DISGUISE VP TRAINING
OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS Disguise’s global head of training Alex Lapthorne discusses the VP Accelerator and why VP education is increasingly essential
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WORDS KATIE KASPERSON
A n industry leader in virtual Virtual Production Accelerator (VPA) and additional related courses. Led by global head of training Alex Lapthorne, the VPA is “an entryway into the evolving and exciting world of VP – a technique that’s changing the way films and TV are made and offering more tools for filmmakers to bring their visions to life,” he defines. “We’re proud to play a leading role in shaping this technology,” he adds, with training a crucial element of advancing it. While VP isn’t altogether new – green production, Disguise Services is developing the next generation of tech-savvy filmmakers through its screens have been used for years – it’s a rapidly expanding area thanks to ‘recent technological advancements in areas such as graphics rendering, LEDs and platforms – including from Disguise’. According to Lapthorne: “We are now entering a phase where improvements in usability, flexibility, speed, power and cost are genuinely transformational,” and although a growing number of projects are incorporating VP, the industry is only scratching the surface of its benefits. “Despite its proliferation,” Lapthorne clarifies, “we’ve seen that a key factor holding this technology back is a lack of understanding among filmmakers – both at a technical and production level – of how, when and why this process could be used. For example, VP might suit some projects or scenes more than others,” he explains. “In today’s world, no filmmaker should remain unfamiliar with the process and its capabilities,” especially those with smaller budgets, who could capitalise on a single-location shoot. This is where Disguise comes in, with several courses that target distinct sub- disciplines in VP. “Our VPA course aims
SPEAKING VOLUMES Having a firm grasp on the tools and processes of VP is crucial to achieve smooth workflows
to bridge knowledge gaps, introducing filmmakers at all levels to VP workflows by diving into the essentials, incorporating practical, interactive demonstrations and allowing them to experience the tech first-hand,” Lapthorne describes. “Participants can learn 2D, 2.5D and 3D production workflows and develop an understanding of other elements within the VP pipeline, as well as where they can direct their efforts to build a career in the industry,” he says, as roles such as VP supervisor continue to open up. “Disguise is constantly adapting its VP training courses to cater to participants looking for more compact or tailored learning experiences,” Lapthorne states. These include one-day immersion courses and lengthier technical deep dives. “Our Virtual Production Primer is a streamlined walkthrough,” he continues, “designed to provide insight into a live VP shoot in a convenient single-day course – great for those who want to experience a VP shoot but don’t require a complete
technical understanding. At the other end of the spectrum,” he adds, “we have our ICVFX workflows course,” which is aimed at camera operators and covers topics like framing and colour accuracy. As the industry evolves, so too does Disguise. The company is in the middle of developing a Virtual Art Department (VAD) course ‘which will highlight the creative capabilities of VP’, according to Lapthorne. “This is aimed at teaching filmmakers how best to support the VAD on a shoot and optimise content creation for creative teams.” With the VPA available around the world, including in LA, Barcelona, Brazil, New York, Canada, China and Korea, “Disguise’s courses have emerged as a globally recognised training opportunity,” Lapthorne states, “perfectly suited to those looking to advance their understanding and get a hands-on introduction to the technology.”
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