Hi3 Network: Understanding Virtual Production

We are delighted to announce the first in-person conference held by Hi3 Network will take place on Wednesday 8 December 2021.

This event is an opportunity to network with businesses, academic researchers and industry peers, as well delve deep into the driving forces behind the development of virtual production workflows and the possibilities this opens up to the film and entertainment industry. Virtual Production will be a key focus of the conference and we’ll be joined by a selection of guest speakers and academics to explore the big questions that surround virtual production, including skills gaps, cost and affordability and the need for a collaborative approach from pre-to-post production.

Virtual Production is a new emerging technology using game rendering engine techniques as well as in-camera VFX to mimic real life environments. Integrating virtual production within exiting and established production pipelines results in scalable and efficient workflows that are more cost-effective options in the long run. The benefits of virtual production are bound to go beyond the film and entertainment industry, and Hi3 Network is researching and exploring where this new technology can be applied.

This conference will be of interest to businesses working in creative technologies or interested in applying creative technologies to future-proof their business. It will also be of interest to researchers in the creative industries, as well as any industry experts or specialists who have yet to connect and collaborate with the Hi3 Network community.

Spaces are limited and therefore restricted to two per registration.

The following panel discussions are delivered in collaboration with ARRI, On Set Facilities, Perforce, and Hi3 Network Partners.

Agenda

11am: Welcome and refreshments

11:30 am (60mins) Panel discussion

‘Virtual Production; Getting into the game’ – a look at skills and training required for new VP talent to emerge, what resources already exist across the UK in regards to studios and VP hubs for independents to use and also a big picture discussion on industry direction with VP techniques for content creation.

12:30pm (60mins) Panel discussion

‘Accessible, affordable, scalable virtual production’ exploring the barriers between big budget and small budget productions and how VP can help to solve big expense on costs like crewing. This discussion will also consider the wider benefits of using VP techniques as a sustainable solution to international collaboration and production.

1:30pm: Break and Networking

2:15pm (45mins) On Set Facilities present GODBOX – Powering VR/AR applications at scale.

3pm (90mins) The Big Questions – chaired by Professor Lizzie Jackson, LSBU

A deep-dive into the main questions surrounding Virtual Production. A discussion between academics, industry providers and manufacturers and creative tech SMEs.

This conversation will explore new terminology being used; the computing-power required to support and further advance VP and the importance of collaboration across previously separated disciplines to work together within the convergent space of Virtual Production.

4:30pm (30mins) Break and refreshments

5pm (60mins) Tour of LSBU creative spaces

Please do not hesitate to contact us via connect@hi3.network with any questions.

Hi3 Network is a £6.1m project that is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The partners are London South Bank University, Screen South, Creative Folkestone, Canterbury Christ Church University and Maidstone Television Studios.