Water Course

The Water Course: Immersive Actor Training for Virtual Production project represents a pioneering exploration of co-design in the realms of acting, narrative design, and immersive technology. This research-led initiative was aimed at enhancing actor training within virtual production contexts, using climate change themes as a narrative framework. The project sought not only to develop new workflows for virtual production but also to create accessible resources for diverse communities, particularly individuals with limited access to formal actor training. By involving community actors in this process, Water Course demonstrates a commitment to widening participation in the arts and fostering a collaborative environment.

The project team comprised of: Dr Andrew Prior (Principle Investigator), Dr John Matthews (Co-I), Dr Lauren Hayhurst (Head of Narrative Design at Hi-9 Natural Language Agency), Joel Hodges, Musaab Garghouti, and Michaela Moclair (Research Assistant).

Key objectives of the project included documenting the immersive training process through a short narrative film meant for various platforms like YouTube and VR, and identifying interdisciplinary workflows that could facilitate better collaboration between actors, narrative designers, and technical experts. By investigating innovative narrative design approaches, the project aimed to uncover crucial insights into the interconnectedness of actor training, immersive technology, and virtual production. The project team engaged with emerging technologies such as photogrammetry and Unreal Engine to test new processes in immersive dome environments, further enhancing the potential of virtual storytelling.

An essential aspect of co-design within Water Course involved the collaborative efforts of a diverse team comprised of academics and industry professionals. Participants included experts from disciplines such as acting, game design, creative writing, and narrative technology, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and expertise. The project not only aimed to create new educational assets but also sought to shape the ethos and working practices of existing programs at the University of Plymouth. By focusing on the integration of community-based actors and interdisciplinary collaboration, the project set a precedent for academic and artist partnerships that encourage equitable access to advanced training and creative exploration.

Ultimately, the project highlights the opportunities for innovative actor training methods through immersive technologies while addressing the practical challenges of implementation within diverse collaborative settings. Insights gained throughout the project underscore the necessity of adaptable teaching models that can meet the evolving demands of both students and the creative industries in a post-pandemic world. By bridging gaps between traditional training methodologies and new immersive practices, Water Course promises to influence not just educational curricula but also the broader landscape of virtual production and actor training.