A Career in Virtual Production: Skills, Roles and Opportunities

Through a mix of VFX, CGI, Mixed Reality and traditional production techniques, Virtual Production (VP) is pushing the boundaries of what is visually and practically possible in and out of TV & Film. This new medium is creating opportunities for creative talent across a range of practices - opportunities we’re bringing to you.

Gritty Talent is delivering two, free Skills Bootcamps in Virtual Production in partnership with the University of Bristol and MARS Academy. If you’d like to know more about the Skills Bootcamps, or the process of VP, you can read our recent blog post here. Applications close 23rd October 2024.

If you’re wondering what a career in VP could look like, we’ve got you covered! Let’s take a look at some of the roles and career opportunities in the Virtual Production space, and how your existing skills may directly transfer over to the fastest growing area of TV & Film production.

New Processes and New Opportunities

We’ve created this handy infographic which breaks down the various roles and career stages in VP, and illustrates how the skills you may already have transfer over to this growing method of production. Download it here for free. 

Entry roles in the VP space aren’t so dissimilar from their traditional counterparts. You have your runners and researchers, but you’ll also find more technically-orientated entry roles such as Data Assistant, Junior LED Technician and Virtual Production Assistant alongside Camera Assistant, Motion Capture Assistant, etc.

It’s from here that creatives can lean into their strengths and hone specific skill sets, leading to exciting career opportunities with plenty of progression…

Virtual Production Roles

Virtual Camera Operator

Skills: Cinematography, camera operation, virtual camera software, motion tracking.

Role Description: Controls virtual cameras in real-time environments, often using tracked rigs, tablets, or sensors. They use traditional camera techniques to capture the best angles and movements within a digital set.

Traditional Role: Camera Operator, Director of Photography (DoP).

Progresses to: Cinematographer, Director of Photography.

Volume Operator

Skills: Real-time engines (Unreal Engine), live video environments, 3D rendering, asset management.

Role Description: Manages the content displayed on the LED volume, ensuring the virtual environment is correctly rendered during shooting. They coordinate between different departments to ensure the virtual and physical environments work in sync.

Traditional Role: Lighting Technician, Gaffer, Camera Assistant.

Progresses to: Systems Technical Director, Virtual Production Supervisor.

Engine Operator

Skills: Real-time engine expertise (Unreal Engine), animation, 3D asset management, troubleshooting.

Role Description: Responsible for operating the real-time engine that generates live environments, loading assets, and adjusting scenes in real time. The Engine Operator plays a crucial role in creating the virtual world displayed in the production.

Traditional Role: Animator, Game Developer, VFX Artist.

Progresses to: Senior Engine Operator, Systems Technical Director.

Real-time Compositor

Skills: Compositing, 3D modelling, visual effects, real-time rendering.

Role Description: Combines various visual layers (2D and 3D elements) into a seamless final image in real time. They work with the LED volumes to adjust and refine the virtual environment during live shooting.

Traditional Role: VFX Compositor, Post-production Artist.

Progresses to: VFX Supervisor, Lead Compositor.

LED Engineer

Skills: IT knowledge, LED panel management, Lighting.

Role Description: Responsible for managing and maintaining the LED panels used in the volume. The LED Engineer ensures that the LED screens display accurate visuals during filming and handles any technical issues that arise.

Traditional Role: Lighting Engineer, Broadcast Technician, Video Engineer.

Progresses to: Systems Technical Director, Chief Technical Officer.

Previs 3-D Artist

Skills: Storyboarding, animation, 3-D modelling, scene blocking, camera staging.

Role Description: Previsualises scenes before they are shot, helping filmmakers map out complex sequences and camera angles. Previs Artists are essential in planning the visual look and feel of scenes within a virtual production.

Traditional Role: Storyboard Artist, Animator, Camera Operator.

Progresses to: VFX Supervisor, Director.

VFX Supervisor

Skills: Visual effects management, team leadership, real-time rendering, creative direction.

Role Description: Oversees all visual effects in a production, ensuring that VFX assets blend smoothly with real-time technology. They ensure the director’s vision is realised both creatively and technically.

Traditional Role: VFX Supervisor, Animator, Post-production Artist.

Progresses to: Director, Executive Producer.

Motion Capture Supervisor

Skills: Motion capture technologies, physics-based animation, rigging, team management.

Role Description: Leads the motion capture process, directing the collection of motion data to create realistic characters and objects in a virtual environment. They work closely with actors and technical teams to ensure accurate data transfer.

Traditional Role: Motion Capture Technician, Animator.

Progresses to: Head of Motion Capture, VFX Supervisor.

Systems Technical Director

Skills: Systems integration, hardware/software management, real-time engine knowledge, network infrastructure.

Role Description: Oversees the technical systems that power virtual production, managing everything from real-time engines and LED panels to servers and camera tracking systems. The Systems Technical Director ensures all technical components run smoothly and efficiently.

Traditional Role: Technical Director, Systems Administrator, IT Specialist.

Progresses to: Chief Technical Officer, Virtual Production Supervisor

Virtual Production Supervisor

Skills: Leadership, project management, real-time engine knowledge, team coordination.

Role Description: Manages the entire virtual production process, overseeing teams working with real-time technology and physical production crews. They ensure the seamless integration of all components - whether creative, technical, or logistical - into the final product.

Traditional Role: Producer, VFX Supervisor.

Progresses to: Executive Producer, Chief Technical Officer.

Kickstart your Virtual Production career today

As you can see, a career in VP is far from one dimensional. The Skills Bootcamps in Virtual Production can give you the skills you need to get your foot in the door and open you to new opportunities in TV, Film and beyond!

Remember, applications close on 23rd October 2024! You can apply for the Skills Bootcamp in Unreal Engine here.

Apply for the Skills Bootcamp in Sony VENICE 2 here.

*Skills Bootcamps are fully funded for learners. Small Medium Enterprises (less than 250 employees) will only fund 10% of the full cost of the Skills Bootcamp.