Student Work: Marc Carratala Arce

Launch your career

in virtual production
Your guide to getting started in
the entertainment industry

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 REAL-TIME IS OPENING DOORS
TO NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES
AND NEW WORLDS!

Virtual production is one of the most important innovations

in the entertainment industry. It offers exciting and
accessible new ways for digital creators to tell stories
and is transforming the way video games, films,
TV, and digital content are made. It’s also used
across an array of sectors: architecture,
engineering, medical, TV broadcast, events,
fashion, and beyond.

It’s unsurprising that global demand for real-

time 3D artists is expanding 10 percent faster
than the overall job market, and demand
for real-time skills has outpaced information
technology skills by 50 percent!*

This guide is to help you get started in virtual

production. Learn more about this field, discover
different industry jobs, get career tips, and more!

* Burning Glass Technologies

“There is a huge demand for real-time artists.

Now’s the time to get as big of a head start as
possible.”
William Faucher, Real-time 3D Artist and CG Spectrum Virtual Production Mentor
(Black Panther, Watchmen)

2 www.cgspectrum.com
 ABOUT CG SPECTRUM
TRAINING THE NEXT WAVE
OF PRODUCTION-READY
FILM AND GAME ARTISTS

CG Spectrum is a global top-ranked training provider offering specialized

programs in animation, virtual production, game development, VFX, and
digital painting since 2011.

We inspire and train creators through personalized mentorship from

industry professionals, small class sizes, and a unique online learning
model that supports different learning styles.

We’re an Unreal Authorized Training Center, Unreal Academic Partner,

Unreal Connector, SideFX Certified Training Provider, and Toon Boom
Authorized Training Center delivering programs worldwide.

SOME OF THE STUDIOS THAT HAVE HIRED OUR GRADS:

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 WHAT IS VIRTUAL
PRODUCTION?
Virtual production allows real-world and digital
platforms to converge. Real-time engines have been CONTENTS
commonplace in the video game industry for some
The Virtual Production Pipeline 5
time, but its recent democratization has meant real-
Get a Job in Virtual Production 7
time is now embraced by filmmakers, content creators,
Demo Reel Tips 11
and more commercial industries. Virtual production
6 Skills a Real-Time Artist Needs 12
techniques help to visualize what we used to only
Free Resources 13
to be able to view in post-production at the pre-
Glossary 14
production and production stages.
Ready to Start Your Career? 16
Virtual Production Courses 17
Some examples of virtual production include world
capture (location/set scanning and digitization),
visualization (previs, techvis, postvis), performance
capture (mocap, volumetric capture), simulcam (on-set
visualization), and in-camera visual effects (ICVFX).

The LED volume is possibly the most recognized use

of virtual production methods. A wall of LEDs (light-
emitting diodes) display a real-time rendered 3D virtual
environment that curves around physical sets, actors,
and props. Through live camera tracking, the virtual
camera within the game engine moves to match the
physical on-set camera, shifting what’s displayed on
the LED wall, like a shift in perspective. This synchrony
between camera and imagery creates parallax, helping
to create the illusion that the real and virtual elements
reside in the same space. Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian
is a well-known example that used virtual production Industrial Light & Magic
on set.

4 www.cgspectrum.com
 THE VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
PIPELINE
The main difference between virtual and traditional production
workflows is that virtual production encourages more nonlinear
and collaborative processes, primarily due to its capacity to render
in real-time.

These new workflows offer creators more flexibility, opening up

more possibilities, for example:
• Artists can mock up a concept in a few hours and see changes
in real-time.
• The iteration process (e.g., experimenting with VFX in film)
begins much earlier in the production schedule.
• Content creators can generate high-quality imagery from
the outset of production rather than further down the line
(traditionally in post-production).
• Assets such as 3D models are cross-compatible and may be
implemented from previsualization to final outputs.

“The discipline of filmmaking translates a lot into this

realm. To me, it’s finding the common ground between
these two different ways of doing things ... and utilizing
the strengths and the familiarities of each to create
content in the virtual production realm.”
Deepak Chetty, Filmmaker and CG Spectrum Virtual Production mentor

5 Student Work: Oliver Rotter www.cgspectrum.com

 THE VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
PIPELINE
Virtual production processes shift and evolve with technology, creating new and improved
workflows regularly; this is just one example of a virtual production pipeline.

IDEA OR WRITTEN
TREATMENT PITCHVIS

ANCILLARY INTERACTIVE
ASSETS EXPERIENCES

PRE-PRODUCTION

FINAL DELIVERY VIRTUAL ART DEPARTMENT

ASSET CREATION
VIRTUAL SCOUTING
POST-PRODUCTION VISUALIZATION STUNTVIS
PREVIS
TECHVIS
EDITORIAL
PREVIS EDITORIAL

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY

POSTVIS

MOCAP VCAM

GREEN SCREEN SIMULCAM

LED WALL ICVFX

Based on workflow from The Virtual Production Field Guide Vol. 2 by Epic Games.

6 www.cgspectrum.com
 JOBS IN VIRTUAL
PRODUCTION
Below are some of the diverse and rewarding career paths in virtual production, with
new jobs being created all the time!

REAL-TIME 3D ARTIST—FILM REAL-TIME 3D ARTIST—

Real-time artists create interactive 3D COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIES
content and assets that are rendered in Outside of film and games, real-time is
real-time. They often work on a project applied across a range of commercial sectors.
from concept to completion, collaborating Examples of industries and applications
with filmmakers to realize a broader vision. include:
Real-time artists are also responsible for
• Immersive and interactive installations/
maintaining visuals in both quality and
projections for events, exhibitions, and
optimization—from entire environments
concerts
down to small 3D props, known as assets.
• Marketing and commercial purposes
Real-time artists also add lighting, and
• Broadcasting
create textures.
• Engineering
• Architectural visualization and building
REAL-TIME 3D ARTIST— design
GAMES • Product design
A real-time 3D artist in games harnesses • Environment and theater design
the skills found in one or more areas of the • Automotive
traditional game development pipeline. Skills and responsibilities depend on the
Tasks assisting with cinematics and various industry and the role.
aspects of gameplay are executed in a
game engine. Real-time 3D artists are often
generalists who collaborate with other game HOW TO BECOME A REAL-
artists, game designers, and programmers to TIME 3D ARTIST
realize a broader vision. Watch our webinar about how to
get started in this exciting field
with insights from industry pros

7 Student Work: Marc Carratala Arce www.cgspectrum.com

 VISUALIZATION ARTIST such as tracking, performance capture, and
virtual scouting. On set, a VP supervisor
—FILM
oversees the deployment of virtual assets
Visualization artists create and block out 3D for in-camera visual effects and ensures the
digital content that helps illustrate the outline production crew has access to the content
of a story or production. They help visualize on the LED wall.
what a scene, set, or certain actions will look
like before it’s created or finalized, often LIVE COMPOSITING ARTIST
experimenting with different camera staging
Live compositing artists ensure virtual
(angles, lenses, moves, etc.) and rough
sets and props blend seamlessly with their
animation using proxy and production-ready
live-action counterparts through color
assets. Visualization artists can contribute to
correction and lighting adjustments. They
every stage of production: pre-production
are also responsible for layering additional
(pitchvis, previs), production (techvis,
components into a scene, as required.
stuntvis), and post-production (postvis).
Using Nuke, a live compositing artist can
also quickly combine CG backgrounds with
REAL-TIME 3D ANIMATOR
their corresponding live-action shots, called
Real-time animators manipulate digital plates, which are used in the cut (until a
characters, props, and machines to more polished version can replace it) as a
move through and interact with their 3D form of postvis to assist the editorial process
environment inside a game engine. These and post-production.
actions can be controlled procedurally
through an input device, keyframed, or LED WALL
performance-captured. Real-time 3D
animation can be filmed on a live-action set
CINEMATOGRAPHER
using a traditional camera crew shooting on a An LED wall cinematographer is in charge
stage volume. Disney’s The Lion King (2019) of the virtual lighting and framing displayed
used this animation method. on the LED volume. Their role combines
traditional live-action and real-time virtual
VIRTUAL PRODUCTION production techniques, including camera
tracking, real-time virtual scene output,
SUPERVISOR
physical set dressing, and traditional on-set
A virtual production (VP) supervisor acts as a lighting (although the LED walls produce
go-between for the real-world, visual effects, significant lighting, practical lights are still
and virtual production teams. They ensure required for additional lighting or for hard
camera-ready assets are delivered as needed sources like direct sunlight).
and manage virtual production technologies

8 www.cgspectrum.com
 REAL-TIME TECHNICAL to help determine how an effect looks and
reacts to its surroundings. Artists are usually
ARTIST
required to research real-life phenomena,
Real-time technical artists (TA) are highly watch reference videos (when possible), and
sought after. They help solve complex generate multiple concepts.
rigging and/or material issues, and assist
with general debugging and troubleshooting THE BRAIN BAR
within a game engine. TAs work closely with
The Brain Bar is a nickname for the control
the virtual production team to understand
center of the on-set LED volume. It consists
their ongoing and future technical needs.
of real-time artists, camera tracking experts,
They may be required to customize existing
video display I/O (incoming/outgoing)
software or write new tools to help with
experts, content loaders, live compositors,
workflows, automation, and optimization.
IT experts, network specialists, and LED
Although quite a technical role, TAs must
screen technicians. This control center can
also have a good understanding of what the
be set up on-site or offstage nearby, within
more creative real-time jobs entail.
an OB (outside broadcasting) van, or entirely
remotely.
VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
FX ARTIST
A virtual production FX artist creates digital
WORLD BUILDING IN
simulations and procedural workflows based
UNREAL ENGINE
on real-world elements or supernatural
Read about CG Spectrum student
concepts that move or react under the basic
Marc C’s inspiring journey and
laws of physics. Composition, scale, form,
how he built an epic virtual world
speed, and viscosity are taken into account

“Technical animation is one of the most

overlooked skillsets when it comes to almost
any real-time production. The opportunities
within this space are still largely untapped.”
Simon Warwick, Animator and Virtual Production Department Head at CG Spectrum

9 www.cgspectrum.com
 GET A JOB IN VIRTUAL
PRODUCTION
Increase your chances of getting hired as a real-time 3D artist with these strategies for success.

DOWNLOAD A GAME ENGINE JOIN COMPETITIONS

Download and familiarize yourself with a free AND GAME JAMS
game engine like Unreal Engine. Practice your skills and create content for your
portfolio by participating in game jams (e.g.
BUILD SKILLS
Epic MegaJam, itch.io/jams), or starting one
Build skills companies are listing on job sites. with friends. The Rookies also host contests.
For additional support, enroll in a reputable
course. CG Spectrum’s courses include ENGAGE WITH COMMUNITIES
mentorship from real-time pros and an Networking is vital. Interact with industry
industry-led curriculum. pros who might offer advice, insights, or
job opportunities. Join the Epic Developer
STAY AHEAD OF TRENDS
Community and see our resources section for
Online tutorials, webinars, and publications more.
can help you stay up-to-date on trends and
keep your skills fresh. See resources on p 13. COLLABORATE WITH PEERS
Know an animator who’d love to add their
CREATE REAL-TIME CONTENT
character performance to a 3D environment?
Creating content in a game engine will Perhaps a friend wants to help you build a
teach you relevant tools while building your virtual world! Collaborating with peers is
portfolio. Upload finished work to a visual fun and can produce more polished portfolio
platform, like ArtStation, to showcase to pieces.
potential recruiters and to view your progress.
INTERNSHIP
SELL ASSETS ONLINE
Internships at studios specializing in real-time,
Create and sell assets on Unreal Engine can help you break into the industry. It’s not
Marketplace, or similar, to gain exposure, get viable for everyone but can be a way to gain
constructive feedback from real-life users, hands-on experience while networking and
demonstrate skills to potential employers and experiencing studio life.
collaborators, and make money!

10 www.cgspectrum.com
 DEMO REEL TIPS
Your demo reel should show you understand the mechanics of film-making and
how to create a unique scene using a real-time engine. Focus on making your work
polished. Here are some other tips:

Students, keep Include any Use Vimeo—the video Embed your reel on a
your reel <1 min. If production quality is better than platform (like ArtStation)
you have 1–2 years experience YouTube, and you can with high-res stills of
experience, <2 mins update your video your best shots

Everything should be 10/10— Renders, FX, Ensure your Watch your reel
don’t include mediocre work. and lighting can music doesn’t repeatedly and look
Work in progress is fine, but enhance your distract from for errors (edits,
make sure it’s your best shot your work framing, spelling, etc.)

Get feedback from Show reference footage Share your reel and
at least 3 mentors or and breakdowns when stills on your website,
industry pros before applicable and include ArtStation, LinkedIn, and
publishing relevant credits other social platforms

11 www.cgspectrum.com
 6 SKILLS A REAL-TIME
ARTIST NEEDS
Outside of learning real-time production techniques, the mentors of CG Spectrum’s
virtual production courses suggest building the following skills and knowledge to
become a successful real-time 3D artist.

Work on your problem- Gain a good foundation in Maintain at least a basic

solving skills (possibly the art, like those of a Director understanding of animation
most critical) of Photography (DOP) and animation rigs

Learn camera fundamentals Get to know traditional Familiarize yourself with the
and how changing their film production traditional production pipeline
values will contribute to processes (e.g., (it can act as a reference point
how you might block, light, scripts, concepts, sets, because virtual production is
and shoot a scene storyboards) non-linear)

“Showcasing specialized skills is the best

way to get the attention of a recruiter or
hiring manager, and the ability to share
concrete examples of how you’ve put these
skills to work in your portfolio is key.”
Maxine Schnepf, CG Spectrum Career Development Manager

12 www.cgspectrum.com
 FREE RESOURCES
Here are some additional resources to help you get ahead as a real-time 3D artist working in
virtual production.

• Read What is Virtual Production?

• Watch How to become a real-time 3D artist
• Subscribe to William Faucher’s YouTube channel
• Explore Unreal Engine’s free courses
• Build 3D worlds using free assets from Unreal Engine Marketplace
• Explore Virtual Production Career Pathways
• Join the Epic Games Dev Community
• Join the Virtual Production and the Unreal Engine: Virtual Production Facebook groups
• Watch the ‘Unreal Build: Virtual Production’ replay
• Explore ArtStation’s Unreal Engine channel
• Review the Visual Effects Society’s virtual production resources
• Check out Game Jam Tips and Tricks from Epic Games’ developers
• Learn how to use Houdini with Unreal Engine and with Unity
• Epic Games’ Virtual Production Field Guides: Volume 1 and Volume 2
• No Film School article The Differences Between Virtual Production and Traditional Production

“Using Unreal Engine is a perfect way to onboard

people into virtual production as the ability to
be physically accurate with settings and values is
built-in to many parts of the software and allows
for a natural transition into the virtual world.
Deepak Chetty, Filmmaker and CG Spectrum Virtual Production mentor

13 www.cgspectrum.com
 GLOSSARY
Since virtual production is a fairly recent and highly technical (and creative!) field, some of its
terms might be new to you. Here’s a short glossary to help.

ASSET LED PANEL

A digital 3D model used in content creation A modular fixture of LED lights used to
(that can be placed, lit, animated, etc.) display video content from a game engine.
such as a prop, character, set dressing, Initially intended for indoor/outdoor
environment, etc. advertising, entertainment venues, and
broadcast use, LED panels are now employed
CINEMATIC on film sets to create volumes (backdrops)
A non-interactive animation sequence in an for motion picture cinematography.
otherwise interactive experience, like a video
game, commonly used to tell a story. Also PARALLAX
known as a cutscene. When an object is viewed from various
vantage points (including through a different
CONTENT CREATION (DCC) lens), its position or direction is perceived
Also known as digital content creation, it’s differently.
a category of applications used to achieve
different forms of content required for real- ON-SET VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
time production, such as Maya, Houdini, or Use of virtual production techniques to
Substance Painter. capture final imagery in-camera.

CONTENT LOADING PREVISUALIZATION

The processing, or loading, of real-time Also known as previs, it is the creation of
scenes from Unreal Engine onto the LED preliminary versions of shots or sequences
screen wall, in the correct orientation and in a 3D environment. It is usually based on a
scale. The scene content projected into the script or storyboard. It allows filmmakers to
LED volume is often referred to as a load. visualize creative concepts, explore technical
solutions, and communicate a shared vision
to production and post-production teams.

FOR MORE TERMS, CHECK

OUT VPGLOSSARY.COM

14 www.cgspectrum.com
 PROXY ASSET / PROXY GEOMETRY TRACKING
A scaled-down version of a 3D model The process of determining the position
(character, prop, environment, set dressing) and orientation of a camera or other object
that is lower resolution/has fewer polygons relative to the scene via various optical/digital
used to quickly and efficiently block out a methods; used for integration between the
virtual scene. It’s a lighter substitute for the virtual and physical worlds.
final higher-resolution version.
VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
REAL-TIME ENGINE Virtual production integrates the digital and
Also known as a game engine. A software physical worlds using real-time technology,
development environment designed to create allowing filmmakers to incorporate post-
and display real-time interactive content. production techniques with live-action
production.
REAL-TIME RENDERING
The process of converting a scene into VOLUME OPERATOR
display pixels at real-time rates such as A crew member who operates an LED stage
24, 30, 60, and 90 frames per second for volume and its content, such as a key volume
immediate playback. On the other hand, operator, assistant volume operator, etc.
traditional offline rendering might take
minutes or even hours to finish each frame. WORLD BUILDING
World building is a form of visual storytelling
RENDER in film and games to develop a coherent
The process of digitally generating an image virtual world, created in a game engine or
or video based on 2D, 3D, and lighting 3D software such as Maya. It’s also known
information. as 3D environment art, digital set building,
or landscape creation and can be worked
SET EXTENSION on by a 3D modeler, real-time 3D artist,
A digital/virtual continuation of a live-action environment artist, or layout artist. Elements
physical set that gives the illusion of a much a 3D artist may need to consider include
larger area to the camera. history, geography, and ecology.

STAGE VOLUME
The physical stage space for recording
performance capture. It also refers to a
partially enclosed stage made of LEDs in
which a volume of light is emitted or a
display surface for projected content.

15 www.cgspectrum.com
 READY TO START
YOUR CAREER?
There are lots of resources available to help you Fast track your career with personalized high-
learn to navigate a game enine and become end training from industry professionals. CG
a great real-time 3D artist. However, it can Spectrum offers specialized career training and
often be hard to find the most up-to-date mentorship from 170+ film and game industry
and relevant information or get professional experts to get you job-ready sooner
feedback on your work.

LEARN FROM INDUSTRY PROS LIKE THESE:

SIMON WARWICK WILLIAM FAUCHER CARL SHEDD

Dept Head of Real-Time 3D Mentor of Real-Time 3D Mentor of Virtual Production
Batman: Arkham Knight, Black Panther, Watchmen Brothers In Arms, Borderlands,
X-Men: Destiny Rage

DEEPAK CHETTY TAMIR DIAB ERICA PENK

Mentor of Virtual Production Mentor of Real-Time 3D Mentor of Real-Time 3D
Gen:Lock, Mr. Roosevelt, Avatar, Halo, Monster Hunter, Clients include Epic Games, Trick
Discreet The Hobbit, Iron Man 3 3D, and Profile Studios

16 www.cgspectrum.com
 OUR VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
COURSES
Get on track to finding your dream job with CG Spectrum’s career-focused training and
industry mentorship. Students receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of each course.

PATHWAY 1
Train to become a real-time 3D technical artist and create your own film quality cinematic
shots. Learn world building to develop incredible environments; lighting and camera
techniques to enhance your story; and see how to apply these skills in the real world
for job roles on a volume. Commitment: 20 hours per week. Prior experience in Unreal
Engine not required.

FOUNDATIONS OF REAL-TIME 3D REAL-TIME 3D

& VIRTUAL PRODUCTION & VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
(3 months) (9 months)

Term 1 Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

PATHWAY 2
Have some production experience already? Unreal Connectors is a 12-week real-time
intensive for established media professionals and studios looking to up-skill their teams
to expand their real-time services. Commitment: 40 hours per week. Prior experience in
Unreal Engine not required.

WATCH OUR COURSE INFO

SESSION REPLAY
UNREAL CONNECTORS
(12 weeks) Learn more about our Real-
time 3D and Virtual Production
Courses at cgspectrum.com

17 www.cgspectrum.com
 BENEFITS OF STUDYING
AT CG SPECTRUM

INDUSTRY MENTORS FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING

Learn from experts who have Plan your studies around your work
worked on major films and games. and family commitments.

JOB-READY SKILLS PAYMENT PLANS

Build practical and relevant job skills Pursue your passion and start working
that studios are looking for. sooner with flexible payments.

9
CAREER DEVELOPMENT VIBRANT ONLINE COMMUNITY
Personalized support, portfolio/CV Join our supportive community of students,
reviews, and interview prep. alumni and mentors from all over the world.

18 Student Work: Benjamin Oman & Marc Carratala Arce www.cgspectrum.com

 STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
MARC C CHRIS F

“I enrolled looking for a career change, “I can’t speak highly enough about the
and I wasn’t expecting this quality of school.
education in an online school.
When I came to CG Spectrum, I had 20 years
I didn’t have any knowledge about digital of live entertainment experience, and they
arts, and now I can accomplish my dream of seamlessly transferred me from physical to
creating cinematics within fantasy worlds with virtual production.”
all the new tools under my belt. The mentors
are always willing to help and encourage self-
development.”

ANTONINO C
“I can’t stress enough how much I’m
enjoying studying here!

I started the course out of curiosity; I was

brand new to this world, but I feel like I got all
the answers that I needed and even more, and
your mentors surely help you get the most out
of it!”

nroy
Co
MATT C att
:M
ork
“Currently halfway through real-time tW
den
world building with William Faucher, and Stu
I cannot recommend it enough.

The ability to have your level gauged and

directed as to where it needs to be by someone
within the industry in real-time is priceless.
The personal feedback is also second to none.”

19 www.cgspectrum.com
YOUR FUTURE IN
VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
AWAITS!
Explore courses and apply at
cgspectrum.com

“I know architects and designers who have

switched over to gaming or film in their 30s
and 40s! The shared characteristic of these
people is that they are relentless in their
pursuit of knowledge and creatively applying
that knowledge. Success may not come
quickly, or easily—it has to be earned.”
Deepak Chetty, Filmmaker and CG Spectrum Virtual Production mentor

Student Work: Antonino Cuti