Breaking news! Vancouver Film School has officially partnered with Pixomondo (PXO) to provide a new offering to VFS students. Virtual Production: Virtual Art Department Content Creation is a 12-week microcredential, developed by Pixomondo, to teach creatives the fundamentals of content creation for virtual production in VFX.
As with all programs at VFS, the microcredential will be taught by industry professionals with direct experience in Virtual Production. By the end of the program, students will have developed the skillset necessary to pursue a career as a VAD Technical Artist, VAD Generalist, UE Technical Artist, VAD Concept Artist, UE Generalist, or UE Lighter.
Owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, Pixomondo is an Academy and Emmy award-winning virtual production and visual effects company with studios in Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and London. As trailblazers in their field, they hold the record for the largest virtual production stage in the world. PXO's work can be seen in Hugo, Game of Thrones, The Boys, House of the Dragon, Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender, and more.
The VFS/PXO collaboration will significantly broaden the prospects and creative exploration opportunities for future VFS students.Developed by PXO's VP Academy and offered through Seneca Polytechnic, the microcredential provides instruction from leading industry professionals, is taught exclusively online, and offers a cutting-edge education in an emerging creative field: Virtual Production. This new means of production, which allows studios to create immersive experiences in real-time, took off during the pandemic, expanding the possibilities for the media & entertainment industries to continue operating during this challenging time. The effectiveness of Virtual Production has allowed it to remain a current and relevant means of production in the industry and a valuable skill for all creatives to have in their toolbelt.
Jonathan Bell, VFS's Managing Director, commented: “Vancouver Film School is thrilled to be partnering with Pixomondo. Through our ever-increasing industry partnerships our school, more than any other, aims to work as closely with the industry as possible. As the industry evolves, VFS is committed to evolving alongside it and this new program is just the latest offering that will further embed the industry into our curriculum – expanding our students' career horizons and ability to explore new avenues within the creative industries.
We can't wait for our students to try out this new course! If this sounds like something that would be up your alley, start the process here.
FAQ
How does this microcredential specifically prepare students for the challenges and demands of the rapidly evolving virtual production industry?
This microcredential is designed to equip students with a comprehensive skillset tailored to the demands of virtual production. Through instruction from industry professionals with direct experience in virtual production, students learn the fundamentals of content creation for virtual environments. This includes mastering techniques for creating immersive and realistic virtual sets, understanding the workflow of virtual production pipelines, and gaining proficiency in tools and software commonly used in the industry. Additionally, the course emphasizes hands-on experience and practical projects to ensure students are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the rapidly evolving virtual production landscape.
With the growing prominence of virtual production in the entertainment industry, how does the collaboration between VFS and Pixomondo aim to address the need for skilled professionals in roles such as VAD Technical Artist and UE Generalist?
The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between industry demand and skilled professionals in the virtual production sector. The partnership provides students with the opportunity to specialize in roles such as VAD Technical Artist and UE Generalist, which are in high demand within the industry. Through curriculum development guided by industry experts and access to cutting-edge resources, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in these roles. This collaboration not only addresses the industry's need for qualified professionals but also enriches the educational experience for students by providing direct exposure to real-world industry practices and standards.
In what ways does the online-exclusive format of the microcredential cater to the needs and accessibility of aspiring creatives looking to enter the field of virtual production?
The online-exclusive format offers several advantages in terms of accessibility and flexibility for aspiring creatives worldwide. By removing geographical barriers, students from diverse backgrounds can enrol in the program without the need to relocate. This allows individuals to access high-quality education in virtual production from anywhere with an internet connection, catering to the global reach of both VFS and Pixomondo. Additionally, the online format enables students to balance their studies with other commitments, making it ideal for working professionals or those with busy schedules. Through interactive online platforms and virtual learning environments, students can engage with course materials, collaborate with peers, and receive personalized feedback from instructors, ensuring a rich and immersive learning experience despite the remote format.