Compression Meets Creativity: Behind the UHD Test Assets for V-Nova
V-Nova Services Ltd., pioneers in next-generation video compression technology, commissioned Chocolate Films to create a suite of UHD test assets. The brief was highly specific: to produce visually complex content with high-frequency details, enabling clear differentiation between uncompressed UHD footage and compressed HD versions.
This was no ordinary video project. It required a seamless blend of creative execution and technical precision, something Chocolate Films excels at. From early scriptwriting to final delivery, every stage demanded attention to detail, cross-team collaboration, and logistical expertise.
Meticulous Pre-Production
The success of the project relied heavily on a robust pre-production phase. We worked closely with V-Nova to write custom scripts and storyboards for each content strand, ensuring the visuals were not only compelling but also technically suitable for compression testing.
The technical specifications were unusually demanding. Every asset needed to maintain UHD quality while being designed in a way that would clearly demonstrate the impact of downsampling. We carefully selected locations and setups to capture maximum detail, from textured surfaces to fast motion. Another limitation was that the shots needed to have limited movement, either static or slow pans/tilts, mainly on a tripod.
We also navigated a complex set of logistics,filming on the streets across multiple London boroughs, securing access to a working football ground, and sourcing a studio with a kitchen.
News Broadcast (Green Screen)
For the broadcast-style segment, we filmed a news presenter against a green screen background in our Nine Elms Studio. This allowed for clean keying and controlled lighting conditions, enabling post-production flexibility while ensuring the footage hit all UHD technical specs.
We recorded two versions—a wide shot and a mid-closeup—to give V-Nova multiple options for evaluating compression performance at different resolutions.
Cooking Show (Studio)
The cooking segment was designed to showcase fine textures, subtle movement, and rich colour—all of which are essential for assessing video compression. We filmed in a dedicated kitchen studio using a two-camera setup: a wide and a roving close-up camera for detail.
Documentary with Interview (Outdoor)
This hybrid content type combined scenic documentary-style visuals with a short interview, filmed outdoors in real locations across London. The goal was to include a mix of urban textures, natural lighting, and human presence—elements that challenge compression algorithms with their organic variability.
We interviewed team members to keep the project authentic and cost-effective. Our crew adapted to borough-specific conditions, sometimes using handheld and gimbal rigs in place of tripods to remain compliant while capturing cinematic movement.
Sports Footage (Football)
The sports segment required dynamic movement, static wides and a limited focal depth, creating a flat image—all ideal stress tests for compression software. We filmed a local football team during a real training session, capturing wide-angle plays, fast footwork, and close-up action.
Securing access to the football ground required careful negotiation and scheduling, but the results were well worth the effort. The footage provided the high-motion complexity V-Nova needed to demonstrate the strength of their software.
Seamless Post-Production & Delivery
After filming, our editors ensured the content was polished to the highest UHD standards. We delivered each video in multiple formats, allowing V-Nova to compare original footage against downsampled HD versions under different test conditions.
Results
This project highlighted Chocolate Films’ ability to deliver technically demanding, creatively rich video content under complex logistical conditions. From documentary interviews to fast-paced sports coverage, each asset was crafted to support V-Nova’s industry-leading compression solutions.
We’re proud to support V-Nova in shaping the future of video processing—and we’re excited for what’s next.
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