Introduction
Filmmaking is being redefined at the state-of-the-art Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center at Industry City. NYU Tisch School of the Arts recently announced the opening of applications for its groundbreaking Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in Virtual Production.
This one-year program promises to blend cutting-edge technology, science, and creativity to push the boundaries of storytelling. If you’ve ever dreamed of shaping the future of cinematic arts, this is your chance: the application deadline is December 15, 2023.
The Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center
Located at Industry City, NYU’s Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center is set to become an innovation hub. This 45,000-square-foot facility boasts a virtual production LED volume stage designed by Lux Machina Consulting, a pioneer in the industry. The center also features two double-height, column-free stages, two television studios, and state-of-the-art broadcast control rooms, all built with the assistance of AbelCine, providing students with a real-world setting for virtual production education. The Industry City campus offers students additional opportunities for networking, employment, and collaboration with companies, including AbelCine, Buck Media, Lux Lighting, The Garage, and Conde Nast.
Tisch’s Global Leadership in Cinematic Arts
The new master’s degree and facility further solidify Tisch’s position as a global leader in cinematic arts. Dean Allyson Green, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, says, “Tisch is excited to be a pioneer in training students on groundbreaking technology that is transforming the film and television industry. Our new master’s program keeps Tisch at the forefront of cinematic education by preparing students to enter the rapidly evolving field of virtual production.”
Dr. Rosanne Limoncelli, Director of Production for Film and New Media at the Kanbar Institute, NYU and Sang-Jin Bae, Associate Arts Professor, senior producer and supervising technical director, spearheaded the effort to build the curriculum. “There’s not a specific filmmaking prerequisite, and though we will teach storytelling basics, the MPS is going to be very hands-on for students,” explains Limoncelli.
“You’ll learn the basics of Unreal Engine, producing, and visual storytelling,” Limoncelli adds. “Students can expect to come away at the end of the year with a professional reel they can use as their calling card. You’ll work a lot on set in our volume. We’re also fostering several relationships with working virtual production studios in New York and elsewhere to help program graduates get their foot in the door in the industry. And that’s combined with the existing placement and internship funnel at NYU/Tisch.”
Students can expect to come away at the end of the year with a professional reel they can use as their calling card.
Dr. Rosanne Limoncelli
“Students will learn every position on a virtual production set,” reveals Bae. “We’ll also have a full-time staff to maintain the facility and integrate new technology as it emerges. Conceiving this program as a one-year MPS instead of a multiyear MFA (Master of Fine Arts) program was a deliberate decision to help students keep pace with the rapid evolution of this workflow. It gives us a combination of science and technology with creativity and also helps with our global outreach. For example, an international student could attend on a one-year visa and then file for a STEM extension as they transition into the workforce.”
Application Details
The application for the 2024 Master’s program is now available on the NYU Tisch website. The first class of 24 students is scheduled to commence in the fall of 2024, offering a full-time, in-person educational experience to see them complete their degree in just two semesters.
The Degree
The MPS in Virtual Production program is designed to be an immersive experience, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of this transformative technology. The curriculum includes 36 credits of coursework, featuring subjects such as introduction to virtual production, technical direction, art direction and production design, resume and reel building, and a master’s seminar covering writing, directing, visual storytelling, and post-production.
Classes include lectures, discussions, screenings, critical and creative writing workshops, and collaborative exercises in production techniques. For a full curriculum, please visit https://tisch.nyu.edu/virtual-production/curriculum.
About Lux Machina
NYU Tisch has partnered with Lux Machina, a renowned name in virtual production, display technology, and in-camera visual effects with credits running from Oblivion to The Mandalorian, Barbie, Silo and Hijack. Lux’s expertise will play a pivotal role in creating the production stages integral to the program. Working closely with Lux Machina Consulting ensures that NYU Tisch students receive hands-on, real-world training, providing an invaluable edge in this dynamic field.
Zach Alexander, President of Operations at Lux Machina Consulting, expressing his excitement about this collaboration, says, “It’s a privilege to partner with a leading film school like NYU to give the next generation of filmmakers a hands-on, immersive experience in redefining the frontiers of storytelling.”
The Power of Virtual Production
Virtual production combines physical filmmaking with cutting-edge computer technology. Utilizing game engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity, powerful graphic cards, and augmented reality empowers directors and actors to work with visual effects in real-time, eliminating the need for extensive post-production work.
With virtual production, actors can respond naturally to their surroundings, and directors can plan scenes and shots precisely. This technology not only reduces post-production costs but also makes projects more sustainable. It has already significantly impacted cinema and television, featuring in projects like The Mandalorian, House of the Dragon, Bullet Train, Shazam, and Masters of the Air.
About NYU Tisch School of the Arts
For over 50 years, the NYU Tisch School of the Arts has harnessed the artistic and cultural resources of New York City and New York University to provide a unique training ground for artists and scholars in the arts. The school combines professional training with a liberal arts education, creating a dynamic environment where students learn their craft. NYU Tisch is at the forefront of cinematic education with a global presence. Find out more about this remarkable institution at www.tisch.nyu.edu.
If you’re passionate about filmmaking and the exciting world of virtual production, NYU Tisch’s Master in Virtual Production is your pathway to a fulfilling and groundbreaking career. Interested students should remember the application deadline of December 15, 2023, and seize the opportunity to be part of the future of cinematic storytelling. To learn more and apply, visit: https://tisch.nyu.edu/virtual-production/admissions
