The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is to launch a part-time certificate course to service what it says is an unprecedented demand for virtual production skills within the screen sector.
Virtual production is rapidly transforming the capabilities of the creative industries, offering filmmakers a real-time method of making movies and TV with actors, lighting and VFX all shot live in-camera in a studio. It has most famously been used on Disney+ streaming series The Mandalorian and season three of HBO’s Westworld.
The NFTS is partnering with WarnerMedia, WarnerMedia Access and StoryFutures Academy to deliver the course.
The NFTS Virtual Production Certificate is a six month blended learning course, designed to provide students with the core skills needed to build and progress a career in virtual production.
Participants will be introduced to the core technical and filmmaking required to work on virtual production projects driven by Unreal Engine, with the course aimed at creatives from varied technical and creative backgrounds including games, VFX, 3D animation, graphic design and those from camera department backgrounds.
In a bid to strengthen diversity and inclusion within film and television, scholarship funding will be made available, with WarnerMedia and WarnerMedia Access underwriting 75% of the course fee. Additionally, the School will provide further financial assistance to successful applicants from diverse groups who may require the hardware or software upgrades required to participate. Travel grants will also be made available to ensure that the course is accessible to students no matter where in the UK they are based.
The first intake of the 24 week certificate will start at the end of January 2022 with an application deadline of 27 November 2021. Made up of six modules, the course will be delivered via weekly online seminars, with six face to face weekend workshops taking place at the NFTS in Beaconsfield, using its newly installed Virtual Production LED Stage.
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NFTS Director Jon Wardle commented: “Virtual Production is quickly transforming the art and craft of filmmaking. As demand for skills in the VP landscape accelerates, being at the forefront of launching this innovative new course means we can equip creatives with the toolbox to understand how this exciting new leap in technology can help build and progress their career.”
WarnerMedia SVP of Equity and Inclusion, Programs, Karen Horne said: “The Virtual Production Certificate program is a wonderful addition to our talent activation initiatives at WarnerMedia Access. The skills and technology that the students are learning represent the future of production, and we are proud to partner with NFTS and to be leading the way with an inclusive lens.”
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