Sheridan’s Screen Industries Research and Training (SIRT) Centre launches Virtual Production Innovation Hub

This afternoon, Sheridan’s Screen Industries Research and Training (SIRT) Centre announced the official launch of the Virtual Production Innovation Hub (VPIH), a collaborative space for industry leaders, technology partners, and students to innovate, access, and discover all aspects of virtual production (VP).  

The VPIH is Ontario’s home for VP innovation (an evolving technique of combining physical and digital filmmaking) and extends SIRT’s expertise in applied research by focusing on this critical advancement in content creation.   

“We are very excited to announce the official launch of our Virtual Production Innovation Hub. The Hub supports all content creators, technology enablers and studios looking to update their workflow for virtual production and see their innovative ideas and concepts come to life in real-time,” said David Dexter, Director of SIRT. “SIRT is also committed, through partnerships like xoTO Screen Industry Pathways, to ensuring that training is inclusive of the industry’s diverse workforce.” 

The VPIH will continue SIRT’s work with key industry partners such as Blackmagic Design, Pixomondo, CBS, Take5 Productions, Epic Games, The Other End, William F. Whites, SpinVFX, and Canadian Film Centre. This industry support is significant for the growth of content creation using VP. 

“Virtual production has opened up a completely new approach to content creation, which the industry is just beginning to crack open. As creators continue to embrace virtual production, they’ll be looking to leaders like SIRT to help drive innovation and provide access to the latest cutting-edge technologies and techniques that empower those workflows,” said Dan May, President, Blackmagic Design, Americas. 

“SIRT has consistently been at the forefront of technology innovation for the screen industries, which has solidified their many partnerships in the field. This expertise has also provided our students the opportunity to learn the most leading-edge and innovative methods in the screen industries,” said Dr. Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor, Sheridan College. “While working closely with Sheridan’s Co-operative Education team, the new Hub will offer elevated industry engagement and opportunities for our students. This helps us to foster vital relationships with industry leaders, enabling them to hire the best and brightest talent from Sheridan." 

In conjunction with the announcement of the VPIH, SIRT is also pleased to announce its launch as the first Unreal Engine Certified Training Centre in Canada. This status will help SIRT engage new and existing Canadian content creators to develop their skill set and transition from a traditional to a VP filmmaking pipeline. With experienced professional trainers and breakthrough technology, SIRT is committed to becoming the source for VP innovation in Canada. With this certification, SIRT becomes the only Canadian centre with access to Epic Games course materials and instructors. 

The VPIH’s focus on ensuring that technology, mentorship and training is accessible to all content creators will make it a true home for all content creators in Ontario and beyond.

Watch the launch announcement recording.

Learn more about virtual production from expert and SIRT Virtual Production Lead, Spencer Idenouye.

Pictured above: The virtual production set-up at Sheridan's SIRT Centre.