A cyclorama, or cyc, is a curved wall that meets the floor without a visible corner. When framed and lit correctly, it creates a seamless background for photography and video.
Use a cyc for product, fashion, portrait, interview or commercial shoots. Plan the lighting, cameras, sets and audio separately from the background.
Benefits of using a cyclorama studio
1. A seamless background
The curve removes the hard wall-to-floor corner from the frame. This works well for clean white images, full-body framing, product photography and shots that need extra background width. Follow the studio’s rules for protecting the curve.
2. Repeatable lighting
A white cyc gives the lighting team a consistent surface to measure and adjust. Plan exposure, subject distance, light spill and camera angle, and inspect the floor before shooting.
At Viva Studio Rentals, the cyc is 25 × 25 ft, white, and pre-lit. Four Aputure Nova P300c lights and six C-Stands are included. Additional lighting is separate.
Time and cost planning
A cyc can reduce backdrop setup when the planned look uses the existing surface. It may also reduce retouching around seams, but footprints, scuffs, light falloff, and edge framing still need attention.
Compare the cyc with the shot list and budget. Check:
- Surface condition and repaint requirements.
- Number of looks, lighting resets, and camera positions.
- Included equipment and separate rental costs.
Background options
Use lighting and exposure to make a white cyc appear white, grey or coloured in the shot. A physical repaint is another option when the production needs a solid surface colour.
At Viva, a $300 Floor Refresh or $1,000 Full Colour Swap is available as an add-on, before HST. Ask about repaint timing when booking.
Choosing a cyclorama studio in Toronto
Measure the area your set and performers will use, including camera distance and movement. Compare it with the cyc dimensions and stage floor.
Also confirm load-in, ceiling and grid height, power requirements, support rooms, parking, WiFi, and optional equipment. Test any production audio during a Tech Scout.
Plan the cyc before the shoot
Send the studio a floor plan or shot list before the Tech Scout. Confirm where the subject, camera, lights, monitor, and set pieces will go.
Protect the curve and floor according to the studio rules. Confirm whether the current white surface is suitable or whether a refresh or colour change is required.
Viva Studio Rentals has a 25 × 25 ft pre-lit white cyc inside its 2,000 sq ft soundstage in Etobicoke, Toronto. Book a free 30-minute Tech Scout to check the dimensions, lighting plan and repaint requirements.