Class Studio Operations: Virtual Production

Introduction to the principles and practice of virtual production, focusing on studio operations, foundational Unreal Engine workflows and ICVFX. The unit covers LED stage production, greenscreen, Simulcam, real-time content, technical systems and collaboration across production roles. It comprises two linked projects: an individual Unreal Engine scene and progressively more complex collaborative ICVFX planning and shooting exercises.

Not applicable

Introduction to virtual production: LED/ICVFX, greenscreen, Simulcam and production pipelines. 2. Unreal Engine foundations: project setup, asset organisation, environment building, composition, lighting, cameras and Sequencer. 3. LED stage systems: rendering, signal flow, playback, tracking, synchronisation, genlock, timecode and troubleshooting. 4. Studio operations: production roles, shot planning and collaboration. 5. Progressive ICVFX exercises using driving plates, a simple Unreal scene and a final group shoot. 6. Previsualisation, shotlists, technical planning, technology comparison, presentations and reflection.

Project-based learning through two linked projects; Unreal Engine workshops; technical demonstrations; progressively scaffolded ICVFX studio exercises; previsualisation; collaborative role and pipeline mapping; tutorials; peer critique; presentations; and reflection on technical decisions. A technical demonstration or visit to EMAV is proposed, subject to confirmation.

Zwerman, S., & Okun, J. A. (Eds.). (2024). The VES handbook of virtual production. Routledge. Jayasundara, K. A. H. A. P. R. T. B. R. (2023). Virtual filmmaking with Unreal Engine 5. Packt Publishing. Govaere, F. (2023). 20 things you should know about virtual production. Independently published.