PERFORMANCES;

The performance featured voices and poetry from eight influential Chicago artists:

• Common

• BJ the Chicago Kid

• Ravyn Lenae

• Jamila Woods

• Jacob Latimore

• Twista

• MFnMelo

• Lena Waithe

PANDEMIC PIVOT TO VIRTUAL PRODUCTION

In the midst of the pandemic, as the live events industry ground to a halt, HNZLR resume his role as the Vita Motus Unreal Engine Lead. Tasked with shaping the technical backbone of their next virtual production, he helped guide the studio’s shift toward real-time workflows and cinematic rendering.

THE CHI WITH LOVE: A VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER

To launch the third season of Showtime’s The Chi, Vita Motus partnered with Kamp Grizzly to produce THE CHI WITH LOVE—a virtual concert and fundraiser in support of the Equal Justice Initiative. Conceived in the spirit of the Black Lives Matter movement, the event transcended its promotional origins to become a poetic, minimalist tribute to Chicago and its artists.

ARCHITECTURAL SPACE & LIGHTING DESIGN

The performances unfolded within a custom-designed, open architectural environment designed by Kamp Grizzly and optimized by HNZLR in Unreal Engine. The space, both restrained and evocative, prioritized the performers through indirect, atmospheric lighting. Dynamic shafts of sunlight streamed through multiple skylights, slowly giving way to twilight hues as a breathing carpet of grass rose from the floor. The piece culminated under an indigo moon as Lena Waithe delivered her closing remarks.

VIRTUAL CINEMATOGRAPHY & UNREAL PRODUCTION PIPELINE

HNZLR acted as virtual cinematographer alongside Adam Newport-Berra, shaping the event’s lighting and camera rhythm with cinematic precision. He also commissioned and directed supporting Unreal Engine specialists to develop nuanced lighting and foliage passes, ensuring visual cohesion and technical fidelity. The final renderings were raytraced using Vita Motus’ internal RTX render farm, then an emerging technology, pushing the limits of fidelity and real-time performance in virtual production.