Nappi frequently collaborates with cinematographers who understand VR's unique lighting requirements. Unlike flat film, VR requires soft, even lighting to avoid lens flares and harsh shadows that break the spherical illusion.

The biggest struggle for VR filmmakers is the "uncanny valley" of intimacy. In 2D video, an actor looks at the camera lens; in VR, they must look directly into your eyes—literally inches away from dual fisheye lenses.