Virtual production is transforming the film and television industry
We have successfully designed a Virtual Production model curriculum, which is now being made available as a collaborative program across the region.
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- Mission Statement
This project will support the creation and implementation of a Regional Virtual Production Academy by defining a virtual production model curriculum using existing courses and certificates and delivering a suite of collaborative credentials including stackable certificates, an associate degree, and possibly a baccalaureate degree.
- Vision Statement
This project will support the creation and implementation of a Regional Virtual Production Academy by defining a virtual production model curriculum using existing courses and certificates and delivering a suite of collaborative credentials including stackable certificates, an associate degree, and possibly a baccalaureate degree.
Berkeley City College
Diablo Valley College
Santa Rosa Junior College
- Community Colleges are Teaching Virtual Production
Blurring the line between the Digital Media and the ICT sectors, VP includes multiple phases of film development with the goal of creating a real-time virtual scene using game engine content and real physical props and actors in front of a green screen or LED wall.
- Current Pathways Available
VP Production Fundamentals Certificate is comprised of 6 Core Courses and 1 Elective, Course Sequence here.
| Courses | BCC | DVC | Laney | Mission | Ohlone | SRJC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Animation | MM/AN 20A | ARTDM 160 | GDS 039A | DAID 125 | APTECH 43 | |
| Intro to Digital Imaging (Photoshop) | MMART 3 | ARTDM 105 | GRART 036 | GDS 064 | DAID 103 | CS 70.11A |
| Intro to Game Design & Development | MM/VI 9A | ARTDM 180 | Media 104 | GDS 040 | DAID 111 | MEDIA 20 |
| Intro to Film Production | MM/AN 40A | FTVE 160 or ARTDM 149 | GDS 074 | DAID 118 | CS 42 | |
| Intro to Visual Effects (VFX) | MM/AN 22B | ARTDM 141 | Media 139 | GDS 086 | DAID 128 | APTECH 162 |
| Intro to Virtual Production | ARTDM 192 | Media 044A | GDS 087 | DAID 129 | CS 77.11 | |
| Pick 1 Elective* | ||||||
| Motion Graphics* | MMART 5A | ARTDM 140 | Media 140 | GDS 081 | DAID 112 | |
| Video Editing* | MM/VI 20A + 20LA | FTVE 165 | Media 136 | CS 74.22 | ||
| Animation 2D* | MM/AN 1A | ARTDM 165 | DAID 115 | |||
| 3D Animation / Modeling* | MM/AN 21A | ARTDM 161 | DAID 122 | APTECH 63 | ||
| Internship* | MMART 468 | ARTDM295 | Media 460A | WEX195 |
Specialization: Animation
| Courses | BCC | DVC | Laney | Mission | Ohlone | SRJC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scripting for Games / Intro to Blueprinting etc. | MM/AN 41A | ARTDM 181 | DAID 142 | CS 42 | ||
| 2D Animation | MM/AN 3A | ARTDM 166 | GRART 150 | DAID 115 | CS 75.12 | |
| 3D Character Animation | MM/AN 20B | ARTDM 240 | GDS 043A | DAID 125 | APTECH 64 | |
| Motion Capture / Performance Animation | MM/AN 24 | Media 44D | DAID 143 | |||
| Motion Graphics | MMART5A | ARTDM 140 | GDS 081 | DAID 112 | CS 74.33 | |
| Layout and Lighting | MM/AN22A | Media 44C | DAID 141 | |||
| Python | COMSC 140 | CIS007 | CNET 142 | CS 81.41A | ||
| Virtual Production B | ART 230 | Media 44B | DAID 150 | |||
| Studio Practice (1 unit) or Internship (1-3 units) or Portfolio (1-4 units) | MM/AN 55A | ARTDM 295 or FTVE 295 | Media 129 | DAID 160 | GD 60 |
Specialization: Modeling
| Courses | BCC | DVC | Laney | Mission | Ohlone | SRJC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scripting for Games / Intro to Blueprinting etc. | MM/AN 41A | DAID 142 | CS 42 | |||
| 3D Modeling | MM/AN 21A | ARTDM 161 | GDS 039A | DAID 122 | APTECH 63 | |
| Digital Sculpting | DAID 124 | |||||
| Texturing | MM/AN 30 | DAID 123 | ||||
| Python | COMSC 140 | CIS007 | CNET 142 | CS 81.41A | ||
| Intermediate/ Advanced 3D Modeling | MM/AN 21B | DAID 126 | ||||
| Rigging | MM/AN 23 | DAID 140 | ||||
| Virtual Production B | Media 44B | DAID 150 | ||||
| Studio Practice (1 unit) or Internship (1-3 units) or Portfolio (1-4 units) | MM/AN 55A | Media 129 | DAID 160 | GD 60 |
Specialization: Film Production
| Courses | BCC | DVC | Laney | Mission | Ohlone | SRJC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scripting for Games / Intro to Blueprinting etc. | MM/AN 41A | DAID 142 | CS 42 | |||
| Video Editing | MM:VI 20a | FTVE 165 | Media 130, 135, 138 | GDS 074 | CS 74.22 | |
| Intro to Studio Production | FTVE 120 | Media 108 | MEDIA 19 | |||
| Intermediate Film | MM:VI 9C | FTVE 161 | Media 120 | MEDIA 21 | ||
| Python | COMSC 140 | CIS007 | CS-142 | CS 81.41A | ||
| Cinematography | MM:VI 9B | Media 139 | TD 172 | MEDIA 55 | ||
| Motion Graphics | MMART 5A | ARTDM 140 | Media 140 | GDS 081 | DAID 112 | |
| Virtual Production B | ARTDM 230 | Media 44B | DAID 150 | |||
| Studio practice (1 unit) or internship (1-3 units) or portfolio (1-4 units) | MM/AN 55A | ARTDM 295 | Media 129 | DAID 160 | GD 60 |
- Participating Colleges
Class Schedule
Virtual Production Fundamentals Certificate of Achievement
3D Animation
Intro to Digital Imaging
Intro to Game Design & Development
Intro to Film Production
Intro to Visual Effects
Intro to Virtual Production
Motion Graphics
(Elective – Pick 1)
(Elective – Pick 1)
Video Editing
(Elective – Pick 1)
(Elective – Pick 1)
2D Animation
(Elective – Pick 1)
(Elective – Pick 1)
3D Animation / Modeling
(Elective – Pick 1)
(Elective – Pick 1)
Internship
(Elective – Pick 1)
(Elective – Pick 1)
3D Animation
3D animation involves the creation and manipulation of 3D models, cameras, and virtual assets to bring dynamic visual narratives to life. Utilizing specialized 3D modeling and animation vocabulary, professionals meticulously plan and design productions, ensuring a seamless integration of elements for compelling visual storytelling.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Intro to Digital Imaging
Digital imaging is about knowing how to use different computer programs and tools to make digital art or pictures. It’s important to organize your work, pick the right picture quality, and understand different types of picture files to make your project look its best. When combining pictures, using masks and other smart methods lets you blend them together without permanently changing anything, so you can always adjust your work later if you need to.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Intro to Game Design & Development
In Intro to Game Design & Development, students learn to think about games from a big-picture perspective, using best practices in game development to design and create games. They get hands-on experience by coming up with game ideas, making those ideas tangible through pitches and prototypes, and then presenting their ideas to others. This process helps students understand how games are made from start to finish.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Intro to Film Production
This intro film production course helps students learn how to plan, organize, and carry out the making of a short video project. They work as part of a team, where each person is responsible for their part of the project. Students also learn and use basic video production techniques and terms, helping them understand the steps and processes involved in creating a video from start to finish.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Intro to Visual Effects
Exploring real-world problem-solving through visual effects, students in Intro to Visual Effects learn to apply different techniques effectively in production environments. They also develop an understanding of the terminology and concepts of compositing, allowing them to seamlessly integrate various visual elements.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Intro to Virtual Production
Crafting a virtual production project from concept to completion, students in Intro to Virtual Production learn the intricacies of design and creation. They also acquire a comprehensive understanding of the terminology and concepts related to virtual production, fostering effective collaboration within their production teams.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Motion Graphics
(Elective – Pick 1)
(Elective – Pick 1)
In Motion Graphics, students integrate diverse elements such as audio, time-based media, and 2D animation to craft comprehensive motion graphic presentations. They showcase an understanding of the terminology, principles, and concepts inherent in animation and motion graphics. Furthermore, students exhibit proficiency in creating intricate multi-layered animations, exporting projects for versatile applications in film, broadcasting, the internet, UI/UX, animation, games, and mobile devices.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Video Editing
(Elective – Pick 1)
(Elective – Pick 1)
Crafting a refined project, students in Video Editing skillfully incorporate elements such as still frames, titles, credits, effects, transitions, keyframe animations, basic compositing, J and L cuts, and the blending of multiple audio sources. They showcase their proficiency in producing polished video content while demonstrating effective project management through asset and sequence organization. Additionally, students adeptly import files from diverse formats, ensuring readiness for the editing process.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
2D Animation
(Elective – Pick 1)
(Elective – Pick 1)
In 2D Animation, students produce sequential art aligned with the 12 principles of animation. They progress by crafting cartoons that showcase animation fundamentals, techniques, and key concepts. Additionally, students critically assess how they apply the principles of animation theory in their projects, gaining a deeper understanding of the art form.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
3D Animation / Modeling
(Elective – Pick 1)
(Elective – Pick 1)
Producing dynamic visual narratives, students in 3D Animation and Modeling create animations featuring 3D models, cameras, and virtual assets. They skillfully utilize 3D modeling and animation vocabulary, complemented by thoughtful planning and design for their 3D productions. This integrated approach empowers students to bring imaginative and compelling visual stories to fruition.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Internship
(Elective – Pick 1)
(Elective – Pick 1)
Students can choose between an internship, studio, or portfolio track to gain hands-on experience with virtual production techniques and industry-standard software, working on real projects with professionals. They develop skills in 3D modeling, animation, lighting, compositing, video editing, web design, and game design. The experience emphasizes teamwork, communication, meeting deadlines, and professional behavior, with a focus on innovation, problem-solving, and user-centric visual communication.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Virtual Production Advanced Certificate of Achievement
Specialization: Animation
Scripting for Games / Intro to Blueprinting etc.
2D Animation
3D Character Animation
Motion Capture / Performance Animation
Motion Graphics
Layout and Lighting
Python
Virtual Production B
Studio Practice, Internship or Portfolio
Scripting for Games / Intro to Blueprinting etc.
Scripting for Games builds the understanding and application of systems-level thinking, game development methods, and best practices to the design and development of graphical computer-based games. Students learn game creation skills that cover game logic sequencing; artistic and technical coordination; technical requirements and limitations; and implementation of high quality and error-free versions of games.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
2D Animation
In 2D Animation, students produce sequential art aligned with the 12 principles of animation. They progress by crafting cartoons that showcase animation fundamentals, techniques, and key concepts. Additionally, students critically assess how they apply the principles of animation theory in their projects, gaining a deeper understanding of the art form.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
3D Character Animation
Apply acting principles in 3D animated scenes to create appealing personality- based performances. Implement Principles of Animation to convey story, themes, intentions, and emotions in an animation project. Develop and implement strong character silhouettes.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Motion Capture / Performance Animation
Students learn how to use applications for performance animation and acting techniques for character animation, scene construction, and storytelling. Motivation in creating movement and gesture and how this relates to believable characterization for animation is explored by creating character bios, backstories, scenes and sequences, and empathy to bring a character to life.
*Please note, Intro to 3D Animation is a recommended prerequisite.
Spring 2025:
No Courses Available this semester
Fall 2024:
Motion Graphics
In Motion Graphics, students integrate diverse elements such as audio, time-based media, and 2D animation to craft comprehensive motion graphic presentations. They showcase an understanding of the terminology, principles, and concepts inherent in animation and motion graphics. Furthermore, students exhibit proficiency in creating intricate multi-layered animations, exporting projects for versatile applications in film, broadcasting, the internet, UI/UX, animation, games, and mobile devices.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Layout and Lighting
Master the principles of layout and lighting essential for digital media projects. Learn industry-standard techniques to enhance visual storytelling, create compelling compositions, and apply professional methods to your digital media work.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Python
The course introduces Python, covering topics such as primitive and collection data types, operators, statements, loops, branching, functions, variable scoping, modules, packages, object-oriented programming, file handling, exceptions, and an overview of Graphical User Interface (GUI) programming.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Virtual Production B
Building on Virtual Production A, this course delves into advanced aspects of 3D virtual TV, stagecraft, filmmaking, and concepts tailored for the Virtual Production field. Students gain in-depth knowledge to execute complex virtual projects, exploring advanced techniques and applications in the evolving landscape of Virtual Production.
Spring2025:
Fall 2024:
Studio Practice, Internship or Portfolio
Students can choose between an internship, studio, or portfolio track to gain hands-on experience with virtual production techniques and industry-standard software, working on real projects with professionals. They develop skills in 3D modeling, animation, lighting, compositing, video editing, web design, and game design. The experience emphasizes teamwork, communication, meeting deadlines, and professional behavior, with a focus on innovation, problem-solving, and user-centric visual communication.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Specialization: Modeling
Scripting for Games / Intro to Blueprinting etc.
3D Modeling
Digital Sculpting
Texturing
Python
Intermediate/Advanced 3D modeling
Rigging
Virtual Production B
Studio Practice, Internship or Portfolio
Scripting for Games / Intro to Blueprinting etc.
Scripting for Games builds the understanding and application of systems-level thinking, game development methods, and best practices to the design and development of graphical computer-based games. Students learn game creation skills that cover game logic sequencing; artistic and technical coordination; technical requirements and limitations; and implementation of high quality and error-free versions of games.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
3D Modeling
The 3D Modeling course focuses on creating short, 3D animated movies. Students explore the principles that govern animation and practice techniques to implement them in 3D, using the skills learned to create and apply textures and lighting to 3D models for the final render.
*Please note, Intro to 3D Animation is a recommended prerequisite.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Digital Sculpting
In this course, students are introduced to digital sculpting and its integration with traditional modeling workflows for production. They acquire the skills to craft ultra-realistic 3D models with intricate details, utilizing industry-standard software. Demonstrations, exercises, and assignments foster the development of sculpting, physics, composition, anatomy, and texture painting skills.
*Please note, 3D Modeling is a recommended prerequisite.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Texturing
In this course, students master industry techniques for elevating 3D objects, environments, and characters through 3D sculpting and painting tools. They cover texture painting, digital image manipulation, texture mapping, lighting techniques, camera controls, application of art and design principles to 3D imagery, and rendering for creative industries like video games, cinema, animations, AR, and print.
*Please note, Intro to 3D Animation 0r 3D Modeling is a recommended prerequisite.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Python
The course introduces Python, covering topics such as primitive and collection data types, operators, statements, loops, branching, functions, variable scoping, modules, packages, object-oriented programming, file handling, exceptions, and an overview of Graphical User Interface (GUI) programming.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Intermediate/Advanced 3D modeling
This intermediate course builds on skills developed in 3D modeling, focusing on designing and constructing digital characters and environments. Students create production-ready 3D models using organic and hard surface techniques, digital sculpting principles, and optimization for 3D game engines.
Spring2025:
Fall 2024:
Rigging
The Rigging course readies students for the technical intricacies of developing efficient animation controls for 3D models and characters. Utilizing industry-standard software, students learn to create a comprehensive skeleton and control rig, encompassing facial features, for a 3D model. Through techniques like set-driven keys, deformers, constraints, and kinematic controls, students master the export of rigged characters and objects to game/simulation platforms, including tasks like identifying locations, placing joints, and painting weights for realistic movement.
*Please note, Intro to 3D Animation is a recommended prerequisite.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Virtual Production B
Building on Virtual Production A, this course delves into advanced aspects of 3D virtual TV, stagecraft, filmmaking, and concepts tailored for the Virtual Production field. Students gain in-depth knowledge to execute complex virtual projects, exploring advanced techniques and applications in the evolving landscape of Virtual Production.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Studio Practice, Internship or Portfolio
Students can choose between an internship, studio, or portfolio track to gain hands-on experience with virtual production techniques and industry-standard software, working on real projects with professionals. They develop skills in 3D modeling, animation, lighting, compositing, video editing, web design, and game design. The experience emphasizes teamwork, communication, meeting deadlines, and professional behavior, with a focus on innovation, problem-solving, and user-centric visual communication.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Specialization: Film Production
Scripting for Games / Intro to Blueprinting etc.
Video Editing
Intro to Studio Production
Intermediate Film Production
Python
Cinematography (Lighting)
Motion Graphics
Virtual Production B
Studio Practice, Internship or Portfolio
Scripting for Games / Intro to Blueprinting etc.
Scripting for Games builds the understanding and application of systems-level thinking, game development methods, and best practices to the design and development of graphical computer-based games. Students learn game creation skills that cover game logic sequencing; artistic and technical coordination; technical requirements and limitations; and implementation of high quality and error-free versions of games.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Video Editing
Crafting a refined project, students in Video Editing skillfully incorporate elements such as still frames, titles, credits, effects, transitions, keyframe animations, basic compositing, J and L cuts, and the blending of multiple audio sources. They showcase their proficiency in producing polished video content while demonstrating effective project management through asset and sequence organization. Additionally, students adeptly import files from diverse formats, ensuring readiness for the editing process.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Intro to Studio Production
In this course, students are introduced to the theory, terminology, and operation of a multi-camera television studio and control room. Topics cover studio signal flow, directing, theory, and operation of camera and audio equipment, switcher operation, fundamentals of lighting, graphics, video control, and real-time video production and recording.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Intermediate Film Production
In this course, students produce intermediate level, single-camera short films that use sophisticated lighting schemes, sync sound, polished editing, and visual metaphors. Theory, terminology, and operation of digital film production equipment, including lighting techniques, camera operation, camera movement, sound recording, scriptwriting, directing actors, and editing will also be covered. Students learn and demonstrate the skills needed for successful teamwork in television, film or other media industry employment and how to prepare and organize logistics for a shoot, including pre-production documents.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Python
The course introduces Python, covering topics such as primitive and collection data types, operators, statements, loops, branching, functions, variable scoping, modules, packages, object-oriented programming, file handling, exceptions, and an overview of Graphical User Interface (GUI) programming.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Cinematography (Lighting)
This course teaches students visual storytelling from script to screen, emphasizing shot composition, lighting, and camera movement for effective narrative expression. They develop skills in operating cameras, selecting lenses, managing exposure, and applying color grading using industry-standard tools. Additionally, students learn to critically analyze cinematic works to understand their impact on storytelling and visual appeal.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Motion Graphics
In Motion Graphics, students integrate diverse elements such as audio, time-based media, and 2D animation to craft comprehensive motion graphic presentations. They showcase an understanding of the terminology, principles, and concepts inherent in animation and motion graphics. Furthermore, students exhibit proficiency in creating intricate multi-layered animations, exporting projects for versatile applications in film, broadcasting, the internet, UI/UX, animation, games, and mobile devices.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Virtual Production B
Building on Virtual Production A, this course delves into advanced aspects of 3D virtual TV, stagecraft, filmmaking, and concepts tailored for the Virtual Production field. Students gain in-depth knowledge to execute complex virtual projects, exploring advanced techniques and applications in the evolving landscape of Virtual Production.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
Studio Practice, Internship or Portfolio
Students can choose between an internship, studio, or portfolio track to gain hands-on experience with virtual production techniques and industry-standard software, working on real projects with professionals. They develop skills in 3D modeling, animation, lighting, compositing, video editing, web design, and game design. The experience emphasizes teamwork, communication, meeting deadlines, and professional behavior, with a focus on innovation, problem-solving, and user-centric visual communication.
Spring 2025:
Fall 2024:
There are currently no events.
Latest RVPA News
Testimonials
Project Timeline
Planning & Initiation
7/1 - 8/28/22
Working Sessions
9/9 - 4/26/23
Implemention
4/1/23 - 6/30/23
Promotion
Fall 2023
Launch
Fall 2024
you asked we answer
What is Virtual Production?
Virtual production is a catch-all phrase for all film production with a virtual or CGI-based element. VP is a cinematographic technique that seamlessly combines physical and virtual elements using a suite of software tools. Studios can film on a stage and view virtual graphics together in real-time. Changing locations is as simple as swapping out a background. Directors, actors, and other stakeholders can see the final film assets and instantly make changes.
What is a collaborative program?
The Bay Area Regional VIrtual Production Academy (RVPA) is a collaborative program. A collaborative program is one in which one or more colleges rely on another college or
colleges to offer some of the coursework required for an approved degree or certificate.
Collaborating colleges may either be in reasonable proximity to permit students to take
classroom-based courses or the courses may be offered online through distance education local or shared platforms. Collaborative programs are an ideal option for colleges who find themselves unable to add a specific ADT or a CTE degree or certificate to their offerings as a consequence of their inability to offer the entire breadth of required courses. Collaborative programs also increase student accessibility to programs and allow colleges to fill their offered courses.
What will the RVPA project deliver?
- Model curriculum using existing and enhanced curriculum, informed by industry and employers
- Articulation of model curriculum across Academy member college
- Approval of stackable certificates utilizing the model curriculum
- Implementation of collaborative program requirements
- Connection with internship, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs
- Academy marketing and communications (internal and external)
- Academy launch: Fall 2023
What are examples of VP jobs?
Technical Artist is the most in demand occupational title. However, the title of Technical Artist is extremely broad and covers a number of different specializations within the lifecycle of virtual production such as modeler, motion graphics design, rigging, visual effects/animation and lighting..
There are multiple jobs under the category of film productions, such as videographer, camera operator, video editor, and on-set Lighting/electrical,and story development.
What programs (curricula) prepare students for VP jobs?
- Multimedia Arts
- Animation
- Game Design & Development
- Graphic Design & Digital Media
- Digital Filmmaking & Production
- Film, Television & Electronic Media
- AR/VR/XR
- Video & Motion Graphics
How do Bay Area colleges become members of the Regional Virtual Production Academy?
New colleges may join the Academy after the model curriculum has been articulated across member colleges and the collaborative program is approved by the Chancellor’s Office, which is part of the implementation phase. At that point, related programs at other colleges can begin the process of a) articulating their courses to the model curriculum, b) developing Academy MOUs, and c) adding collaborative program enrollment requirements.
Have Questions?
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Contact Directory
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Contact Directory
| Contact | Organization |
|---|---|
| Mary Clarke-Miller | BCC |
| Joann Denning | DVC |
| Kevin Leeper | DVC |
| Sahra Bhimji | DVC |
| Vina Cera | Laney |
| Koina Freeman | Laney |
| Mark Garrett | Mission |
| Monica Cappiello | Ohlone |
| Ethan Wilde | SRJC |
| Olivia Herriford | BACCC |
| Dan Montoya | BACCC |
| Lauren Tabata | BACCC |
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If you have any questions or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!
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