Real-Time Virtual Production

Real-Time Virtual Production

This course supports learners employed in the film, games, and media industries to upskill and reskill in Unreal Engine for virtual production and game development.



What is Real-Time Virtual Production?

Real-time virtual production is transforming the way films and media are created, by combining live-action footage with digitally generated environments and effects in real time. Powered by cutting-edge technologies such as Unreal Engine, virtual production enables filmmakers to create and visualize fully immersive environments during filming, rather than relying on traditional post-production workflows. This allows for greater creative freedom and real-time decision-making on set, blending the lines between the physical and virtual worlds.



Using Unreal Engine, a leading real-time 3D creation tool, virtual production integrates live-action performances with pre-visualized digital elements like sets, effects, and lighting. This seamless interaction between physical and digital elements allows filmmakers to visualize final shots immediately, helping to enhance storytelling and optimize production time.



Course Objectives

In this course, you will:

• Learn how to leverage Unreal Engine as a key tool for real-time virtual production, focusing on its application in creating digital environments, live compositing, and integrating visual effects.

• Understand virtual production pipelines, from pre-visualization to final output, and how these workflows relate to both your personal and professional projects.

• Gain practical experience with the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to work to a professional standard in virtual production, with a special focus on the role of Unreal Engine in the film and media industries.



What is this course about?

This course is about learning how to use Unreal, a powerful real-time engine, to create visual content that can be used both in video games and in film production. It explores the similarities and differences in content creation for these two industries and provides hands-on experience in adapting game development tools for film and animation projects. The primary focus is on the technical skills and creative techniques needed to efficiently transition game assets and scenes into visual narratives.



Are there any Equipment Requirements?

A system capable of running Unreal find minimum specs here:

https://dev.epicgames.com/documentation/en-us/unreal-engine/hardware-and-software-specifications-for-unreal-engine

What will I study?

1. Introduction to Unreal Engine for Film and Games

2. Real-Time Cinematography

3. Asset Integration + Management

4. Real-Time Rendering Techniques

5. Narrative + Interactive Storytelling

Minimum Entry Requirements

This course is suitable for students who have an undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Honours Degree level. Experience of the media industries is an additional advantage.



Applicants without a Level 8 qualification may be considered provided they can demonstrate Honours Degree equivalence which can be verified through the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.



Portfolio: No

20th January 2025 - 3rd March 2025

Classes take place online on:

Monday, 20th January (7pm – 9.30pm)

Monday, 27th January (7pm – 9.30pm)

Tuesday, 4th February (7pm – 9.30pm)

Monday, 10th February (7pm – 9.30pm)

Monday, 17th February (7pm – 9pm)

Monday, 24th February (7pm – 9pm)

Monday, 3rd March (7pm – 9pm)



Classes take place on campus from 10am to 1pm on:

Saturday, 15th February

Saturday, 1st March

Start date: 20th January 2025