WHAT SKILL SETS AND TRAINING ARE REQUIRED FOR MEDIA PROFESSIONALS LOOKING TO USE THESE TECHNOLOGIES?
GRIGORY MINDLIN: XR requires proficiency in real-time engines like Unreal Engine, virtual cinematography and motion tracking. Understanding LED volume technology, green- screen compositing and spatial storytelling is also key. Media professionals must blend technical expertise with creative storytelling, adapting to new production workflows that demand real-time rendering and interactive content design. Upskilling through training programmes and hands-on experience with XR tools will be essential. With this shift and increasing demand for media professionals who deeply understand the interplay between technology and narrative, it is more important than ever to encourage environments that champion continuous learning, especially as XR technology continues to rapidly evolve. Ultimately, success lies in building a workforce that is not only technically proficient, but also creatively agile and adaptable. RENE AMADOR: Recently, we’ve been training up a unique set of folks who are straddling traditional physical on-set production and have some background in tools like Unreal Engine and Blender. Some even also develop games. These are cinematographers, directors and technical staff who are attempting to find a holistic approach to content creation that is tool-agnostic. It’s very encouraging to see them thriving in ways that begin to make me question where the differences in these techniques really are. For a couple of decades, real-time graphics have been approaching the richness and believability of cinematic frames. However, the tide may be turning. The virtual aesthetic associated with video games has become a secondary ideal – not simply commercially, but in an effort to conjure the familiarity and nostalgia of video-game worlds. There’s also a specific level of spectacle and dynamism that video games have introduced to the cinematic language that is now desirable. Learning this expanded language is very important. I see many people who simply aren’t expanding their media consumption and enjoyment to
VISUAL IMPACT Alfalite offers LED displays ready to operate
driven sports graphics, including charts and rankings, were displayed in context with the scenes where the presenters were placed. GRIGORY MINDLIN: ESPN’s use of XR in NFL coverage and Sports Center is a standout example. Its mixed reality studio integrates real-time 3D recreations of players and AR-enhanced analysis, making sports storytelling more engaging. It’s a perfect blend of technology and content, enhancing the viewer experience without feeling like a gimmick. This application of XR proves its potential to elevate storytelling while providing real-time data in a visually compelling way. The seamless integration of XR into ESPN’s broadcast format enhanced the core narrative of the game, offering viewers deeper insights. The consistency of the XR implementation demonstrates a commitment to building a cohesive, immersive brand experience. This level of strategic deployment is what will drive the future of XR in broadcast.
Powered by FlippingBook