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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The producers at Chocolate Films are available to talk through your project at a time that suits you. They’ll make sure they really understand your organisation and what you’re looking to achieve with video content. Following the discussion, they will send over a detailed proposal for the work you’re looking to commission.

What our clients say

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Emma Chisholm
11:34 12 Feb 25
Chocolate films made a film for our small charity and the quality of the product was excellent. They really managed to capture the essence of what we do and that is so valuable to us in recruiting new members and attracting funding. Very easy feedback and amendment process too. Would recommend
Igino Fucci
21:46 23 Nov 24
Chocolate Films workshops are absolutely amazing for my child! The team is so friendly and does a great job of keeping the kids engaged. My child loves learning about filmmaking and always comes home excited to share all the cool things they’ve done that day.The workshops are really hands-on and encourage so much creativity, which is fantastic to see. My child feels so proud of what they’re creating, and the films they work on always turn out brilliant.If you’re looking for a fun and creative activity for your kids, I can’t recommend their workshops enough.
Chloe Abbott
21:43 17 Oct 24
We were very impressed by Elton and he was professional and kindly with the children for our photo shoot. Thank you!
Jake Subba Row
11:26 07 Oct 24
Diana Furlong
11:23 07 Oct 24
Any artist or creative who has not wrapped their head around creating unique visual imagery needs to invest some time, effort and energy on this powerful medium which is now taking priority over a business card or website. Even a short workshop like those on offer at Chocolate Films will set you off in the right direction.
Idrissa sailor Koroma
00:36 26 Sep 24
Heisenberg
17:35 13 Jul 24
My children attended their film making workshops. What a great time they had! The crew members were fantastic, especially Bea, who has got excellent attitude towards children and tons of patience. I really recommend them, if you are looking for some quality workshops for your children.
Belinda Cupid
15:49 08 Jul 24
I work at Cystic Fibrosis Trust and we are delighted with the animation Chocolate Films created for us. It met the brief and has helped us to explain our activities to current and future partners. Chocolate Films were a pleasure to work with and we appreciated their flexibility in working to a very tight timescale.
Katy Tipping
13:04 08 Jul 24
Great working with Chocolate Films and the team for our new program. Nikita was a great point of content and we had a blast at the filming studio with everyone. Thank you everyone for your work on this project!
Chloe McCarthy
11:59 12 Jun 24
We commissioned Chocolate films to complete a BTS film as a promotional film for our Level 4 foundation course. We were out on location with our own 3 short films with our most senior students, and we needed an extra crew to capture all that was happening on set. They were thoughtful, efficient and proactive. Capturing some great interviews and BTS (thanks Elton!), weaving it into a great promotional film for us. Lucia steered the project beautifully from start to finish (thanks Nikita too). We’ve worked with Chocolate films before and would happily do so in the future. Chloe – London Screen Academy
Tai Campbell
13:03 29 May 24
I filmed a green screen production using sound and it came out great. Lucia and Nikka are lovely and happy to help, the facilities are exactly what I needed (there’s also a make-up room) and it was easy to get to.
Kerri Atherton
14:11 15 May 24
Chocolate films produced a fun promotional video for us as part of our 80th anniversary. They were professional with clear communication, and the project was delivered to time.