Virtual Production Course

Lesson 1 • History and Evolution of VP

Traces VP from early blue-screen techniques to LED volume stages. Contextualises current tools within a historical arc of innovation.

Lesson 2 • Roles and Responsibilities in VP

Maps the specialised crew positions unique to VP alongside traditional film roles. Prepares students to collaborate effectively within a VP team.

Lesson 3 • The Virtual Production Pipeline

Breaks down the end-to-end VP workflow from pre-production through final delivery. Clarifies handoff points between departments and disciplines.

Lesson 4 • Core VP Technologies Overview

Surveys the primary hardware and software categories that constitute a VP pipeline. Students gain a map of tools before deep-diving into each in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Lighting in Real-Time Environments

Teaches dynamic and baked lighting techniques suited to VP stages. Lighting quality directly affects the realism of in-camera visual effects (ICVFX).

Lesson 2 • Scene Building and Asset Import

Covers importing, organising, and optimising 3D assets within a real-time engine. Directly supports the creation of virtual environments used on LED volumes.

Lesson 3 • Real-Time Post-Processing and Look Dev

Applies post-processing stacks to achieve cinematic looks within the engine. Ensures the virtual environment matches the camera's captured image.

Lesson 4 • Real-Time Engine Fundamentals

Introduces the architecture of real-time engines and how they differ from offline renderers. Establishes the performance and quality trade-offs central to VP work.

Lesson 1 • LED Panel Technology and Specifications

Explains pixel pitch, brightness, refresh rate, and colour gamut as they apply to VP. Provides the technical vocabulary needed to specify and evaluate LED systems.

Lesson 2 • On-Set LED Operation Workflow

Walks through the day-of-shoot operational procedures for an LED volume. Covers communication protocols between the VP team and the camera department.

Lesson 3 • Volume Stage Layout and Design

Covers spatial planning of LED walls, ceilings, and floors for different production needs. Stage geometry directly impacts camera freedom and lighting quality.

Lesson 4 • Calibration and Colour Management

Teaches the process of calibrating LED panels for uniform colour and brightness. Accurate calibration is essential for seamless ICVFX compositing.

Lesson 1 • Frustum and Inner Frustum Configuration

Teaches the concept of the camera frustum and the inner frustum rendered on the LED wall. Correct frustum setup prevents parallax errors visible in the final image.

Lesson 2 • Inside-Out and Hybrid Tracking

Introduces inside-out tracking technologies that do not require external infrastructure. Compares hybrid approaches that combine multiple tracking modalities.

Lesson 3 • Live Tracking Data Integration

Connects tracking hardware output to the real-time engine and LED control system. Students route and monitor live tracking data during a simulated shoot.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Camera Tracking

Explains how tracking systems translate physical camera movement into virtual camera data. Accurate tracking is the foundation of convincing ICVFX.

Lesson 1 • Procedural and Kit-Bash Environment Building

Teaches efficient environment construction using procedural tools and modular asset libraries. Reduces build time whilst maintaining visual quality for VP.

Lesson 2 • Physically Based Materials for LED Display

Develops PBR material workflows tuned for the colour and brightness characteristics of LED panels. Correct materials prevent over-exposure and colour shift on the volume.

Lesson 3 • Photogrammetry and 3D Scanning

Covers capture and processing of real-world geometry for use in virtual environments. Photogrammetry assets provide the photorealism demanded by ICVFX.

Lesson 4 • Environment Delivery and Version Control

Establishes workflows for packaging, versioning, and delivering environments to the stage. Reliable delivery prevents costly on-set delays.

Lesson 1 • Postvis and Editorial Integration

Explains how postvis placeholder shots maintain editorial continuity during post-production. Connects previs and postvis to the overall VP workflow.

Lesson 2 • Previs Fundamentals and Workflow

Introduces previsualisation as a planning tool and its integration into the VP pipeline. Establishes the deliverables expected from a previs package.

Lesson 3 • Virtual Scouting Techniques

Teaches how to explore and evaluate virtual environments before committing to a stage build. Virtual scouting reduces surprises on shoot day.

Lesson 4 • Techvis and Shot Engineering

Covers technical previsualisation that specifies equipment, camera moves, and stage logistics. Techvis bridges creative intent and physical production requirements.

Lesson 1 • Quality Control and Final Pixel Review

Establishes on-set QC processes to verify ICVFX shots meet delivery standards before moving on. Early QC prevents costly reshoots.

Lesson 2 • Camera and Lens Selection for ICVFX

Guides selection of cameras and lenses that minimise moiré, aliasing, and colour fringing on LED panels. Camera choice directly affects ICVFX image quality.

Lesson 3 • ICVFX Principles and Advantages

Defines ICVFX and explains why it reduces post-production costs and improves on-set performance. Frames the creative and logistical benefits for producers and directors.

Lesson 4 • Shooting Techniques for ICVFX

Covers camera movement, blocking, and staging strategies specific to LED volume shoots. Techniques maximise the illusion of depth and spatial realism.

Lesson 1 • Real-Time Data Visualisation and XR

Extends VP techniques to extended reality (XR) broadcast and live event applications. Students adapt film-focused VP skills to real-time XR production contexts.

Lesson 2 • Pipeline Automation and Scripting

Introduces scripting and automation to reduce manual tasks across the VP pipeline. Automation improves repeatability and reduces human error on complex shoots.

Lesson 3 • Motion Capture Integration with VP

Combines motion capture data with real-time environments for character-driven VP productions. Students synchronise mocap and LED volume systems in a live context.

Lesson 4 • Multi-Stage and Hybrid Production Design

Addresses productions that combine LED volumes, green screen, location, and studio stages. Students design integrated workflows that maintain consistency across all capture methods.