Virtual Production
Virtual Art Department Content Creation
Master Virtual Production with Sony’s Pixomondo in a 12-week online program
Vancouver Film School has partnered with Sony’s Pixomondo (PXO) to offer a 12-week, online certificate program for experienced artists to upgrade their skillset with the fundamentals of content creation for virtual production. PXO is a multi-award winning VFX and Virtual Production studio with credits including Game of Thrones, The Boys, House of the Dragon, and more.
As the demand for virtual production rises in film and television, there is a rapidly growing need for professionals to fill the roles of Virtual Art Department artists. Apply today and answer the industry’s call!
Classes start June 2, 2025 – register quickly as very limited seats are available! This is an unparalleled opportunity to upgrade your virtual production skills with VFS and Sony Pixomondo.
Cost:
$9,475 CAD
Duration:
12-week online program
Dates:
June 2 – August 22, 2025
Time:
Mondays to Fridays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. PDT
*To secure your spot, you must pay a non-refundable deposit of $175 on Eventbrite (will be applied to tuition costs). The remaining tuition will be paid (at once or in 3 instalments) through VFS. VFS Admissions will contact you after your deposit has been received to discuss next steps. You can reach Admissions at [email protected] if you have any questions.
About the Program
Sony’s Pixomondo program will train students to become professional Virtual Art Department Artists through immersion in Unreal Engine and Virtual Production processes. PXO’s VAD program teaches students how to use the necessary technology to generate virtual environments and assets for film and television productions and prepares them to work on projects that involve LED Walls.
The program is divided into three courses over 12 weeks (100 hours): 1) Core Techniques in Visualization, 2) Virtual Production Content Creation, and 3) Unreal Performance Optimization. By the end of the program, students will gain an online certificate in virtual production and 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.
As a student of VFS’s Virtual Art Department Content Creation certificate program, you will also be entitled to 25% off any VFS CONNECT part-time certificate course or workshop. Learn more about CONNECT here.
- Demonstrated capability in using Unreal Engine (UE) to create high-quality real-time assets, environments, and effects.
- Proficiency in 3D scanning and photogrammetry processes to translate real-world objects into digital assets.
- Ability to utilize UE’s lighting and modelling tools to design and optimize virtual spaces for film and TV production.
Creative Development:
- Enhanced ability to conceptualize and implement concept designs for ICVFX.
- Develop a strong portfolio showcasing a range of environments and assets designed and built with UE.
Production Workflow Integration in Virtual Production:
- In-depth understanding of the VP pipeline from pre-production to post-production.
- Familiarity with on-set roles and etiquette, as well as the collaborative and technical demands of working on a film or TV set.
Troubleshooting and Optimization:
- Competency in troubleshooting and optimizing virtual production setups for efficiency and performance.
- Skillful use of Blueprints to streamline workflows and automate tasks within the VP environment.
- Windows PC capable of running Unreal Engine and conferencing software (View full system requirements)
- Internet connection capable of 50 MBPS (minimum) for downloads and 10 MBPS for uploads (minimum)
- Ethernet (non-WiFi) connection is recommended
- Dual monitor setup is recommended
- This program will be run using Microsoft Operating System. Although alternative operating systems may be used, instructors will only be able to assist you with Microsoft-related technical issues
*Note: Access to Unreal Engine will be provided during the program.
- A basic understanding of Unreal Engine.
- A good understanding of DCCs like Maya, Houdini, Max, Blender, etc.
What is Virtual Art Department?
The Virtual Art Department (VAD) is where a production’s imagined settings and characters come to life. Using the latest design tools, artists craft the visual elements of a new world. The VAD team helps all departments go from the concept art to the final pixel. In this department, the production decides which assets are built for the LED volume and which are physically constructed.
VAD artists develop preliminary digital environments that allow Directors and Cinematographers to test out scenes, different looks, and lighting choices. This allows the Directors and Cinematographers to experience various setups before filming, enhancing their creative freedom and building upon a consistent and strong vision from the beginning.
The Future of Virtual Production
The Virtual Production industry is experiencing significant growth across Canada, North America, and globally, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for high-quality visual content. Sony’s Pixomondo program is the fastest way to be trained for this robust industry.
• The current global value of the Virtual Production market is estimated at $3.21 billion and is forecasted to reach $11.02 billion by 2034 – a growth rate of early 15%.
• In Canada, this industry has also seen growth, particularly in creative hubs like Vancouver, leading to increased demand for skilled artists and technicians and starting salaries of approximately $65,000.
• There are a variety of careers for artists who specialize in VAD, including VAD Technical Artist, VAD Generalist, UE Technical Artist, VAD Concept Artist, UE Generalist, or UE Lighter.
About Sony’s Pixomondo
Sony’s Pixomondo (PXO) is an Oscar, BAFTA, and Emmy-winning creative, innovation, and technology company which delivers Visualization, Virtual Production, VFX, and Engineering for top tier film and episodic projects. Their work can be seen in Hugo, Game of Thrones, The Boys, House of the Dragon, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, and more. Through their 23-year history, PXO has been a creative and technology partner for industry-leading storytellers working in feature films and episodic production. Using interactive technology and proprietary software and tools, PXO brings ideas to life by virtually immersing filmmakers in the worlds they build, throughout every stage of the creative process.
FAQ
1. What is the Virtual Art Department Content Creation program?
VFS’s Virtual Production program, developed by Sony’s Pixomondo, is a 12-week online virtual production certificate program at Vancouver Film School. It’s designed to train experienced artists in the fundamentals of virtual art department content creation for the entertainment industry.
2. What is Pixomondo, and why is this VFS Pixomondo partnership significant?
Pixomondo, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, is a multi-award-winning VFX and virtual production studio known for projects like Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. This partnership will offer a new opportunity at VFS for established creators to acquire highly sought-after skills in virtual production, including cutting-edge technology and techniques.
3. What skills will students learn in this program?
Students will develop advanced technical proficiency in Unreal Engine, LED Walls for virtual production, 3D scanning & photogrammetry, and digital asset creation for film & TV, as well as creative skills for designing virtual environments, integrating production workflows, and optimizing virtual setups.
4. What are the prerequisites for enrolling?
Applicants should have a basic understanding of Unreal Engine and familiarity with digital content creation tools such as Maya, Houdini, Max, or Blender. A Windows PC meeting the specified hardware requirements and a reliable internet connection are also needed.
5. When does the program start, and how can I register?
The program’s first intake runs June 2 to August 22, 2025. To secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit of $175 must be paid through the provided Eventbrite registration link. You can register here.