Virtual Film Production

A virtual production studio.

Help create a virtual film production studio, using VR and game engines to expand live-action filmmaking capabilities. 

Project description

"Virtual Production" refers to the crossover of videogame and virtual reality technologies with live-action filmmaking, creating digital sets, characters, and effects that combine with actors in real time. The technique came to prominence with its use in Disney's "The Mandalorian", and is becoming a significant tool in film and television production. It is considered an "entertainment technology", but can also be used for work in documentary, cultural heritage, education, and experimental media art.

Within the Department of Media Study, we have the necessary tools and experience – video production equipment and facilities, a virtual reality lab, and game development software. The objective of this project is for a team of students to put all the pieces together into a permanent virtual production studio, to document its use, and to plan and create a demonstration film with it. 

Project outcome

Students will learn to use the full range of virtual production tools - software such as game engines, 3D modeling, photogrammetry, and generative AI for creating virtual environments; hardware such as VR tracking and displays, and traditional cameras & lighting, for filmmaking in the virtual world.

Students will be able to research and analyze new technologies for digital art-making.

Students will gain experience making a short film that features digital environments and visual effects. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment About a semester; 3-5 months
Start time Fall (August/September) 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project (can only function with in-person engagement) 
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students) 
Benefits Academic credit
Who is eligible
 Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors who have experience in either digital art, film/video production, computer programming, 3D modeling 

Project mentor

Dave Pape

Associate Professor

Media Study

Phone: (716) 645-0939

Email: depape@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

  • Share portfolio of student's past work & skills
  • Group meeting to discuss team members' roles 

Keywords

Film, Video, Virtual Reality, Games, Media Study, Computer Science