As one of the first of its kind worldwide, Flinders is excited to launch the Master of Virtual Production in semester 1 of 2023. The degree covers everything from virtual production, motion capture, virtual reality and visual effects and therefore caters to the seismic change in the film and television landscape.

The Master of Virtual Production will be taught at Flinders’ purpose-built motion capture studio, The Void by practising virtual production specialist Jason Bevan and The Void’s Lead Technician Cameron Mackness.

What is virtual production?

If you’re not familiar with the term yet, you will be very soon. In 2020, virtual production gained popularity with the Disney + series, The Mandalorian.

Instead of filming in live environments, LED screens and game engine technology such as Unreal Engine are used to create digital backgrounds behind physical sets. Significantly reducing the need for additional post-production work in comparison to green screen techniques, actors are filmed and lit by LED walls and panels surrounding them and the integration takes place ‘in-camera’.

Another possibility is using a physically tracked camera and motion capture technology to replicate traditional cinematography techniques entirely within a digital world. Here, the cinematographer can synchronise the movement of the camera with the environment to create realistic perspective shifts.

Experiment in The Void

Embedded in the Void, the Master of Virtual Production lets you use the same state-of-the-art technologies as Disney works with during your studies. As the only studio of its kind in the state, lots of South Australia-based companies experiment in The Void and test new technologies.

You will be at the forefront, learning from leading industry experts who will help you build creative portfolios and teach you hands-on skills that are not only technical but will give you expertise in project management, industry standards and financing.

Careers in virtual production

The film and television industries are shifting and now is the time to jump on board. This emerging field offers a variety of in-demand roles – and there will be more by the time you graduate.

Jobs in virtual production include:

• Virtual Production Coordinator
• Previz Artists
• Technical Director
• Unreal Generalist
• Engine Lighting TD
• VFX Production Assistant
• Pipeline TD
• VFX Artists
• Motion Capture TD

Study Virtual Production at Flinders

You don’t need a portfolio to enrol, all that’s required is a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. Come to Australia’s only university course with a virtual production studio embedded in the education and make the most of Flinders industry partnerships with global players such as Technicolor and Motion Picture Company, Facewear Tech, Unreal Engine and Fika Entertainment.

What are you waiting for? Apply now.