Virtual Production @ City Eye Film Network

Virtual production has revolutionised the way filmmakers create their projects, opening up new possibilities that were once impossible to achieve. Want an outer-space cruise? A waltz in the jungle? For the first time, filmmakers can look to make films that were once the sole delight of Hollywood but on a fraction of the budget.

The first notable virtual production came in the form of StageCraft and ‘the Mandalorian’ a Disney+ and Lucasfilm coproduction set in the Star Wars universe. It no longer mattered where in a galaxy far far away that the stories were based. Directors could capture the rolling vistas of Tatooine in a Californian warehouse instead of flying a cast and crew to battle scorching sun and sand-spoiled lenses in Tunisia. Not only did the practise significantly reduce costs (a necessity when bringing Star Wars to the small screen) but the carefully controlled sets made filming possible during the 2020-2021 worldwide lockdowns.
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It seemed the perfect storm. The rise of streaming services demanded a constant stream of quality content while audiences were unable to return to cinemas. In just a few short years there have been countless productions made using StageCraft technology. From caped crusaders in The Batman (2022) to flying mythical beasts in House of the Dragon (2022).

At City Eye, we have always removed the barriers that exist between filmmakers and the making of their films so it seemed only natural that we would embrace this new tool. In our upcoming March Film Network we will work with Solent University to showcase their new Virtual Production ‘volume' to our attendees. 
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Darren Kerr, Head of Film & Media at Solent University told us why he fought to have this new technology included in the curriculum.

"With the landscape of the industry evolving so quickly it is crucial that we prepare the next generation of creatives to shape the future of virtual production in all its forms."

Virtual production also allows for greater collaboration between artists and technicians. Filmmakers can work closely with designers, animators, and visual effects experts to create a seamless and immersive experience for the audience. This collaborative approach fosters creativity and innovation, leading to ground-breaking projects that push the limits of the medium.

Phil Griffiths, Education Lead for ​Framesync, introduced the VP studio at the March City Eye Film Network 2024. Phil bridges the gaps between technical, creative and logistic teams to produce impactful media and his work with Framesync empowers storytellers through virtual production technology.