Pixotope launches virtual production education program

Pixotope has launched the Pixotope Education Program for virtual production students.

The program aims to provide access to the software and tools that drive virtual production, as well as link universities and colleges to experts from the Pixotope community.

It is open to all educational establishments offering programs and courses where virtual production skills and knowledge can be leveraged, and aims to work with its partners to develop curriculums that address the realities of on-set real-time virtual production.

Pixotope Education Program manager Carina Schoo said: “In speaking with our customers and partners, a lack of available virtual production talent is often named as the number one barrier to entry.

“We’ve reached the point where the technology is mature but we’re lacking a robust talent pool that can leverage that technology – that’s where the Pixotope Education Program comes in. With its launch we’re reaffirming our commitment to making virtual production accessible to all media producers, starting by building out the talent pipeline.”

She added: “Globally, colleges and universities struggle to develop timely curriculums that map back to the real world because the technology and workflows are evolving so quickly.

“The PEP addresses this by connecting educators with Pixotope’s network of partners and customers to hone in on what skills are most needed from the next generation of talent.”

Founder and creative director of U.K.-based virtual production studio, The Level, and Pixotope Education Program partner, Kevin Cooney, said: “Unlike traditional production workflows, there isn’t a vast 20-year archive of virtual production knowledge for us to fall back on. The industry is moving at such a rapid pace that it’s difficult to find talent who can creatively problem solve. We can build as many virtual production studios as we want but without the creative talent behind them, we’re at a massive disadvantage.”

It will also be possible to combine the education program with the Pixotope Certification Program. This will allow educational institutions to certify students and educators as Pixotope Experts based on a predetermined set of skills and knowledge. It is hoped this certification will be recognized across the industry and provide a common baseline for virtual production capabilities.