ABOUT

At Lightwell, we create innovative, visually compelling designs for television using cutting-edge virtual production technology. With over 20 years of experience, we combine deep architectural knowledge with a sharp eye for cinematography, lighting, and composition - delivering virtual environments that are both technically robust and visually authentic.

Virtual Sets, Real Impact

Virtual sets aren’t just an alternative - they’re an opportunity. They offer unmatched creative freedom, rapid adaptability, and a more sustainable approach to production. Whether you're broadcasting live sports, news, drama, or entertainment, a well-designed virtual environment elevates your brand, enhances viewer engagement, and opens new storytelling possibilities. At Lightwell, we design virtual sets that don’t just look real, they feel real.

Our Approach

We bring the rigour of architectural thinking to every project. By incorporating real-world scale, materiality, and spatial design, we create environments that hold up, on screen. We understand that a virtual set must work on camera, so our designs are crafted to support the full range of shots and camera moves your production demands, from static wide shots to dynamic tracking and crane work. Every set we deliver is visually credible, flexible, and production-ready.

Technology Meets Creativity

Our roots in design and architecture are matched by a deep fluency in technology. We harness tools like Unreal Engine, real-time rendering, greenscreens, and LED volumes to bring your virtual environments to life. This blend of artistry and technical expertise allows us to adapt quickly and push the creative boundaries of what’s possible in virtual production.

A Complete Virtual Art Department

We operate as a self-contained virtual art department, providing everything from concept development and design to previsualisation and delivery of broadcast-ready assets. Whether we’re collaborating with your in-house team or leading the creative direction, our process is streamlined, efficient, and tailored to the specific needs of your production.

Proven Experience, Trusted By Broadcasters

Our portfolio includes high-profile projects for leading broadcasters and platforms. We’ve designed virtual studios and augmented environments for: BBC – World Indoor Athletics 2025, UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, Paris Olympics 2024, Match of the Day, and the Commonwealth Games 2022ITV Sport, Discovery+, Sky, and Bloomberg – where we’ve created versatile, high-performance sets that blend visual impact with practical production needs.

Design that Supports Your Brand

We understand that your virtual set is more than just a backdrop—it’s an integral part of your content and brand identity. Every design decision we make is grounded in your objectives, ensuring the final result aligns with your visual language and enhances your storytelling.

If you’re planning a virtual production or exploring the benefits of virtual sets, please get in touch.

A view of the virtual set we designed for BBC's Winter Olympics coverage in 2022. The design featured multiple presentation spaces, bith in and outside the virtual  building. This view shows the studio building stood in a snow covered landscape. The presenter would stand on the platform shown projecting into into the foreground.
Portrait of Lightwell's founder, Jim Mann. A leading designer of virtual sets using Unreal Engine
Jim Mann, Founder
BBC
itv
CNA
abc
Bloomberg
Google
Sky