Our first courses include:
Our Vision & Approach
MARS Academy has been designed to deliver the latest Virtual Production techniques and skills in vocational training specifically designed to arm participants with the necessary knowledge, know how and abilities to confidently walk on set and contribute value to a Virtual Production. Education and knowledge transfer is at the heart of MARS Volume, and our Academy is the outworking of this core value.
MA001: VP 101 for Film Professionals
Age 18+
VP 101 is a focused training programme designed with the aim of introducing film professionals to the fundamentals of Virtual Production. Through providing a broad and general understanding of the VP pipeline from Render Node to Screen, and b understanding the various VP roles and responsibilities, this course supports the career development of current film professionals to work in Virtual Production.
This programme, supported by ScreenSkills and delivered by MARS Academy, is open to applicants in the UK regions and nations.
Who it’s for
This programme is aimed at existing film professionals with a desire to upskill and work in Virtual Production. You should have at least 4 years experience working as a Producer, Director, DOP, VFX Supervisor, or Head of Department (production, technical, VFX or post-production).
Applications from all working backgrounds are accepted, however a discretionary fee will be charged to any participants employed and working as in-house staff at production agencies. Freelancer places will be fully funded by ScreenSkills.
We welcome and encourage applications from people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds; disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse participants; Black, Asian and Minority Ethic (BAME) applicants and LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates.
What it covers
There are 20 places available on this training programme, with learning divided into six modules, covering areas such as camera tracking, media servers, and an overview of operating systems. Using both classroom and Volume-based learning, all content is underpinned with concepts and theories and their practical application within an LED Volume setting to inspire confidence to undertake a Virtual Production shoot.
Key training dates:
5th – 9th September 2022
Location:
In person at MARS Volume, Ruislip HA4 0XT
How to apply
Click ‘apply now’ to proceed to submit your application.
Application deadline Friday 29th July 2022 at 12:00 noon.
Contact information
Email: academy@marsvolume.com
MA002: Show Me The Money:
A film producers guide to VP Financials & Scheduling
Age 18+
Show Me the Money, A Film Producer’s Guide to VP Finances and Scheduling is a focused training programme designed to provide experienced production professionals with a high level understanding of Virtual Production and the nuances of a producing role within this new industry. After completing the course, participants will gain the confidence and know-how to schedule, budget and lead a successful Virtual Production shoot.
This programme, supported by ScreenSkills and delivered by MARS Academy, is open to applicants in the UK regions and nations.
Who it’s for
This programme is aimed at existing working professionals with a background in film production and the desire to move into the growing Virtual Production industry. You should have at least 4 years experience working as a Producer, Line Producer, Production Manager or AD.
Applications from all working backgrounds are accepted, however a discretionary fee will be charged to any participants employed and working as in-house staff at production agencies. Freelancer places will be fully funded by ScreenSkills.
We welcome and encourage applications from people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds; disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse participants; Black, Asian and Minority Ethic (BAME) applicants and LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates.
What it covers
There are 15 places available on this training programme, with learning divided into five modules, each designed to provide an in-depth understanding of Virtual Production and how to navigate the differences in production compared to traditional filmmaking. Led by industry experts using both classroom and Volume-based learning, the tools and frameworks taught along with their practical application will inspire the confidence to produce for Virtual Productions.
Key training dates:
12th – 13th September 2022
Location:
In person at MARS Volume, Ruislip HA4 0XT
How to apply
Click ‘apply now’ to proceed to submit your application.
Application deadline Friday 12th August 2022 at 12:00 noon.
Contact information
Email: academy@marsvolume.com
MA003: Demystifying LED Systems for Virtual Production Filmmaking
Age 18+
Demystifying LED Systems for Virtual Production Film Making is a focused training programme designed to provide existing working professionals from a range of technical backgrounds with a comprehensive understanding of LED screens and the technology that drives them. With a focus on Brompton processing and colour pipelines, the course aims to provide participants with the key skills and knowledge to work as a Junior LED Technician for Virtual Production.
This programme, supported by ScreenSkills and delivered by MARS Academy, is open to applicants in the UK regions and nations.Who it’s for
This programme is aimed at those with either a desire to start their journey in the growing VP industry as a Junior LED Technician, or those looking to expand their working knowledge of LED screens and processes within a Virtual Production context. You should have a minimum of 2 years experience working in any applicable technical role such as electricians, lighting operator, system engineers, live events etc.
Applications from all working backgrounds are accepted, however a discretionary fee will be charged to any participants employed and working as in-house staff. Freelancer places will be fully funded by ScreenSkills.
We welcome and encourage applications from people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds; disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse participants; Black, Asian and Minority Ethic (BAME) applicants and LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates.
What it covers
There are 10 places available on this training programme, with learning divided into five modules, each designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of LED screens and the technology that drives them. Using both classroom and Volume-based learning, all content is underpinned with concepts and theories and their practical application within an LED Volume setting to inspire confidence to work as a LED technician.
Key training dates:
14th – 23rd September 2022 (1.5 weeks)
Location:
In person at MARS Volume, Ruislip HA4 0XT
How to apply
Click ‘apply now’ to proceed to submit your application.
Application deadline Friday 12th August 2022 at 12:00 noon.
Contact information
Email: academy@marsvolume.com
This programme is aimed at those with either a desire to start their journey in the growing VP industry as a Junior LED Technician, or those looking to expand their working knowledge of LED screens and processes within a Virtual Production context. You should have a minimum of 2 years experience working in any applicable technical role such as electricians, lighting operator, system engineers, live events etc.
Applications from all working backgrounds are accepted, however a discretionary fee will be charged to any participants employed and working as in-house staff. Freelancer places will be fully funded by ScreenSkills.
We welcome and encourage applications from people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds; disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse participants; Black, Asian and Minority Ethic (BAME) applicants and LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates.
What it covers
There are 10 places available on this training programme, with learning divided into five modules, each designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of LED screens and the technology that drives them. Using both classroom and Volume-based learning, all content is underpinned with concepts and theories and their practical application within an LED Volume setting to inspire confidence to work as a LED technician.
Key training dates:
14th – 23rd September 2022 (1.5 weeks)
Location:
In person at MARS Volume, Ruislip HA4 0XT
How to apply
Click ‘apply now’ to proceed to submit your application.
Application deadline Friday 12th August 2022 at 12:00 noon.
Contact information
Email: academy@marsvolume.com
MA004: VFX Artists on Film Sets
Age 18+
VFX Artists on Set is a focused training programme designed to equip working VFX practitioners with the knowledge to undertake Virtual Production shoots confidently. By providing a detailed understanding of the ins and outs of a VAD (Virtual Art Department), alongside an in-depth breakdown of additional tool sets required when working with VP, this course looks to upskill and train those from a traditional VFX background with Unreal Engine experience who are keen to move into Virtual Production.
This programme, supported by ScreenSkills and delivered by MARS Academy, is open to applicants in the UK regions and nations.
Who it’s for
This programme is aimed at asset and environment artists with a minimum of 4 years experience working with Unreal Engine.
Applications from all working backgrounds are accepted, however a discretionary fee will be charged to any participants employed and working as in-house staff at VFX houses. Freelancer places will be fully funded by ScreenSkills.
We welcome and encourage applications from people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds; disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse participants; Black, Asian and Minority Ethic (BAME) applicants and LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates.
What it covers
There are 10 places available on this training programme, with learning divided into five modules covering areas such as the content creation pipeline, the role of the VAD and Environment Creation 101. Through both classroom learning and the practical hands-on experience working within an LED Volume with access to industry standard control, display and tracking equipment participants will complete the course with a strong understanding of the key considerations required when working for a Virtual Production.
Key training dates:
26th – 30th September 2022
Location: in person at MARS Volume, Ruislip HA4 0XT
How to apply
Click ‘apply now’ to proceed to submit your application.
Application deadline Friday 26th August 2022 at 12:00 noon.
Contact information
Email: academy@marsvolume.com
