The UK’s MARS Academy is working with Studio City Norway to support the next generation of virtual production filmmakers and industry professionals.
MARS Academy Norway is backed by Bild Studios and MARS Volume and will offer a masterclass in In-Camera Visual Effects (ICVFX) filmmaking techniques to a new market of film and television professionals.
The partnership aims to support collaboration and skills development across Norway and the UK and introduce the possibilities of virtual production to a new pool of industry professionals.
Studio City Norway intends to build a full-service film and TV studio complex on the outskirts of Oslo, which they hope will be amongst the most sustainable film production facilities in the world.
As part of the project, and its sustainability ambitions, Studio City Norway plans to launch its own virtual production volumes in Norway that will facilitate the delivery of MARS Academy on a global scale.
“It was important for Studio City Norway to enter this partnership with Bild Studios to ensure we are at the forefront of the most advanced production technology and expertise. The MARS Academy curriculum has been designed and supported by esteemed virtual production expert professionals with a wealth of experience who will continue to support the provision of the programme in Norway,” said Dag Hvaring, chief executive officer at Studio City Norway.
“The programme includes a range of courses specifically designed to arm participants with the knowledge, know-how and confidence to walk on set and add value to any virtual production.”
Joanna Alpe, chief commercial officer at Bild added: “We’re delighted to be able to support the development of skills in virtual production to markets outside of the UK for the first time and take our programme global. This partnership is a symbol of collaboration and is an exciting moment for the virtual production industries both here in the UK and in Norway. Education and knowledge transfer is at the heart of MARS Volume, and our Academy is the outworking of this core value. Hopefully this is just the beginning.”
