Through the Lens is a virtual production short film that I co-directed with Faith Popov. It was filmed in November 2024 at ASU MIX Center.
After losing his prized possession, amnesiac James begins to think his neighbor Emily might have something to do with it, or perhaps, is involved in something more sinister.
Poster designed by Yannie Szeto
Story Design
The concept for our virtual production short film stemmed from my fascination with how memory and perception shape reality. Inspired by Memento and Rear Window, I sought to reimagine a story that blends psychological tension with voyeuristic intrigue. Two key elements—short-term memory loss and the motif of windows as portals into fragmented perspectives—became the foundation of our narrative. These themes allowed us to explore a protagonist whose understanding of events is constantly shifting, mirroring the disorienting nature of memory itself. Collaborating with screenwriters Alex Block and Annie Foley, we developed a script that intertwines mystery, suspense, and the unique storytelling possibilities of virtual production.
Virtual Production
Virtual Production provided a highly effective way to achieve the look of peering through windows of a high-rise apartment while precisely animating and timing key events unfolding in the neighboring apartment. This approach allowed for greater creative control over lighting, camera movement, and environmental details that would have been challenging to achieve practically.
As the director, I worked closely with the Virtual Production technician to ensure a seamless Unreal Engine-to-VP stage workflow. Our set was built in Unreal Engine 5, where we carefully designed the digital environment to match the physical elements on set. To enhance realism in-camera, we incorporated practical props into the volume, blending physical and virtual elements seamlessly. Additionally, we utilized flats for window shots, allowing for accurate depth perception and lighting integration, making the final visuals more immersive and believable.
BTS
Photo credit to Annie Foley
Photo credit to Calvin Stanley
