Official recognition of the profession of “Virtual Production Supervisor”, with the support of the CPNEF for the audiovisual sector and the École Méliès

For the first time, the profession of “Virtual Production Supervisor” has been officially recognised by France Compétences, which has added it to the national list of emerging occupations. This unprecedented milestone is the result of joint work between the École Méliès and the National Joint Employment and Training Commission (CPNEF) for the audiovisual sector, with the support of technical and professional stakeholders in the industry, including the Higher Technical Commission for Sound and Images (CST).

This is a major step in structuring and professionalising a role that has now become essential for hybrid shoots combining LED walls, real-time workflows, and the integration of VFX and physical sets.

Born from the convergence of cinema, animation, VFX and real-time technologies, virtual production is profoundly transforming the way shoots are prepared and conducted. The virtual production supervisor has become the true conductor of this process, ensuring both the artistic coherence and the technical feasibility of projects.

A pioneering training programme in Europe

In February 2025, the École Méliès opened the first European professional training programme dedicated to this profession: a 12-month work-study course. This programme, led by Director of Photography and Head of Studies Justine Coulmy, together with the school’s Technical Director Laurent Stehlin, combines theoretical teaching, intensive hands-on practice on a professional virtual production stage in Orly, and in-company immersion.

A partnership with key industry stakeholders

This work has been carried out in close collaboration with professional and technical organisations from the sector. The CPNEF for the audiovisual sector played a key role by facilitating the development of the reference frameworks and the inclusion of the profession in collective recognition schemes. The École Méliès is also an associate member of the CST’s Immersion & Real Time Department, a partner with which it has designed and delivers training courses dedicated to virtual production for heads of film departments: camera, lighting, set design, directing and production management.

Timeline

• February 2025: launch of the first Virtual Production Supervisor class at the École Méliès.
• Spring 2025: inauguration of the professional virtual production stage at the École Méliès in Orly, with industrial and educational partnerships.
• July 2025: validation by the CPNEF for the audiovisual sector and industry partners of the inclusion of the profession on France Compétences’ list of emerging occupations (until 31 December 2027).