Virtual Production Innovation Studio

How We Are Solving It

Led by IM4 Lab, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, in partnership with Unity Technologies, William F White International, Laboratory of Artistic Intelligence, Rushcut Media, Vancouver Film School, University of Victoria, University of British Columbia Okanagan and Capilano University Indigenous Film Program, this program will develop Canada’s first Indigenous-led virtual production facility, including an extended realist (XR) lab and skills training workshops.    

 IM4 Lab’s curriculum reflects storytelling through an Indigenous lens, combined with technical expertise and hands-on learning including writing, directing, cinematography, editing, visual effects, art direction and technical direction. The three-part curriculum will focus on:    

1. Thinking in Virtual Production – Transforming Production   
2. Working To Create Virtual Production   
3. Specialized Skills In Virtual Production    

 The Virtual Production Innovation Studio program will support 30 emerging media professionals from urban, remote, and rural Indigenous communities in BC, including off-reserve status and non-status Indians, Metis and Inuit.      

Indigenous artists and filmmakers will be able to work remotely and remain in their own communities, creating a new ecosystem to produce valuable Indigenous cultural content. At the same time, the initiative prepares Indigenous people for a high-demand workforce in VP and creating economic opportunities that can be applied more equitably for Indigenous producers.    

The Result

The IM4 Media Lab Indigenous Virtual Production Micro-Credential was the first-ever Indigenous virtual production training program. Offering advanced technological training and state-of-the-art production programming in virtual production, this project opened pathways for Indigenous media professionals, filmmakers, technologists and artists, providing industry-ready skills to embark on career development in this field and enhance their use of creative technology tools.

The project resulted in a curriculum that includes mentorship from Indigenous and industry technical experts on state-of-the-art tools and production. The micro-credential took place both virtually and in person at the Emily Carr University (ECU) Motion Capture Studio in partnership with Indigenous Matriarch 4 Media Lab (IM4Lab), as well as the Integrated Motion Studio in collaboration with the Vancouver-based production studio, Departure Lounge.

In addition to supporting 24 Indigenous filmmakers to build their digital portfolios and create micro-short films, this project also helped cultivate Canada’s film community by supporting creative talent with a community of leading organizations. The project team aimed to distribute benefits beyond the consortium, including hiring Indigenous musicians, film crew, caterers, cultural knowledge holders, ECUAD students and diverse technologists. This galvanized the XR community and industry in Vancouver, across Canada and beyond.