Certified Unreal Engine for Virtual Production

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet in partnership with Screen Ireland and the National Talent Academy for VFX, is offering Certified Unreal Engine for Virtual Production.

The Strategic Importance of Virtual Production for Film, Television & Creative Producers

The film, television, animation & games industries stand at a critical crossroads where understanding virtual production is no longer optional, but essential for competitive success.  Fear and lack of confidence in the technology is the first and most important barrier that needs to be broken down. Virtual production (which merges physical filmmaking with real-time computer graphics) represents a fundamental shift in how content is conceived, planned, and executed. For film makers, embracing these technologies (and if used smartly) offers unprecedented creative control, significant cost efficiencies through reduced location shooting and post-production time as well as greater scheduling predictability. The real-time pipeline combined with early stage collaborative opportunities, can greatly enhance the production workflow, save time, save money and allow for impossible creativity!

For worldbuilders, the opportunity to bring your skills onto the VP stage and collaborate at the top of the pipeline adds another dimension to the creative process.

The ability to visualise complete environments before principal photography begins, dramatically reduces creative risk while opening new storytelling possibilities previously constrained by physical limitations. As streaming platforms demand more content and audiences expect increasingly sophisticated visuals, productions that fail to integrate virtual production into their production pipelines risk being outpaced by competitors who can deliver higher quality content more efficiently.

Overview

• Introduction to Virtual Production | Monday December 8th | Remote
• 1 x Day induction at CoStar Lab | Thursday Dec 11th | In Person
• 10 x week Certified Unreal Engine Training (includes 2 x week world building exercise) | Remote
• 3 x Day on site at CoStar Lab interacting with Production Design Cohort (Feb 25th – 27th) | In Person

Aims & Objectives

• Raise the skill level of current Unreal Engine Users
• Build worlds for LED walls to final pixel
• Practical Hands on experience at CoStar Lab (located in Studio Ulster) volume studio
• Interact with Production Designers/Set Builders for seamless background/foreground integration

Participant profile

LEVEL: Advanced Beginner | Intermediate
We are looking for current Unreal Engine users with a solid understanding of animation/3D space and Unreal Engine experience, either working in Film production or across:

• Animation
• Games
• Architecture
• Automotive Design
• Broadcast & Live Events
• Simulation & more
  
  Some film production experience is advantageous, but not necessary. This course is not for anyone who does not have a solid base in using Unreal Engine.

Applicants must be resident in the Republic of Ireland and must be employed or self employed/Freelance.

Technical Requirements

You will need a good and stable internet connection for remote classes and large file upload/download.

Graham will be teaching in UE 5.6.1, the current latest version, as there are some UI changes.
He will dip back in to earlier versions, depending on Studio Ulster updates and will highlight changes if 5.6.2 or 3 is released during the duration of the course.

Unreal Engine typically runs on any recent Mac or PC but you can check tech specs here.

A limited number of Remote Workstations may be available, so please check the box in the application if you require remote access. There are a limited number of stations.

Schedule

Remote (all remote classes are evening classes 7pm – 8.30pm)
December 2025: Monday 8th, Monday 15th,
January 2026: Monday 5th, Thurs 8th, Thurs15th, Thurs 22nd, Thurs 29th
February 2026: Thurs 5th, Thurs 12th | Worldbuild 13th – 24th

In Person (CoStar Lab, Studio Ulster) | 9am – 5pm
December 2025: Thurs 11th (Travel to Belfast Dec 10th)
February 2026: Wed 25th, Thurs 26th, Fri 27th (Travel to Belfast Feb 24th

Costs/fee

Cost: €575 Per Person
Includes:
Training & Accommodation: B&B Ramada Hotel and welcome evening meal on Dec 10th (Block 1) and again on Feb 24th (Block 2).

Transport: An application to the VFX NTA for reimbursement for all public transport costs to/from Belfast can be made post training. Car travel & parking will not be reimbursed as part of our sustainability drive.
Transport to/From Hotel, To/From Studio Ulster will be provided.

Application

Please complete your application. Deadline: Nov 21st 5pm.

Virtual Art Department | Certified Unreal Engine | Remote & CoStar Lab | 2025  – Complete this form

By submitting this application you declare that you are currently resident in the Republic of Ireland. You also agree to the sharing of your application details with the selection panel.

If you have any queries, please contact susantalbot@furthr.ie | Subject: VAD UE