dock10 expands training scheme to virtual studios

dock10 has expanded its craft training scheme to include virtual studios.

The scheme began earlier this year with the training of two camera assistants and two sound assistants.It aims to give sustained and meaningful experience, which can be difficult to find if people are freelance. 

Now, two junior virtual studio developers have been added, Aya Al-Bayati and Katie Bayman, working full time from the Salford facility.

Al-Bayati graduated this year from the University of Teesside with a degree in computer games art, while Bayman also graduated this year from Salford University with a degree in animation, specialising in 3D modelling and environments. Both are proficient with 3D computer graphics applications used to create virtual studio environments such as Autodesk Maya and Unreal Engine 4.

They will learn on the job as part of dock10’s virtual studios team.

Richard Wormwell, head of production innovation, said: “At dock10, we’ve seen an explosion in demand from programme makers who want to incorporate virtual elements in entertainment, sports, children’s and factual TV programmes. But there is a real skills shortage in virtual studios in the UK. We recognise it’s our responsibility to help grow the virtual studios’ talent pool and to invest in hands-on, practical training.

“We are delighted to expand dock10’s virtual studios team with the appointments of Aya and Katie as junior virtual studio developers.”