University of Gloucestershire's work to prepare students for the virtual production careers of the future was highlighted at the 2024 Media Production and Technology Show.

The university's Dr Tom Bradshaw and second year digital media student, Tamsin Jermyn, were guest speakers at the national event for the media and entertainment industry. They outlined how closer collaboration with industry and across course programmes was enhancing graduate opportunities in virtual production.

Attended by more than 12,000 visitors, the Media Production and Technology Show included panel discussions covering all aspects of broadcast content creation and technology, production, audio and Artificial Intelligence.

Dr Bradshaw, associate professor of media ethics and practice, and Tamsin were among the panellists for From Shortage to Showcase: How Universities are Pioneering Virtual Production, after being invited to attend by the virtual production platform and university partner, Pixotope.

With the virtual production industry facing a significant shortage of skilled professionals, the panel discussed how universities around the world were addressing this challenge through innovative programmes such as the Pixotope Education Program.

As a member of the Pixotope Education Program, University of Gloucestershire is providing students with access to the latest technological innovation and preparing them for careers in virtual production.

The panel explored the work being carried out by the university to converge virtual production education, as part of the ongoing development of its curricula in the School of Creative Arts.

Virtual production is currently being delivered on the school's BA digital media and BA television production courses, with plans to further integrate it across the school's course portfolio, including programmes such as BA animation, BA computer games design and BA journalism, to equip students with an increasingly essential skillset in video content production.

Dr Tom Bradshaw said: "Being invited to appear at such a high-profile event as the Media Production and Technology Show was a magnificent opportunity for University of Gloucestershire to showcase its work in building industry partnerships that best prepare our students for the jobs of the future.

"The wide spectrum of courses in the School of Creative Arts is enabling us to consider ways in which we can forge new collaborations to maximise virtual production in storytelling across the school.

"Virtual production requires students with a blend of creative and technical skills, so it's a chance for courses in television production, games design, digital media and others to work alongside one another, while acquiring vital skills for the future workplace."

Tamsin Jermyn, student, said: "I was honoured to have been invited as a speaker, because not only was it a fantastic opportunity to gain experience as a panellist, but the event also showcased various exciting opportunities and fields.

"I'm really pleased that there was a student presence on the panel because virtual production is the biggest growing future field for many in the creative industries and I think it is important to remind people that it offers a variety of rewarding career opportunities."