About
IMDA supports the growth of Singapore’s media industry through capabilities building. This includes helping local media companies adopt the latest relevant technologies such as Virtual Production (VP) and upskilling professionals who are pursuing a career in media. Strengthening the capabilities of our media companies enables them to produce content that captures the hearts and minds of local and international audiences alike.
Virtual Production transforms filmmaking
VP technology is a process that integrates real-time digital imagery projected on large LED walls with live-action filmmaking. In-Camera Visual Effects (ICVFX) are also applied and captured in-camera in real time.
Overcome physical limitations
Companies no longer need large studio spaces, potentially saving cost and increasing efficiency.
Address logistical challenges
Filmmakers can project and adjust different environments in the studio in real-time, overcoming challenges such as unpredictable weather, permit requirements, and location accessibility.
Create unprecedented content
Filmmakers can pre-visualise and project 3D digital environments such as mountain landscapes or post-apocalyptic scenes on large-scale LED walls for real-time production.
Enabling VP innovation to meet industry demands
With the increasing demand for VP in the media industry, it is critical that our talent is equipped with the necessary skills and capabilities to meaningfully apply the technology and create quality content.
IMDA’s Virtual Production Innovation Fund grows the local VP talent pool through providing specialised training from industry experts as well as support for our talent to hone their capabilities while working on projects that utilise VP.
Since the launch of the fund in 2022, media talent and enterprises in Singapore have shown great interest in VP. Their works have demonstrated its potential in augmenting storytelling and creative imagination.
- Participants of the Virtual Production Challenge – an industry competition held in March 2023 by IMDA in collaboration with Epic Games’ Unreal Engine trainers – utilised real-time 3D game engine - Unreal Engine - to create new worlds and characters across a variety of genres from sci-fi to action mystery.
- Local creators have also used VP technology and workflow to extend their imagination, creating first-of-its-kind content such as a student being hunted by a mythical creature in a jungle, or an explorative thriller about a father and son’s relationship in a space station, or a Kungfu film nerd magically transported into a 70’s wuxia movie.
- Creators also showcased Singapore’s heritage by using VP technology to recreate historical landmarks, such as the National Theatre and the National Library @ Stamford.
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Watch how VP has helped these companies enhance their storytelling quality.
If you are keen to apply the power of VP in your works, reach out to us at info@imda.gov.sg.
Education and training opportunities
IMDA works with partners to offer a range of training opportunities – specialised and broad-based – to strengthen the industry’s VP capabilities.
| Specialised training | Broad-based training | |
| Overview | In-depth courses tailored to the specific competencies of the different professionals using VP. | Introductory courses that establish a foundational understanding of how VP can augment content creation and how it can be incorporated into the production workflow. |
| Who is it for? | Filmmakers, VFX supervisors, LED & broadcast technicians, game designers and animators. | Open to everyone. |
| Objective |
The criteria and learning outcomes are unique for each course. Applicants’ suitability for the different courses is dependent on their experience, job roles, and portfolio. Past training courses, such as the one conducted by National Film and TV School (NFTS), helped participants achieve proficiency in their specific roles and apply their learnings to productions thereafter. |
Basic introductory courses, such as the Introduction to Virtual Production Principles workshop by the Australian Film, TV and Radio School, provided insight into VP technology and workflows, the roles involved and how it augments content creation. Participants also learnt the fundamentals of VP technology (Unreal Engine), studio set-ups, and key skills for a VP project (planning and managing manpower, finances, and equipment needed). |
Information on upcoming training courses will be announced by the respective partners via their own channels.
Hear from course participants about their experience:
IMDA continually assesses the impact of new capabilities on the industry’s future. Currently, we are studying how Generative AI can transform the traditional media industry.
Scholarships
IMDA offers scholarships at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels, providing myriad opportunities for students and professionals. By empowering them to pursue their passions and forge their own career paths, we are grooming the next generation of media industry leaders who will shape the future of our digital economy and media ecosystems.
Media apprenticeships
To ensure a steady pipeline of media talent in Singapore, IMDA has created apprenticeship opportunities for new jobseekers to hone their craft while on-the-job. IMDA supports companies keen to take in local talent as media apprentices and provide them with on-the-job training under the supervision of industry leading practitioners. IMDA also works with media associations to curate a wider range of project opportunities across the ecosystem for companies, mentors, and apprentices.
Skills Framework for Media (SFw)
The SFw identifies the career pathways and key skills required in Singapore’s existing and emerging media sectors (e.g. VP, Generative AI). Using the SFw as a guide, media professionals, freelancers, employers, industry associations, unions and education or training providers can better navigate and tap into the opportunities available in the media sector.
For more information, please visit the Skills Framework Portal. To learn more about training opportunities and content funding, reach out to IMDA at info@imda.gov.sg.
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