National Screen Institute | NSI Intro to Virtual Production – Manitoba Indigenous Lab

Program status:

Applications closed

About

NSI Intro to Virtual Production – Manitoba Indigenous Lab is a three-day, in-person pilot delivered by the National Screen Institute in collaboration with New Media Manitoba through its StudioLab xR facility. The lab offers 12 Indigenous creators an introductory understanding of virtual production using Unreal Engine.

The program is designed as an accessible entry point for creators who are curious about how digital tools can support storytelling. Through demonstrations, guided exercises and small group activities, participants are introduced to core concepts behind real-time 3D environments and production workflows, without requiring prior technical experience.

Across three days, participants move from story and idea development to practical exercises that show how virtual production works. The lab focuses on learning by doing, with clear instruction and a supportive pace, with time to ask questions and try things more than once.

Participants receive a stipend for attending the in-person training.

Training approach

The lab is structured to build understanding gradually and in plain language. Day one focuses on story, ideas and creative intent, helping you connect your existing skills to new tools. Days two and three introduce foundational technical concepts and hands-on activities using available virtual production equipment.

Demonstrations, structured practice and small group exercises allow you to apply concepts in real-time, with guidance throughout.

New Media Manitoba provides technical instruction and workshop support for the virtual production components. A program manager oversees the lab, supporting participant care, accessibility and facilitation to ensure the workshop is delivered using respectful, participant-centred practices alongside technical learning.

The lab respects Indigenous approaches to storytelling, learning and collaboration, and centres curiosity, care and shared learning.

At a glance

Applications close: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Selected participants notified by: on or around March 17, 2026

Program dates: March 31, April 1 and 2, 2026 (24 total hours)
Location: Full-time, in-person at StudioLab xR in Winnipeg
Cost: Tuition and application fees are generously covered by lab partners

Who can apply?

This program is right for you if you:

are First Nations, Inuit or Métis living in Manitoba
are aged 18+
are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
are curious about film, television and storytelling
can commit to all three days of the in-person training in Winnipeg

This opportunity is for Indigenous creators who are ready to learn, collaborate and explore future possibilities in screen-based storytelling and related creative work.

To be eligible, you must:

have some creative, cultural or industry-related experience. This can include school, college or community-based creative work, acting, writing or directing projects, work with a local newspaper or radio station or post-secondary education
be able to fully participate in the program and not have a conflicting commitment that would limit your engagement

Training sessions

You’ll gain hands-on experience, work collaboratively and connect with industry professionals.

Day 1 – instructional-based learning

Sessions include:

What is virtual production – an overview and history
What are in-camera visual effects – an overview
StudioLab xR capabilities and limitations – set tour
Planning a scene for virtual production

Day 2 – classroom-based learning

Sessions include:

Introduction to Twinmotion for previsualization
Lighting and rendering
Planning our story for virtual production
Blocking our story for stage (TechViz)

Day 3 – on-set learning

Sessions include:

Understanding roles and responsibilities on set
Blending worlds: lighting, set decoration, atmosphere and Unreal Engine
Camera considerations: 3D tracking, lens choice and movement
Blocking out a shot using TechViz
Directing action
Shooting a scene at StudioLab xR

Day 3 includes support from a director of photography and a lighting and grip specialist, both with virtual production credits.

Our commitment to underrepresented voices

At the National Screen Institute, we serve and help develop the gifts of Indigenous creators.

We are committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (2SLGBTQ+), people with disabilities, those from regional and remote areas and various religious groups.

Questions

Please review the FAQs below. If you have any further questions or need support, email Sarah at sarahs.yellowquill [at] nsi-canada.ca or call 204-956-7800. Disability accommodation is available upon request.