Film students at Bucks New University have created two short films using virtual production technology on campus before screening them at Pinewood Studios.
The final-year students came up with the ideas, wrote the scripts, directed, shot and edited the films as part of a 10-week module, using the university’s virtual production facilities to create different locations and worlds without leaving High Wycombe.
They also worked across a range of production roles, normally split across a professional film crew, from production design, costumes and props to lighting, camera operation, sound and post-production.
The projects culminated in a screening at Pinewood Studios’ John Barry Theatre, giving the students the chance to see their finished films on the big screen before graduating.
Virtual production combines live action with digital environments displayed on an LED screen, allowing filmmakers to create realistic locations without physically travelling to them or building complete sets.
Shaun Dagnall, lecturer in Virtual Production at Bucks, said: “Virtual production is becoming an increasingly important part of modern filmmaking, so it’s vital that students understand not only how the technology works, but where it fits into professional production workflows.
“The biggest advantage for our students is the creative freedom. They can create stories set almost anywhere in the world, or beyond it, without leaving High Wycombe.”
But the technology was only one part of the challenge.
Shaun said: “What impressed me most was that the students understood that virtual production is about far more than putting a digital background on an LED wall.
“The production design, costumes, props, lighting, make-up and performances all have to work together to sell the illusion. The technology became another filmmaking tool, rather than the focus of the project.”
The students also worked across courses, bringing in Bucks’ acting students and collaborating with other students on sound for the productions.
Shaun added: “They approached the module with real ambition and wanted to finish their degree by producing something they could genuinely be proud of. I mean, when do you ever see a student zombie film?”
The university is now developing further opportunities for students to work on live projects with external clients, including collaborations between film and photography students.
