Virtual Production Academy by Aptech equips the next generation of filmmakers for success

Mumbai November 28, 2024: The Virtual Production Academy by Aptech, India's first holistic end-to-end virtual production academy in Mumbai is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, offering students hands-on training, in-depth knowledge, and valuable exposure to the dynamic world of VFX, filmmaking and post-production. It is designed to prepare creative professionals with cutting-edge skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving world of film and television, gaming, advertising & marketing, education & training, architectural visualisation, live events and virtual concert, among others.

Launched in 2023, The Virtual Production Academy specializes in ICVFX (In-Camera Visual Effects) and motion capture, showcasing how innovative and modern tools are revolutionising the world of animation and VFX. ICVFX enables real-time integration of virtual environments, allowing actors to perform within digital settings, while motion capture (MoCap), captures their movements and expressions to create lifelike characters. These modern techniques are transforming the world of content creation, and The Virtual Production Academy aims to make it more efficient and accessible. Some recent use cases of the virtual production technology include notable titles like House of Dragons to create unique, legacy environment with wraparound LED screens that allowed its actors to perform in photorealistic, dynamic environments. Also, The Batman (2022), directed by Matt Reeves, used virtual production sets for certain sequences, including cityscapes and other complicated environments. They blended in-camera visual effects with real-time motion capture and the use of LED screens to give a more immersive environment for actors. Furthermore, popular OTT shows such as Russian Doll Season 2, Silo, Lupin, and The Penguin have been using virtual production technology in their making.

Speaking about the academy, Mr. Atul Jain, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Aptech Limited said, "In India, where the virtual production landscape is rapidly growing, the specially curated programs of The Virtual Production Academy is designed to equip students with advanced skills and insights. Our programs are expertly crafted to focus on real-world applications, equipping aspiring filmmakers with advanced skills in virtual set creation, in-camera VFX, and real-time CGI. Through immersive training, participants master these modern tools, including motion capture, working with and beyond green screens, LED walls, real-time rendering; placing our students at the forefront of this burgeoning industry. We are optimistic that virtual production and its training will unlock a vast array of exciting career opportunities for our students and filmmaking professionals in India and around the world."

The Academy offers professional courses that have the potential to transform novices into professionals, introducing them to a suite of industry-standard software tools, including RealityScan, Performance Capture with Rokoko, Aximmetry, Ultimatte, Unreal Engine, Adobe Substance Painter, and Quixel Mixer. The Academy further provides students with placement assistance with Aptech's renowned industry partners, and the current batch of students who are on the cusp of passing out are actively being sought by leading VFX studios and production houses in India and abroad.

Through collaborative projects, students get the opportunity to put their skills to use in real-world scenarios, working on their own virtual production projects. Upon completion of the specialised course, the students will receive a micro-credential (recognizing achievement in the AVGC industry) and have direct access to employment opportunities.

Recently, the students of The Virtual Production Academy achieved remarkable success by securing 2nd place in the MSI AI Award at the VIVE Mars Global Virtual Production Short Film Competition 2024. Working alongside their mentors, they created the award-winning short horror film, The Gift Box, which stands as a testament to the skill, creativity, and innovation fostered at the academy. This achievement underscores the academy's dedication to shaping the next generation of filmmakers with the skills and expertise to thrive in the advancing virtual production industry.