Introduction

Virtual production combines physical and digital worlds to enable real-time creation of environments, special effects, and scenes that would otherwise be impossible or cost-prohibitive. By using game engines (like Unreal Engine) and augmented reality (AR), production teams can manipulate entire environments interactively during filming. This course provides an in-depth understanding of virtual production techniques, tools, and processes that are revolutionizing the media and entertainment industry, and it explores how to use them to enhance creative possibilities and operational efficiency.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
✔ Understand the principles and workflow of virtual production in modern media.
✔ Use real-time rendering tools such as Unreal Engine and Unity to create virtual environments and live-action integration.
✔ Explore the role of LED walls, motion capture, and augmented reality in virtual production setups.
✔ Develop skills to integrate CGI and live-action footage in real-time, reducing post-production time and costs.
✔ Design and execute a virtual production project from start to finish, ensuring effective collaboration across departments (e.g., camera, lighting, VFX, and production design).

Who Should Attend?

✔ Directors, producers, and production designers interested in implementing virtual production techniques.
✔ VFX artists, 3D modelers, and animators working on integrating virtual elements into live-action content.
✔ Cinematographers, lighting designers, and camera operators who wish to understand the technical aspects of virtual production.
✔ Game developers and interactive media professionals looking to expand into virtual production.
✔ Media content creators, studio managers, and technology innovators who want to explore the future of content creation.

5-Day Course Outline

📌 Day 1: Introduction to Virtual Production and Workflow

• What is Virtual Production?
  • Overview of virtual production: The integration of real-time computer graphics and live-action filming.
  • How LED walls, motion capture, and virtual cameras work together in creating seamless environments.
• Virtual Production Workflow
  • Understanding the stages of virtual production: pre-production, production, and post-production.
  • How virtual production changes the traditional filmmaking process.
  • The role of Unreal Engine and other real-time game engines in virtual production.
• Technologies Behind Virtual Production
  • Real-time rendering: Understanding the basics of real-time 3D rendering and game engines.
  • The role of motion capture and virtual cameras in creating immersive experiences.
  • Benefits and challenges of using virtual sets versus traditional physical sets.
• Hands-on Workshop:
  • Exploring Unreal Engine: Introduction to creating basic virtual environments and assets.

📌 Day 2: Virtual Sets, Real-Time Rendering, and Lighting

• Creating Virtual Sets
  • How to design and build virtual sets: Understanding the importance of environmental design and 3D modeling for virtual production.
  • Using LED walls and projection mapping to bring virtual sets to life on set.
  • Best practices for integrating virtual production tools into a live-action set.
• Real-Time Rendering in Virtual Production
  • Understanding the principles of real-time rendering and how to optimize assets for use in virtual environments.
  • How Unreal Engine and other platforms handle lighting, shadows, and reflections in real-time.
  • Using Lumen and other dynamic lighting systems to create lifelike environments.
• Lighting in Virtual Production
  • The importance of virtual lighting in achieving realistic effects and integrating live-action footage.
  • Techniques for simulating natural light, reflections, and shadows using real-time rendering.
  • Collaboration between the lighting department and VFX team to achieve seamless integration.
• Hands-on Workshop:
  • Building and lighting a simple virtual environment in Unreal Engine and integrating it with real-world footage.

📌 Day 3: Motion Capture and Virtual Cameras

• Introduction to Motion Capture (MoCap)
  • The process and tools of motion capture: Understanding how human movement and gestures are translated into digital assets.
  • The role of MoCap in character animation, creating realistic movements, and enhancing virtual production.
  • Types of motion capture: optical, magnetic, and inertial systems.
• Virtual Cameras and Tracking
  • Using virtual cameras to shoot scenes within a real-time 3D environment.
  • The principles of camera tracking: Integrating physical cameras with virtual environments for seamless action.
  • How to use LED screens to create interactive backgrounds and allow for real-time camera movement.
• Integrating Live-Action and Virtual Footage
  • Techniques for ensuring realistic interactions between live-action actors and virtual environments.
  • How to integrate motion capture data with real-time rendered environments to create interactive action.
• Hands-on Workshop:
  • Recording and applying motion capture data to a digital character and integrating it with virtual environments.

📌 Day 4: Advanced Virtual Production Techniques

• Augmented Reality in Virtual Production
  • How augmented reality (AR) is being used to enhance live-action productions.
  • Using AR for live compositing and creating interactive environments during filming.
  • How AR can improve real-time decision-making on set.
• Advanced Workflow Integration
  • Seamless integration of VFX in virtual production: How to plan for both virtual and physical elements during production.
  • Collaboration between production teams, VFX departments, and post-production to create a unified workflow.
• Collaborative Virtual Production
  • Multi-department collaboration: How to work efficiently with directors, VFX artists, cinematographers, and production teams.
  • Best practices for managing complex virtual production projects.
• Hands-on Workshop:
  • Applying advanced virtual production techniques: Creating a virtual scene using AR, MoCap, and LED walls.

📌 Day 5: Future Trends and Virtual Production Project

• The Future of Virtual Production
  • The evolution of virtual production: What’s next for the technology in the film, TV, and media industries.
  • Emerging tools and platforms: What will be the future of real-time rendering, game engines, and AI in virtual production.
  • Exploring the intersection of virtual production and interactive media (VR/AR).
• Sustainability and Cost-Efficiency in Virtual Production
  • How virtual production can reduce costs, travel, and carbon footprints for production companies.
  • The environmental benefits of virtual sets versus traditional physical sets.
• Final Project and Action Plan
  • Participants will design a small-scale virtual production project, including virtual set design, camera movement, and integration of live-action footage.
  • Participants will present their projects and receive feedback from the instructor.
• Certification:
  • Successful participants will receive a Certified Virtual Production Specialist certificate.