augment the ambient light from the screen and create realistic lighting conditions within the confined space of the plane.

The result, according to Derango, was an immersive experience that even fooled the crew. The virtual production allowed for complete control over the environment, enabling shots impossible to achieve during real-world flight, while maintaining a sense of claustrophobia and authenticity. The film’s success highlights the growing potential of virtual production in achieving photorealistic effects and minimizing logistical challenges. Ralla emphasizes the importance of close collaboration between the virtual production team and cinematographer to ensure a visually compelling and technically sound final product.

Read More