OVERVIEW

How Cart + Horse Delivered 8 Scenes in 2 Days with KitBash3D

When Cart + Horse set out to build eight unique virtual scenes on a single stage, each in a different location and time period, with a small team and limited budget in just two days, they knew they needed a way to move fast without sacrificing quality. To keep pace with their ambitious schedule, they used KitBash3D’s Cargo platform to quickly build cinematic environments from production-ready 3D assets. The result was a high-end showcase that proved what’s possible when small studios embrace the right tools. 


“KitBash3D, especially Cargo, was a lifesaver on this one. We knew that we had pretty lofty goals with minimal time, budget, and crew. But we were very eager to make this as best as we possibly could.” - Dan Maurer 
Poster

Want to Replicate this Success?

Download the free guide on getting started with Virtual Production + KitBash3D. 

The Rise of Real Time

Real-time workflows have changed how creative teams build worlds. Faster iteration, instant feedback, and collaborative workflows are no longer luxuries—they’re quickly becoming the standard. 

For studios like Cart + Horse, embracing real-time wasn’t just a technical upgrade. It was a way to work smarter, develop a niche, and create higher-quality work without massive teams or budgets. Founders Dan Maurer and Kris Bargen started their careers in traditional 3D, but when given the opportunity to use real-time engines like Unreal in their work, they immediately saw the potential. 


“Dan and I started collaborating on projects and realized we could fill some needs in the growing industry and build something that we are really proud of. Then came Virtual Production. It was a natural progression for us given our combination of video production experience and Unreal chops.” - Kris Bargen 

Real-Time Powers Virtual Production—for Any Size Studio 

Virtual Production might have been made famous on blockbuster sets, but Cart + Horse proves it’s not just for massive productions anymore. Real-time tools allow teams to “fix it in pre,” building and refining entire environments before cameras ever roll. That means better creative control, faster iteration, and a stronger foundation for collaboration on set.


During their project Travelers, Cart + Horse built eight different scenes under tight deadlines, blending live-action and CG environments seamlessly. It was a level of agility that wouldn't have been possible without the support of KitBash3D’s Cargo and real-time workflows. Plus, having the stage references built into their scene allowed them to plan every shot virtually before they stepped foot on set. 

“We had a lot of scenes to cover quickly. We needed detailed assets, and we needed them fast. Kitbash3d was fantastic for this.” - Dan Maurer


 

Knowing the Limits of Real-Time and Virtual Production

Of course, real-time isn’t perfect. Certain visual challenges—like glass, water, and mirror reflections—still require workarounds. Lighting and physics are improving quickly, but real-time engines have their quirks that traditional pipelines often handle more easily. 

Virtual Production brings its own challenges, too. Studio stages have physical limits, which can make wide shots and long tracking shots tricky. Interacting naturally with the environment sometimes demands compromises or clever incorporation of physical props. 

For Cart + Horse, understanding and articulating these challenges early is crucial. It helps them set expectations, guide creative decisions, and use the technology to tell the best story. 
 

KEEP READING

Learn How and When to Use Virtual Production 

Want deeper insights into how Cart + Horse built high-end real-time projects with lean teams and smart workflows? Download our guide, “Virtual Production: You're Guide to Getting Started” for technical tips, optimization advice, and real-world lessons from Cart + Horse on making real-time work today. 

How to choose the right projects for Virtual Production 

What roles and tools you actually need on a small team 

Real-world tips from Cart + Horse’s fast, high-impact workflow 

How to turn limitations into creative opportunities 

BUILD YOUR WORLD

Get the Kits

Jumpstart your path to real-time and Virtual Production with the Kits used by Cart + Horse: