Screen Industry Leaders Unite for All-Island Virtual Production Initiative
Date Posted: September 2, 2025
Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and the National Talent Academy for VFX, is proud to announce the Virtual Production All-Island Initiative – a landmark programme designed to unite producers, executive producers, studio heads, and VFX specialists from across Northern Ireland. and the Republic of Ireland.
Taking place this autumn at Studio Ulster’s state-of-the-art LED volume and CoStar Lab facilities in Belfast, the initiative will bring together some of the most skilled and forward-thinking professionals working in film, television, and visual storytelling today. By working side by side in an immersive, hands-on environment, participants will explore how virtual production can expand creative possibilities, strengthen professional relationships, and position the island of Ireland as a single, world-class hub for high-end content creation.
As demand for high-quality, visually sophisticated content continues to grow, the ability to collaborate seamlessly across borders has never been more important. This initiative represents a significant step towards making that collaboration feel effortless, combining creative ambition with technical excellence and building the kind of professional trust that leads to exceptional work. Virtual production offers unprecedented creative control, cost efficiencies, and new opportunities for storytelling that were once impossible. The programme will also highlight how productions can take advantage of the combined strengths of both jurisdictions, including how to avail of tax credits in Northern Ireland and in Republic of Ireland, to attract large-scale international projects while continuing to grow indigenous talent and stories.
Gareth Lee, Manager of Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, commented:
“At its heart, this initiative is about connection. We want to create an environment where producers and VFX specialists from across the island can work together – where ideas flow, skills are shared, and relationships are built that will shape the stories we tell for years to come. The talent is already here; our job is to help bring it together and show the world what Ireland can do.”
Colman Farrell, Head of Skills and Professional Development at Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland said:
“Screen Ireland is delighted to support the Virtual Production All-Island Initiative, an ambitious programme to develop and strengthen Ireland’s virtual production expertise amongst producers and VFX specialists alike. The Irish VFX sector is fast growing and holds huge potential for the future of the Irish screen industry, including opportunities for further cross-border partnerships and shared storytelling.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Ireland Screen commented:
“The state-of-the-art facilities at Studio Ulster provide our industry with access to world-class Virtual Production Stages. Yet, it is through developing skills that their full potential will be realised. This all-island programme gives producers and VFX specialists hands-on expertise, strengthening our talent pipeline, enhancing competitiveness, attracting international investment, and supporting the creation of high-quality productions that both benefit the local economy and showcase Northern Ireland on the global stage.”
Applications are now open to experienced producers, executive producers, studio heads, and VFX specialists who meet the eligibility criteria. The programme includes a remote pre-launch masterclass, a networking reception and studio tour, and an intensive two-day, hands-on workshop in Studio Ulster’s CoStar Lab.
Programme Dates:
· Masterclass: September 2025 (TBC): Remote
· Networking Launch: 3rd October 2025: Studio Ulster, Belfast
· Workshops: 4th–5th October 2025: Studio Ulster / CoStar Lab
For more information and to apply, visit here.
