A new virtual production film academy has been launched in Dundee, with the next generation of technology-focused filmmakers beginning work on innovative films from scratch.

The Big Real Virtual Production Film Academy, a new programme led by Abertay University and supported by Screen Scotland, is designed to provide graduates and early-career filmmakers with access to industry-standard tech, expert mentorship, and professional resources, everything they need to develop their skills for creative storytelling. 

Based at Dundee’s CoSTAR Realtime Lab, two teams of recent graduates have already begun work at the Academy as part of an inaugural cohort of twenty participants, selected through a rigorous judging process led by a panel of industry professionals.

The group includes university graduates and emerging filmmakers from across Scotland, including alumni from Abertay University, Edinburgh Napier, the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, the University of the West of Scotland and Queen Margaret University.

Over the summer, the participants will be tasked with producing two short film projects, gaining hands-on experience at every stage of the filmmaking process by using the Academy’s state-of-the-art facilities.

That includes access to CoSTAR’s advanced studios, an LED virtual production wall at Water’s Edge in Dundee, as well as specialised resources like the ViPRE motion capture studio at Abertay University and dedicated recording and editing suites. 

Additionally, the Academy will host masterclasses and industry talks both in person at Water’s Edge and online, offering opportunities for participants to deepen their knowledge and enhance their filmmaking skills.

Recommended reading

• New Creative Studio to Boost Glasgow’s Tech Scene
• How Can Creative Industries Better Navigate AI’s Copyright Challenges?
• Black Founders to Benefit from Creative Tech Startup Support

“The Big Real Virtual Production Film Academy marks a significant step in shaping the future of filmmaking in Scotland by providing emerging talent with the opportunity to work with cutting-edge virtual production techniques and industry mentors,” said Phil Vaughan, senior lecturer and co-investigator at CoSTAR.

“The main aim of the programme is to create an environment where innovation, experimentation, and collaboration can thrive, with the ultimate goal of preparing the next generation for the industry’s evolving landscape.”

Launched earlier this year, the CoSTAR Realtime Lab has already been engaging with a number of creative companies and businesses as it looks to strengthen Dundee’s position in immersive media and virtual production technology.

Led by Abertay University in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, CodeBase, Interface, and Chroma Developments, the Realtime Lab has two sites in Dundee and one in Edinburgh, supported by a total investment of £9 million through UK Research and Innovation’s Infrastructure Fund.