Virtual Production Workshop Explores Cutting-Edge Technology in Malta Valletta, Malta

Valletta, Malta - 29 September 2025

A two-day workshop entitled “VP for All”, integrated within the CUTTING EDGES initiative, was recently conducted at Studio7, Malta. The event was organized by Manuel Ciantar from Studio7 and his team in collaboration with the University of Malta, with co-funding provided by the European Union. Its primary objective was to introduce participants to the rapidly developing field of virtual production and its diverse applications.

The workshop convened participants from a range of European higher education institutions, including IADT (Ireland), Turku University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Lusófona University (Portugal), the University of Malta, and FET College, Ballyfermot Campus (Ireland). This transnational composition underscored the growing interest in virtual production across multiple academic and professional contexts.

The program was designed to combine theoretical foundations with applied practice. Introductory sessions presented key concepts of virtual production, while live demonstrations illustrated the convergence of physical and digital environments. Hands-on exercises enabled participants to engage directly with professional workflows, thereby facilitating the transfer of both technical and creative skills.

Another component of the program was the focused session on Aximmetry, a software platform widely employed for real-time graphics and LED wall integration. This session provided participants with a detailed overview of its technical capabilities and practical applications in contemporary production environments.

The workshop also featured a visit to Rupture Studios, a unique virtual production facility based in Malta. The site visit allowed participants to observe advanced infrastructures - including LED wall systems, motion capture technologies, and Unreal Engine 5 pipelines—currently employed in professional audiovisual production.

Beyond its technical emphasis, the workshop included a contextual dimension. A presentation by Jo Debono, founder of Studio7, situated Malta’s audiovisual sector within its broader historical and cultural trajectory, thereby highlighting the island’s emerging role within international creative industries.

The program concluded with guided visits to significant Maltese landmarks, fostering intercultural exchange and reinforcing the link between technological innovation and cultural heritage. The closing group dinner further encouraged collaboration and the establishment of professional networks among participants.

Overall, “VP for All” demonstrated both the pedagogical and professional relevance of virtual production in contemporary media practice. By combining theoretical, technical, and cultural components, the workshop contributed to a deeper understanding of virtual production as a transformative paradigm for film, television, education, and cultural research.