Inside the soundstages, students working towards the Virtual Production Undergraduate Certificate are combining traditional filmmaking with real-time digital environments displayed on massive LED walls.
The certificate program offers a comprehensive introduction to the rapidly evolving field of virtual production, bridging the gap between conventional film production practices and advanced digital workflows. Through direct engagement with state-of-the-art LED wall technology, real-time rendering, and virtual production pipelines, students are prepared for emerging roles in the entertainment industry.
On December 3, we visited the class to observe students actively working on projects inside the soundstages. Throughout the day, students filmed scenes in front of large LED screens displaying virtual environments developed during the course, demonstrating how virtual environments can be seamlessly integrated into live-action filmmaking.
The Virtual Production I course is co-taught by Virtual Reality Development Faculty Ana Carolina Pereira and Film Faculty Mark Perry and is taught on the soundstages. The introductory course brings together students from multiple departments, ensuring that all participants—regardless of their academic background—learn both cinematic and real-time 3D workflows side by side. The curriculum covers the virtual production pipeline, including environment assembly, display configuration, and filming techniques specific to LED walls.
Collaboration is a central focus of the course. Students work together to develop a shared technical and creative language across disciplines while learning essential tools and workflows. The class culminates in individual projects where students design, operate, and film their own virtual production scenes from start to finish.
“For me, getting the chance to take this class and learn hands-on has been so helpful,” said Danny Connolly ’26, Film. “We get to work from start to finish on designing scenes, putting them on the LED wall, and finally shooting and editing the scenes on set. I really feel ready to go into the industry with all the knowledge and experience I’ve gotten from class.”
Upon completing the Virtual Production Certificate, students demonstrate technical proficiency in real-time rendering, LED wall operation, and camera tracking; apply artistic decision-making that enhances storytelling and visual quality; and perform effectively in collaborative crew roles within professional virtual production environments.
The nine-credit certificate includes Virtual Production I and Virtual Production II, along with either a Film Internship or the Virtual Post-Production class. Together, these courses provide a focused pathway for students seeking practical experience and industry-relevant skills in virtual production.
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