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Virtual Production

A pioneering programme

Virtual Production frees creation from traditional production constraints: giant LED walls replace green screen and project digital backdrops in real time, directly visible on the camera feed.

A new profession at the junction of cinema and VFX

This technology enables highly realistic studio environments and greater creative freedom, while also speeding up post‑production when using on‑set VFX.

VP provides instant backdrop changes, optimises shooting schedules, reduces physical set building, and removes weather dependency. The sector still needs trained specialists to deploy VP and explore its full artistic and narrative range.

Crew setting up a LED volume for shooting
Virtual stage: shot alignment and live parallax matching.

A unique programme

The course trains expert profiles to support productions, supervise pre‑production, and implement the right on‑set solutions to align real and virtual spaces.

In practice, the VP Supervisor is the main point of contact across departments from prep to post, proposing the best technical options for the director’s intent. They are present throughout the shoot to build the virtual set composited in real time and previewed live by the crew, so the take appears close to its final form.

Strengths

  • 12‑month programme with a professional training contract, tuition‑free and paid
  • Comprehensive teaching with strong practical focus
  • Work‑study schedule: 13 weeks at École Méliès and 38 weeks in company
  • Small cohort for personalised support
  • VP expert lecturers
  • Professional virtual stage with latest technologies
  • Partner companies supporting the programme and job placement
  • Support to secure a professional training contract
Operator tuning camera tracking in front of an LED wall
Camera tracking and volume calibration operations.

Student testimonial

I come from post‑production and video games, with a background as a Houdini TD in advertising and game production. The day I discovered The Mandalorian, I knew I wanted to create those real‑time virtual sets myself. In three months of training, I’ve already learned how to bring my 3D environments onto an LED wall with Unreal Engine and much more. If you dream of seeing your creations come alive on a real film set, this course is a doorway into the cinema of tomorrow.

Ronan Work‑study trainee at PRODIGIOUS

Virtual Production — Course programme

A 12-month work-study course to master Virtual Production, combining intensive teaching and in-company immersion.

All classes are taught by professionals from the image industry (MacGuff, Ubisoft, Ellipsanime, etc.). Their pragmatic approach shares the craft and supports student growth.

Duration
12 months
Pace
13 weeks at École Méliès / 38 weeks in company
Admission
Online apply + interview (application fee: €90)
450 hoursof classes
4 core blocksof skills (13 weeks)
13 weeksat École Méliès
38 weeksin company (work-study)

Meetings, projects, and professional means

  • Virtual supervision project of a real shooting directed by the students
  • Trip to Breda — “Virtual Productions Gathering”, a key international event for the audiovisual industry
  • Meetings with key VP stakeholders
Animated preview of student work in Virtual Production

Preview of projects produced during the course.

Course details
  • Hands-on teaching with a strong practical focus
  • Work-study rhythm: 13 weeks at École Méliès and 38 weeks in company
  • Lecturers who are VP experts
  • Continuous assessment of acquired skills
  • Final certification: complete dossier on the graduation film + final practical test
A cutting-edge technology virtual set
  • 120 m² hybrid studio combining green screens and an LED wall
  • Immersive LED environment with 3 walls and a ceiling
  • Professional shooting equipment: Sony Venice 2, Zeiss lenses, Zeiss CinCraft Scenario tracker, etc.
  • Real-time 3D rendering workstations
  • DMX lighting equipment for training
For whom?
  • Recent graduates from film or 3D animation schools wishing to specialise in VP
  • VFX supervisors, directors of photography, and DITs seeking to broaden their skills
  • Professionals in virtual production companies aiming to progress
Admission
  1. Apply online (CV, portfolio, cover letter) — €90 application fee
  2. Interviews for shortlisted applicants
  3. Results communicated within 7–10 days after the interview

Need info? Take action:

Virtual Production — 5 professional tracks

The CST and École Méliès offer five new professional courses dedicated to Virtual Production (ICVFX). LED walls displaying real-time backdrops unlock new possibilities: faster shoots, greater creative freedom, and streamlined post-production.

École Méliès × CST virtual set with LED wall displaying a backdrop

Why these courses?

Over the last five years, Virtual Production has grown on French sets. Yet many professionals want a clearer grasp of its tools and concrete on-set impact.

  • Is virtual production suitable for my project?
  • What are the benefits and constraints?
  • How does it change on-set organization?
  • What new skills are required?

Learn more (CST)

Dates & info

Real-time 3D workshop INA × École Méliès with Unreal Engine on set

Real-Time 3D in an Audiovisual Project

An INA – École Méliès course – CCP of the CPNEF for Audiovisual

Master real-time methods and constraints to plan, produce, and integrate 3D assets in a modern audiovisual pipeline.

Learn more (INA)

Learning objectives

  • Understand your role and scope of work
  • Analyze requests based on team needs and real-time constraints
  • Apply the production process with stakeholders
  • Account for real-time constraints
  • Control quality and compliance of deliverables
  • Communicate progress and integration status to the team
  • Keep knowledge and technical skills up to date

Location

ÉCOLE MÉLIÈS
26 Avenue Guy Moquet
94310 Orly

Dates & info

15 days (105 h) 12 participants Fundamentals Ref. C01819 4 998 €

Need help?

If you run into any issue during the application process or have a question,
don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.

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