Grant: Collaborative Research and Training Experience

The VISION industrial stream training program focuses on bringing core training to the film/TV industry's visual effects (VFX) sector. VFX uses a wide range of techniques in computer-generated imagery, animation, compositing, and more, combining both technical and creative talent. Over the past 30 years, VFX usage in digital entertainment has grown exponentially, making imaginative and increasingly complex digital creations possible through research and development and artistic vision. Canada plays a significant role in digital entertainment, drawing $5 billion in revenue, with Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia making up more than 90% of the total volume of production in the country, of which 80% is from VFX. VISION's industry partners have underscored the importance of training HQP with skills and expertise in animation, rendering, applications of artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning-based tools, and user interface/experience (UI/UX) design; yet most lack the required knowledge and experience to apply these novel methods in VFX pipelines. VISION has been designed with our industry partners to fill this training gap. Within the framework of the VISION research and training program, trainees will be offered a range of opportunities otherwise not afforded to them. All trainees will take at least one 4-month industrial internship over the duration of their studies, visit actual production film sets and studios (e.g., Pinewood Studios in Toronto, future Ottawa Soundstage), undertake technical workshops (on virtual studios, motion capture, deep learning techniques, UX design, etc.); and attend skills-based workshops and seminars that deal with topics such as job mobility, ethical and equitable research practices, and collaborative problem solving. Trainees will also have access to courses at a partner institution for credit, allowing them to easily gain access to expertise outside their own institution. The program's annual forum will culminate all trainee's work into a single dissemination event, gathering all participants to share in training progress and milestones (including current and prospective industry collaborators, and future undergraduate and graduate students).