PROJECT OUTCOMES
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME 01 :
This is a Whitepaper describing Skills & Needs and related educational strategies recommended for strengthening VP as a growth area. The Whitepaper distils insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and various virtual production guides, and it merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS LANDSCAPE REVIEW :
The White Paper explores the Knowledge and Skills Landscape of the Virtual Production domain. It provides a structured examination catering to industry stakeholders, educators, researchers, and students. The paper initially covers Production Planning, Workflow, and Organization, Organizational and Management Skills, Pipelines, Pipeline Management, and Data Management, offering a comprehensive view of Virtual Production’s evolution.
The paper moves on to analyze Approaches to Learning and Development, including High-Level Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Working, Situated Learning, Collaborative & Peer-Learning, Communities of Practice, T-Skills, T-Teams, Competences for the Virtual Production industry, and the importance of Lifelong Learning.
Additionally, it dissects Virtual Production Processes and Practices, evaluating Visualization Pipelines, Virtualization Pipelines, the Cinematography Pipeline, and the role of the Virtual Production Stage.
It concludes with an exploration of Virtual Production Information Resources, encompassing Tools & Systems, Training, VP Assets, Creative Skills Reports, and an examination of Virtual Production’s potential for Environmental Impact.
The “IO_1 Skills and Needs Whitepaper” distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations, showcasing how internal knowledge exchange propels innovation. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of internal learning initiatives in adapting to technological shifts. Overall, the White Paper presents a holistic view of the virtual production landscape, connecting practical wisdom with industry trends, and emphasizing collaborative growth and continuous learning.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME 02A :
This is a s a previsualisation tool that allows the users to place, manipulate and configure key components of a Virtual Studio Set ( VSS ). The tool provides a hands-on experience of configuring studio setups and manipulating components, offering a tangible sense of how creative decisions impact the virtual environment. Users can experiment with factors like Studio Size, Camera Type, Lighting, and more.
CONCEPT DEMONSTRATOR:
The concept demonstrator is a unique previsualization tool. It enables users to arrange and customize all included Virtual Studio Set (VSS) components, encompassing both digital and physical aspects. Notably absent from most commercial platforms, this tool empowers non-tech-savvy creatives to independently previsualize VSS.
Directors, Cinematographers, and Production Designers use interactive VSS assets for versatile studio designs. Upgrades are planned, offering expanded functionality and continuous alignment with technology.
In this version, users can manipulate Studio Size, Virtual Environment Scale, Screen Size, Digital/Physical Props, Set Pieces, Camera Type, Focal Length, Lights, Tracking, and Dynamic Elements (e.g., Performers and Virtual Agents) across the full spectrum of planned VSS.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME 02B :
This is an educational tool, which offers an interactive overview of Virtual Production’s diverse departments, spanning Ideation, Story Development, Previsualization, Requirement Capture, and beyond. It acts as a roadmap, revealing the interdependencies among these stages. Learners navigate this tool to gain insights into departmental coordination, realizing how ideas transform into reality.
Process Demonstrator:
This demonstrator offers an interactive overview of the departments involved in the Ideation, Story Development, Previsualisation, Requirement Capture, Floor Planning, Preproduction, 3D Asset Production, Testing, Adaptation, Production Planning, Recording, Editing, Sound Engineering, and VFX steps of a Virtual Production process.
In this, the process demonstrator serves as an interactive roadmap of the entire Virtual Production process. It breaks down the multifaceted journey from ideation to post-production, shedding light on the diverse departments and stages involved. By exploring this tool, learners gain overview and grasp details of the interdependencies of film-making departments and understand how content evolves from idea to realisation. An important outcome is learners’ appreciation of the importance of coordination.
It is produced with forward looking approach, as it is designed to be dynamic, allowing for continuous updates and the inclusion of additional content as new tech, knowledge and routines become available.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME 03 :
The courses included in this catalogue provide students with an understanding of how to arrange and conduct either a full virtual production project, specific parts of a virtual production project or how to seek and cultivate knowledge from Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) areas, relevant to virtual production projects’ design, planning and production processes.
COURSE CATALOGUE:
The courses in the catalogue have been selected and/or developed based upon insights rendered during the VIPROS Labstudies, Course Trials and Workshops. All courses have been thoroughly examined by all four VIPROS partners and their pertinent review mechanisms.
The courses included in this catalogue provide students with an understanding of how to arrange and conduct either a full virtual production project, specific parts of a virtual production project or how to seek and cultivate knowledge from Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) areas, relevant to virtual production projects’ design, planning and production processes. This way, the included courses can also facilitate STEAM collaborations in general and a bridging of skill gaps between the STEAM areas, which is conducive for innovation beyond virtual production.
In STEAM collaborations, scientists and technologists contribute rigorous analytical methodologies, while artists and mathematicians provide creative and abstract thinking. Engineers offer practical problem-solving skills, and the artistic perspective introduces alternative viewpoints. The synergy of these disciplines encourages a holistic approach to addressing complex challenges.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME 04 :
This is a Didactic Material Online Repository. It has served as an exclusive internal file server within the VIPROS project, accessible only to project team members. It has been a centralized repository for tutorial videos, manuals, and educational resources. These materials, available in various formats like videos, PDFs, and PPTs, were uploaded after undergoing design, production, editing, and formatting processes.
REPOSITORY
A project like VIPROS greatly benefits from the implementation of a centralized file repository, exemplified by the Didactic Materials Online Repository. The advantages of having such a centralized approach are manifold. This centralization streamlines resource management, ensuring that all project team members can easily access and utilize these materials. It eliminates the need for fragmented storage methods and minimizes risk of file duplication.
With all educational materials stored in one place, the project can maintain consistency in data organization and storage. This uniformity is essential for clarity and cohesion within the project’s educational resources.
By restricting access to project team members, the repository also enhances data security. This controlled environment safeguards sensitive materials from accidental external dissemination.
Finally, the repository simplifies the distribution of educational materials to their intended destinations.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME 05 :
The VIPROS Dissemination Package has evolved in both volume and complexity over the project period. Initially delivering internal information to the participants conducting exploratory innovation and requiring effective knowledge sharing. In later stages it has involved increasingly more advanced interactive presentations and finally delivering fully interactive showcases with real-time features, real-time motion tracking and VSS elements.
PRESENTATIONS AND SHOW-CASES:
Dissemination has had a key role in the VIPROS project, as it served several functions that are integral to the project’s overall success. These functions were grounded in the project’s objectives, the nature of its intellectual outputs, and its mission to advance knowledge and capabilities in the field of Virtual Production.
By presenting outputs and making its results accessible to a broader audience, VIPROS aims to contribute to the advancement of understanding of both benefits and challenges of Virtual Production. Therefore, dissemination has been visually concrete and involved advanced high-end showcasing of Virtual Production.
Ultimately, dissemination is the linchpin that connects the VIPROS project to its impact and audience. It allows the project to share knowledge, maximize its impact, enhance educational outreach, raise awareness, foster collaboration and receive valuable feedback. Effective dissemination is critical for the success and relevance of VIPROS in advancing Virtual Production and addressing skills deficits in the Creative Industries.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME 06 :
The project website serves as a centralized information hub with a dual function . On one hand it delivers general information about the project to wider audiences. On the other hand, it compiles project-related resources, materials, and outputs in one easily accessible digital space for educators.
This organized repository of content includes the whitepaper, educational materials, course catalogue, documentation, and the two demonstrators.
WEBSITE:
A key function of the VIPROS project has been to share knowledge and insights related to Virtual Production. The website is a powerful platform for disseminating this knowledge on a global scale. It provides an avenue for project partners to publish research findings, educational materials, and best practices. Furthermore, the website enables the project to reach a broader and more diverse audience, extending beyond the project’s core communities and benefit a wider range of stakeholders interested in Virtual Production.
The website plays a pivotal role in supporting educational outreach. It hosts the “EDUCATOR SECTION” making valuable educational resources accessible to students and educators. The online availability of these materials enhances the learning experience, empowers educators, and expands the knowledge base of students, ultimately contributing to the development of a highly skilled Virtual Production workforce.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME 07 :
The VIPROS Co-Operation & Dialogue Network is an innovative way to combine three measures: quality assurance, dissemination and sustainability and is achieved via a blend of student involvement and student networking. Students’ involvement ensured continuous collection of feedback on the project’s progress and results, which has helped identify “real-world needs” identified in very real perspectives.
OUTREACH NETWORK:
VIPROS recognizes the pivotal role of students in the success and relevance of the project. The Co-Operation & Dialogue Network introduced an innovative approach by actively involving students in the project’s ongoing quality assurance process. By collecting feedback and insights from students who directly engage with project activities, materials, and outcomes, VIPROS ensured a practical and student-centric quality assurance mechanism. Students serve as authentic evaluators of the project’s progress, results, and intended impacts.
Their feedback represents real-world perspectives, enriching the project’s continuous improvement cycle that extends beyond traditional educational institution boundaries. An innovative feature of this approach is its built-in feedback loop. In cases where students identify mismatches between project objectives and industry needs or their own career aspirations, they have a direct channel for informing project partners. This real-time feedback mechanism not only fosters transparency and collaboration but also promotes a nimble and adaptive approach to project implementation.
NEW ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 01: THE RE:SEARCH GROUP
The continuous research and explorations in Scandinavia’s largest research group, re:search extends the VIPROS project results . The group formed during the VIPROS project and was instituted at an assembly, held at the National Film School of Denmark. Instituting members were the VIPROS partners, Aalborg University, DK, Aalto University, FI, Luleå Tecjnical University, SE, National Film School of Denmark, DK, and NORD university, NO.
The re:search group focus
The creative industries are increasingly influenced by opportunities and disruptions caused by technological advances, the climate crisis and convergence. Therefore, re:search partners recognize the value of correlations between Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts & Math ( STEAM ) fields in the education of future graduates headed for the creative industries or artistic research. The members regard VP as an optimal vehicle for rendering new insights and fostering innovation based on exchanges between Film/TV/Games enterprise, artistic research, and education. Hence, VP is the re:search core context.
All members have VP specific competencies that, when combined deliver the prerequisites for establishing strong knowledge triangles and defining related research initiatives, projects, and activities. This makes the members highly complementary. The group’s definitions and recommendations cannot be derived from regional sector specificities or aligned with niche work practices. Therefore, re:search is an international, and cross-domain research group.
ACTIVITY 02: PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Another initiative bolting on the VIPROS project is the partners’ professional training / lifelong learning courses for film/TV and games professionals.
The first instalment of such courses was a four-day interdisciplinary “hands-on” course for Producers, Directors, Cinematographers and Production Designers, arranged in collaboration between the Norwegian Film Institute and the Norwegian Film School.
The Conceptual Understanding Course
Continuous education is key to professionals in the film, TV, and games sectors, as these dynamic fields are marked by rapid technological advancements, demanding that practitioners stay abreast of the latest tools and techniques. Understanding of cutting-edge equipment and new methods is paramount for maintaining the sectors’ competitiveness and ensuring the delivery of high-quality content
VP’s elevated demand for interdisciplinary collaboration between film / TV, games and AV-tech. is another core aspect of the courses, providing professionals a broad understanding of the entire VP process but also encouraging participants’ in-depth exploration of the VP potential in their individual disciplines. All the while, the courses’ cross-disciplinary format fosters knowledge exchange across fields and disciplines by training effective communication and collaboration between different departments. In essence, these courses for professionals in film, TV, and games serve as a linchpin for skill refinement, and adaptation to the ever-changing landscape of these creative industries.
NEXTGEM, AN ERASMUS MUNDUS DESIGN MEASURES PROJECT
NEXTGEM is an Erasmus Mundus Design Measures project, which aims to develop an Erasmus Mundus study programme focused on VP. A host of results from VIPROS form the framework for developing an interdisciplinary and co-creative masters for compatible and complementary students from Arts and Science fields. This, to prompt knowledge exchanges across industry sectors and foster innovation.
NEXTGEM EMDM
NEXTGEM’s core unique selling point is its innovative study programme concept. A concept that brings together students from Art and Science domains to study in parallel/conjunction, as well as collaborate in interdisciplinary cross-domain teams. Teamwork that lets students co-create innovative products in innovative ways and foster “student-to-student” networks across related STEAM fields.
A key target for the teamwork, ingrained in the NEXTGEM concept, is to equip students with “T-shaped” skillsets that combine deep expertise in a specific area and broad, transferable abilities. The “vertical leg” represents the specialized skills, while the “horizontal leg” symbolizes the interdisciplinary skills that enable cross-functional collaboration. These skillsets are optimal for working in VP, but also demand significant resources to train – and are therefore hard to acquire. Therefore, NEXTGEM, will ingrain rotational mobility mechanisms, which capitalizes on the full range of partners’ complementary capacities, pools their resources, and thus enable students to produce high-end projects that showcase both their individual and combined skills in context of their results.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME ACTIVITY 04 :
Another initiative bolting on the VIPROS project is the partners’ professional training / lifelong learning courses for film/TV and games professionals.
The first instalment of such courses was a four-day interdisciplinary “hands-on” course for Producers, Directors, Cinematographers and Production Designers, arranged in collaboration between the Norwegian Film Institute and the Norwegian Film School.
Skills and Needs Whitepaper:
The ‘IO_1 Skills and Needs Whitepaper’ distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations, showcasing how internal knowledge exchange propels innovation. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of internal learning initiatives in adapting to technological shifts. Overall, the whitepaper presents a holistic view of the virtual production landscape, connecting practical wisdom with industry trends, and emphasizing collaborative growth and continuous learning.
The ‘IO_1 Skills and Needs Whitepaper’ distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations, showcasing how internal knowledge exchange propels innovation. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of internal learning initiatives in adapting to technological shifts. Overall, the whitepaper presents a holistic view of the virtual production landscape, connecting practical wisdom with industry trends, and emphasizing collaborative growth and continuous learning.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME ACTIVITY 05 :
NEXTGEM is an Erasmus Mundus Design Measures project, which aims to develop an Erasmus Mundus study programme focused on VP. A host of results from VIPROS form the framework for developing an interdisciplinary and co-creative masters for compatible and complementary students from Arts and Science fields. This, to prompt knowledge exchanges across industry sectors and foster innovation.
Skills and Needs Whitepaper:
The ‘IO_1 Skills and Needs Whitepaper’ distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations, showcasing how internal knowledge exchange propels innovation. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of internal learning initiatives in adapting to technological shifts. Overall, the whitepaper presents a holistic view of the virtual production landscape, connecting practical wisdom with industry trends, and emphasizing collaborative growth and continuous learning.
The ‘IO_1 Skills and Needs Whitepaper’ distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations, showcasing how internal knowledge exchange propels innovation. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of internal learning initiatives in adapting to technological shifts. Overall, the whitepaper presents a holistic view of the virtual production landscape, connecting practical wisdom with industry trends, and emphasizing collaborative growth and continuous learning.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME ACTIVITY 06 :
This is a Whitepaper describing Skills & Needs and related educational strategies recommended for strengthening VP as a growth area. distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations.
Skills and Needs Whitepaper:
The ‘IO_1 Skills and Needs Whitepaper’ distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations, showcasing how internal knowledge exchange propels innovation. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of internal learning initiatives in adapting to technological shifts. Overall, the whitepaper presents a holistic view of the virtual production landscape, connecting practical wisdom with industry trends, and emphasizing collaborative growth and continuous learning.
The ‘IO_1 Skills and Needs Whitepaper’ distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations, showcasing how internal knowledge exchange propels innovation. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of internal learning initiatives in adapting to technological shifts. Overall, the whitepaper presents a holistic view of the virtual production landscape, connecting practical wisdom with industry trends, and emphasizing collaborative growth and continuous learning.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME ACTIVITY 07 :
This is a Whitepaper describing Skills & Needs and related educational strategies recommended for strengthening VP as a growth area. distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations.
Skills and Needs Whitepaper:
The ‘IO_1 Skills and Needs Whitepaper’ distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations, showcasing how internal knowledge exchange propels innovation. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of internal learning initiatives in adapting to technological shifts. Overall, the whitepaper presents a holistic view of the virtual production landscape, connecting practical wisdom with industry trends, and emphasizing collaborative growth and continuous learning.
The ‘IO_1 Skills and Needs Whitepaper’ distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations, showcasing how internal knowledge exchange propels innovation. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of internal learning initiatives in adapting to technological shifts. Overall, the whitepaper presents a holistic view of the virtual production landscape, connecting practical wisdom with industry trends, and emphasizing collaborative growth and continuous learning.
INTELLECTUAL OUTCOME ACTIVITY 08 :
This is a Whitepaper describing Skills & Needs and related educational strategies recommended for strengthening VP as a growth area. distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations.
Skills and Needs Whitepaper:
The ‘IO_1 Skills and Needs Whitepaper’ distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations, showcasing how internal knowledge exchange propels innovation. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of internal learning initiatives in adapting to technological shifts. Overall, the whitepaper presents a holistic view of the virtual production landscape, connecting practical wisdom with industry trends, and emphasizing collaborative growth and continuous learning.
The ‘IO_1 Skills and Needs Whitepaper’ distills insights from industry consultations, secondary research, and virtual production guides. It merges real-world insights and challenges drawn from consultations, complemented by a wider industry perspective from research and reports. Particularly, it spotlights the value of partner collaborations, showcasing how internal knowledge exchange propels innovation. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of internal learning initiatives in adapting to technological shifts. Overall, the whitepaper presents a holistic view of the virtual production landscape, connecting practical wisdom with industry trends, and emphasizing collaborative growth and continuous learning.
