NYU Tisch School of the Arts introduces a Master’s Degree in VP

NYU Tisch School of the Arts announces the opening of applications for its new Master’s of Professional Studies degree in Virtual Production, a one-year, intensive course of study that blends cutting edge technology, science, and creativity to advance the art of storytelling.

The new program will be based at NYU’s Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center at Industry City. One of the first of its kind, the 45,000-square-foot facility will feature a Virtual Production LED Volume Staged designed by industry pioneer Lux Machina Consulting. The center will have two double-height, column free stages, two television studios, and state-of-the-art broadcast control rooms.

The new degree and facility will further establish Tisch as a global leader in cinematic arts.

“Tisch is excited to be a pioneer in training students on groundbreaking technology that is transforming the film and television industry. Our new master’s program keeps Tisch at the forefront of cinematic education by preparing students to enter the rapidly evolving field of virtual production,” said Allyson Green, Dean of NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

The 2024 application is available on the NYU Tisch website. The deadline for submission is Dec. 15, 2023. The first class will start in the fall of 2024; students will attend full-time and in-person and will complete their degree in two semesters.

The degree requires 36 credits of coursework, including introduction to virtual production, technical direction, art direction and production design, resume and reel building, and a master’s seminar that covers writing, directing, visual storytelling and post production. Classes will include lectures, discussions, screenings, critical and creative writing workshops and collaborative exercises in production techniques.

NYU Tisch has commissioned Lux Machina Consulting, a leader in virtual production, display technology, and in-camera visual effects, to create the production stages that are integral to the program. Working with the company that developed the technology allows NYU Tisch to train students in a real-world setting.

“It is a privilege to partner with a leading film school like New York University Tisch School of the Arts to give the next generation of filmmakers a hands-on, immersive experience in redefining the frontiers of storytelling,” Lux Machina Consulting President of Operations Zach Alexander said. “To set a gold standard on an accredited program created by two educational media powerhouses like NYU and LuxMC is a legacy we are proud of.”

Virtual production combines physical filmmaking with computer technology. Using gaming software, graphic cards and augmented reality, it allows directors and actors to work with visual effects in real time, rather than in post-production. Actors can respond naturally to their surroundings and directors are able to plan out scenes and shots with precision. Virtual production reduces post-production costs and the need to film on location, making projects more sustainable. This technology has been used in a range of films and television shows, including such projects that Lux Machina Consulting worked on as The Mandalorian, House of the Dragon, Bullet Train, and Barbie.