1. Static, virtual-camera or tracked?
| Approach | How it works | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Static plate | Locked camera, pre-rendered still or loop behind the key | Lowest; works in OBS/vMix |
| Virtual camera moves | Software zooms and pans inside a high-resolution 2.5D set (vMix virtual sets, Aximmetry) | Low–medium |
| Tracked camera | Real camera moves are tracked and drive a real-time 3D scene (Unreal Engine, Aximmetry, Zero Density) | High |
2. Pick a style
Classic broadcast news uses deep blues and reds, glass, curved video walls and a central desk. Tech and esports sets lean on dark backgrounds with LED strips. Morning shows use warm wood and plants. Choose before building, because it dictates materials and lighting.
3. Build or source the 3D scene
Blender, Cinema 4D and Unreal Engine are the common tools. You rarely need to model everything yourself: desks, chairs, plants, shelving and screens can come from libraries of ready-made furniture 3D models. Spend your time on the hero elements: the desk silhouette, the main video wall and the logo.
4. Monitors and video walls
Leave texture slots on in-set screens so you can feed live graphics or a looping background. Keep them at 16:9 and render at the size they will appear on screen to avoid wasted GPU.
5. Match the lighting
Light your real presenter to match the virtual set's key direction and colour. See lighting a virtual desk.
6. Graphics package
Lower thirds, bugs and tickers complete the look. Start with the lower-third generator and check everything against safe areas.