To address the emerging skills gaps in the roles that Virtual Production offers, Immersive Technologies Skillnet began running workshops and bootcamps in both Virtual Production techniques and Unreal Engine in 2020.
The first of its kind ‘in studio’ Virtual Production Bootcamp in the ROI took place in April 2022 and was a resounding success for the trainees.
We’ve recovered – and the second intake is planned for August 2022.
This time we are teaming up with Mo Sys Academy UK for an exciting 2 weeks!
Interested? Apply Here
A further Unreal Engine 5 Bootcamp is also planned before the end of the year to meet the growing demand. Register Your Interest here.
These amazing bootcamps, funded by the Skills Connect initiative, are free to qualifying applicants. Yes, FREE!
What is Virtual Production?
Since the transition from film stock to digital and the jump from analogue to non linear editing, there has been no bigger transition than the one from traditional filming, complete with location hopping, to virtual production using LED walls.
While replacing a ‘real’ location with a ‘pre filmed’ or ‘pre created’ location (or asset) and compositing is not new, the approach has changed significantly.
In Nov 2019, Star Wars thrilled us when Disney’s ‘The Mandalorian’ burst on to the scenes as the first mainstream production using a ‘volume’ or LED studio. Enhanced camera tracking and game engine technology enabled the creation of photo realistic sets and the capture of ‘in camera’ VFX in real time – changing the production pipeline forever!
What was once a near linear approach to a traditional film project (and still is in many cases):
- pre production (scripting, planning, budgeting, casting, scheduling),
- production (filming including travelling to locations),
- post production (editing, visual FX, compositing)
now incorporates the VP ‘visualisation’ pipeline; Pitch Vis, Pre Vis, Tech Vis and Post Vis which all require the creation of assets ahead of post production.
The knock on effect of ‘up front’ asset creation and ‘in camera’ VFX capture, if done correctly, is to lower production costs as well as reduce carbon footprint by negating the need for extensive travel and by reducing resources used to plan real-world activities.
While the shooting of early Mandalorian episodes was not smooth and was plagued with early adopter pipeline issues, a new way of filming was born and new creative and technical roles created – roles that are still evolving!
Virtual Production Bootcamp April 2022
The first of its kind in the ROI, an Introduction To Virtual Production Bootcamp was held at Mavrix Studios in Dublin and consisted of learning modules (theory and hands on) in:
- Virtual Production
- Directing for Virtual Production
- Lighting Design when working with Green Screen and LED
- Mo Sys camera tracking system and
- Unreal Engine
Christian Boshell
Area of Expertise: Trans-disciplinary Artist
“The training was excellent & was a pleasure to attend. I am very excited for what will come in the Immersive Technologies future”
Cordula Hansen
Area of Expertise: 3D and VR Designer, UX Designer
“Experiencing virtual production in a live studio set-up and collaborating with an amazingly creative and generous team has helped focus my work as a 3D designer and prototyping artist and opened a path towards a multidisciplinary production environment. Looking forward to the next steps!”
Linda Curtin
Area of Expertise: Project Co-Ordinator (Former Film & TV Coordinator), Screen Wexford
“This has opened my eyes to the expansive opportunities in this exciting new area. The knowledge levels of the facilitators coined with the peer-to-peer learning opportunities was really strong. Each participant brought their own exciting background and experience, ranging from film production to creative computing and 3D design, which made for really stimulating hands-on learning. I couldn’t recommend this bootcamp highly enough for anyone who is curious about a career in this space”
Love Punj
Area of Expertise: 3D Artist
“I learned more about production on the first day than the last six months combined.
A truly incredible experience”.
Manolo Marcenó
Area of Expertise: VFX Artist
“Let’s do it!”
Richard Keane
Area of Expertise: Award-winning Writer/Director/Producer in animation and live-action. Owner of Out Left Productions Ltd.
“This was one of the best courses I have been on. I learned so much from Mavrix and High Res and the hands on experience with the tech and tools was invaluable. I’ve already started generating new projects to use this amazing technology in the future”.
Ryan McKenna
Area of Expertise: Producer, environment designer (Blender & Unreal), pre-vis and post-production in UE.
“An amazing opportunity to get involved with the latest in immersive story telling technology!”
Conor Keogh
Area of Expertise: VFX Artist
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Sean Purser
Area of Expertise: VFX supervisor/assistant
What’s Next?
Coming August 2022
The 2nd Virtual Production Bootcamp intake will begin shortly. In the meantime, you can register your interest below and we’ll contact you with the application when it is available.
Virtual Production Bootcamp
Delivered By: Mo Sys Academy for Immersive Technologies Skillnet.
Dates: August 15th – 26th
Location: Mo Sys, Greenwich, UK
Apply Here
Unreal Engine Bootcamp
Delivered By: Escape Studios for Immersive Technologies Skillnet.
Dates: TBA
Location: Remote
Register Your Interest Here
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