Walmart Shareholders Conference 2023

Role: Creative Lead - Unreal Engine Design Unreal Based Cinematic Rendering

Project Overview

For Walmart's 2023 Annual Shareholders Conference and Associate Celebration Show, I played a key role in creating an unprecedented immersive digital experience. Building on the success of the 2022 event, we pushed the boundaries of virtual production and augmented reality to deliver a hybrid event that seamlessly blended real-world elements with cutting-edge digital environments. The event, held in Walmart's Arena, captivated an audience of 14,000 in-person attendees while millions more watched via live broadcast.

Technical Highlights

• Unreal Engine Mastery: Leveraged advanced features of Unreal Engine for real-time rendering and complex environment creation.

• Cesium Integration: Utilized Cesium for Unreal to create a geographically accurate digital twin of Bentonville, Arkansas.

• Live Action Integration: Seamlessly blended live stunt performance with digital environments for a "Mission Impossible" inspired sequence.

• Augmented Reality: Expanded on previous year's AR capabilities for enhanced broadcast and in-arena experiences.

Key Contributions

Digital Twin of Bentonville

• Created a highly detailed, geographically accurate recreation of Bentonville, Arkansas using Cesium for Unreal.

• Implemented real GPS data to ensure precision in the virtual environment.

• Optimized the digital city for real-time rendering and dynamic camera movements.

Mission Impossible Inspired Sequence

• Designed and animated a digital helicopter for a high-stakes action sequence.

• Coordinated with a live stuntman to integrate real-world action with the digital environment.

• Collaborated with Tom Cruise to set up and cue the dramatic scene.

Corporate Command Center Hub

• Developed a futuristic, interactive command center environment for the main corporate presentation.

• Integrated real-time data visualization and dynamic content display capabilities.

• Created a flexible space that could adapt to various presentation needs throughout the event.

Augmented Reality Enhancements

• Expanded AR capabilities to include more complex and interactive elements:

• Floating props and virtual set extensions visible to both in-arena and broadcast audiences.

• Dynamic data visualizations and charts materializing alongside presenters.

• Interactive AR elements responding to on-stage actions and presenter cues.

Technical Deep Dive

Unreal Engine Implementation

• Utilized Unreal's Sequencer for complex, multi-layered visual sequences.

• Implemented custom shaders and materials for realistic city environments and futuristic command center aesthetics.

• Leveraged Niagara particle systems for enhanced visual effects in both AR and virtual environments.

Cesium Integration Workflow

• Developed a pipeline to import and optimize large-scale geographical data into Unreal Engine.

• Created a level-of-detail system for the Bentonville digital twin to maintain performance across various shot scales.

• Implemented a dynamic time-of-day system for realistic lighting changes in the virtual city.

Live Action Integration

• Developed a real-time compositing system to blend live stunt performance with the digital helicopter and city environment.

• Created a precise timing system to synchronize virtual camera movements with physical camera work.

• Implemented dynamic lighting and physics simulations to enhance the realism of the integrated sequence.

Broadcast and In-Arena Optimization

• Developed a dual-output system to deliver tailored experiences for in-arena screens and broadcast feed.

• Implemented efficient LOD (Level of Detail) systems to maintain high visual fidelity across diverse viewing scenarios.

• Created a robust failover system to ensure uninterrupted visual delivery throughout the live event.

Challenges and Solutions

• Scale and Detail: Balanced the need for a vast, detailed digital Bentonville with real-time performance requirements through advanced optimization techniques.

• Live Integration: Developed precise synchronization methods to seamlessly blend live stunt work with digital environments.

• Diverse Audience: Created visual experiences that were impactful both for in-person attendees and remote viewers, tailoring content for different viewing mediums.

Impact on the Event

• Delivered a groundbreaking visual experience that elevated Walmart's innovative image and corporate vision.

• Created memorable, cinematic moments that resonated with both associates and shareholders.

• Provided a flexible digital platform that enhanced the delivery of key corporate messages and data presentations.

• Set a new standard for corporate events by blending Hollywood-level production with cutting-edge virtual technologies.

This project for the Walmart Shareholders Event 2023 showcases the pinnacle of virtual production and augmented reality in corporate events. By creating a digital twin of Bentonville, integrating live action sequences, and developing immersive AR experiences, we delivered an unparalleled visual spectacle that not only entertained but also effectively communicated Walmart's corporate vision and achievements. The success of this event demonstrates my ability to leverage cutting-edge technology in creating impactful, large-scale digital experiences that bridge the gap between physical and virtual realms.