Virtual production Ecosystem 

The Virtual Production and VFX Ecosystem is led by Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) in the Netherlands. BUas was one of the first universities in Europe to establish a fully equipped Virtual Production Studio on its campus, offering open access to educators, trainers, students, and researchers.

This early investment laid a strong foundation for the development of both technical and creative skills, enabling innovation and experimentation in the rapidly evolving field of virtual production. The ecosystem is developed in close collaboration with industry partners specialising in Virtual Production, including Iron Films and Filmmore, and is further supported by associated partner Epic Games.

Within the AVENUE project, the Virtual Production Ecosystem focuses on continuously addressing emerging challenges and skill mismatches in the virtual production field. Through ongoing, practice-based research, it aims to provide relevant and immediate upskilling opportunities, foster excellence in vocational education and training, support innovation, and promote inclusion across the creative sector.

Meet the team

Education

Breda University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands

Breda University of Applied Sciences brings education and industry together through practical training in virtual production, VFX, and digital media. With strong ties to studios and a dedicated XR stage, BUas supports real-world learning.

Hosting over 7,600 students and ranked among the world’s top game schools, BUas combines research, collaboration, and inclusive education to shape future creative professionals.

Picture of Carlos Pereira Santos

Carlos Pereira Santos

Professor Applied Data Sciences &

Picture of Mata Haggis Burridge

Mata Haggis Burridge

Professor Creative & Entertainment Games

Picture of Tuki Clavero

Tuki Clavero

Research Coordinator

ecosystem driver

Breda University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands

Breda University of Applied Sciences acts as the Ecosystem Driver, linking film, arts, and digital media with deep national industry knowledge. They identify trends and needs, strengthening collaboration between education and professionals.

Each year, they host the VP Gathering, a key event where industry and academia meet to exchange insights and explore the future of virtual production in the Netherlands.

Picture of Joey Relouw

Joey Relouw

R&D Coordinator

Industry partner

iron films

IRON Films are specialists in Virtual Production and Motion Control. They combine camera tracking, LED-volume technology, virtual sets, previz, and CineBot precision into seamless workflows.

They guide projects from idea to delivery, creating immersive cinematic experiences. With innovation, artistry, and collaboration, they push visual storytelling forward and redefine what’s possible on screen.

Picture of Pim de Bilde

Pim de Bilde

Creative Producer

Picture of Paul Boots

Paul Boots

Virtual Production Consultant

Industry partner

Filmmore B.V.

Filmmore are one of the Netherlands’ leading post-production and visual effects studios. They provide visual effects, AI and machine learning, colour grading, graphic design, digital lab services and cinematic events for films, documentaries and TV drama.
They combine creative vision with technical expertise to refine every detail and bring powerful cinematic storytelling to life.


Picture of Igor Riabchuk

Igor Riabchuk

Head of Virtual Production

Associated partner

EPIC GAMES

Epic Games, founded in 1991, is a leading interactive entertainment company and creator of Unreal Engine, one of the world’s most advanced 3D tools. Best known for Fortnite, Epic also develops and publishes cutting-edge games across platforms. Through the Epic Games Store, it supports global developers, while driving innovation in gaming, film, and virtual experiences with groundbreaking technology. 


 

Picture of CHRIS EBELING

CHRIS EBELING

Education Advisor

Associated partner

Lusófona University

The “Ensino Lusófona” project, led by Lusófona University, connects institutions across Portuguese-speaking countries, fostering scientific, cultural, and economic development for 75,000+ students. It stands as a global higher education reference. Within this scope, Lusófona plays a central role in FilmEU, a European alliance advancing film and media arts through collaboration, mobility, sustainability, and intercultural dialogue, shaping future storytellers worldwide.

Associated partner

Biunivoca

Biunivoca specializes in advanced digital consulting, focusing on the integration of emerging technologies in the industrial and educational sectors.

For nearly three years, Biunivoca represented Epic Games in Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, and Malta in the field of education, contributing significantly to the expansion of the Unreal Engine network of training centers, academic partners, and certified instructors.



Associated partner

Auckland University of Technology

AUT is a modern university built on 130 years of learning and 25 years of innovation, focused on practical education, impactful research, and career-ready graduates. VCD, based in AUT’s School of Art and Design, unites creatives, technologists, and academics to advance virtual creative design and immersive media through cutting-edge technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry partnerships.

 

Picture of Dafydd Sills-Jones

Dafydd Sills-Jones

Associate Professor

Associated partner

Turku University of Applied Sciences

Our research team develops innovative solutions that support the media and film industry as the world of work changes.

We examine the roles of media, culture and film in societal change, global transformations, sustainable development and the building of diverse communities. We study media professionalism and create new practices for teaching. 


 

Picture of Jussi Arvio

Jussi Arvio

Project Manager

Associated partner

your name here?

Become an Associated Partner and be part of something impactful.

We’re always looking to collaborate with organizations, institutions, and individuals who share our vision. As an associated partner, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute your expertise, expand your network, and help shape meaningful outcomes.

 

Newsletter

AVENUE Virtual Production Newsletter

* indicates required

Please select all the ways you would like to hear from :

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

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avenue online buddy - virtual production/vfx

AVENUE ONLINE BUDDY: Get Expert Guidance

Get personalized support from experienced industry professionals. AVENUE ONLINE BUDDY connects young talents, students, and young professionals with mentors from our partner companies for one-on-one sessions, whether you need advice on your career, projects, research, or studies.

Who Can Apply?
Open to students, graduates, and young professionals from the five AVENUE ecosystems.

Ready to get started? Fill out the form below to apply.

AVENUE Residencies

🎬 Your Story. Our Stage. Limitless Possibilities.

The AVENUE Residency is now open for students, graduates, and researchers ready to push the boundaries of Virtual Production!

Spend up to 4 months at Breda University of Applied Sciences with access to our 8-meter LED wall, cutting-edge VP technology, and mentorship from industry experts. This is your chance to research, experiment, and create groundbreaking content in a world-class facility.

What’s Included:
✨ State-of-the-art VP technology and facilities
🤝 Expert mentorship and connection to a European network of industry pioneers
🚀 Creative freedom to explore where technology meets storytelling

Program Details:
📍 Location: Breda University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
⏱️ Duration: Up to 4 months
💡 Note: Travel and accommodation are not provided

Ready to shape the future of immersive media?

👉 Submit your project or research proposal by clicking the button!

EN_Co-fundedbytheEU_RGB_BLACK Outline

Virtual production 

The Virtual Production and VFX Ecosystem is led by Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) in the Netherlands. BUas was one of the first universities in Europe to establish a fully equipped Virtual Production Studio on its campus, offering open access to educators, trainers, students, and researchers. This early investment laid a strong foundation for the development of both technical and creative skills, enabling innovation and experimentation in the rapidly evolving field of virtual production.

The ecosystem is developed in close collaboration with industry partners specialising in Virtual Production, including Iron Films and Filmmore, and is further supported by associated partner Epic Games.

Within the AVENUE project, the Virtual Production Ecosystem focuses on continuously addressing emerging challenges and skill mismatches in the virtual production field. Through ongoing, practice-based research, it aims to provide relevant and immediate upskilling opportunities, foster excellence in vocational education and training, support innovation, and promote inclusion across the creative sector.

Meet the team

education

Breda University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands​

Breda University of Applied Sciences brings education and industry together through practical training in virtual production, VFX, and digital media. With strong ties to studios and a dedicated XR stage, BUas supports real-world learning.

Hosting over 7,600 students and ranked among the world’s top game schools, BUas combines research, collaboration, and inclusive education to shape future creative professionals.

Picture of Carlos Pereira Santos

Carlos Pereira Santos

Professor Applied Data Sciences & AI

Picture of Mata Haggis Burridge

Mata Haggis Burridge

Professor Creative & Entertainment Games

Picture of Tuki Clavero

Tuki Clavero

Research Coordinator

ecosystem driver

Breda University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands​

Breda University of Applied Sciences acts as the Ecosystem Driver, linking film, arts, and digital media with deep national industry knowledge. They identify trends and needs, strengthening collaboration between education and professionals.

Each year, they host the VP Gathering, a key event where industry and academia meet to exchange insights and explore the future of virtual production in the Netherlands.

industry partner

iron films

IRON Films are specialists in Virtual Production and Motion Control. They combine camera tracking, LED-volume technology, virtual sets, previz, and CineBot precision into seamless workflows.

They guide projects from idea to delivery, creating immersive cinematic experiences. With innovation, artistry, and collaboration, they push visual storytelling forward and redefine what’s possible on screen.

Picture of Pim de Bilde

Pim de Bilde

Creative Producer

Picture of Paul Boots

Paul Boots

Virtual Production Consultant

industry partner

filmmore b.v.

Filmmore are one of the Netherlands’ leading post-production and visual effects studios. They provide visual effects, AI and machine learning, colour grading, graphic design, digital lab services and cinematic events for films, documentaries and TV drama.
They combine creative vision with technical expertise to refine every detail and bring powerful cinematic storytelling to life.

Picture of Igor Riabchuk

Igor Riabchuk

Head of Virtual Production

Associated partner

Epic Games

Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company and creator of Unreal Engine, one of the world’s most advanced real-time 3D tools. Founded in 1991, Epic is known for blockbuster games likea Fortnite and operates the Epic Games Store, a platform for digital game distribution.

Associated partner

Lusófona University

The “Ensino Lusófona” project, led by Lusófona University, connects institutions across Portuguese-speaking countries, fostering scientific, cultural, and economic development for 75,000+ students. It stands as a global higher education reference. Within this scope, Lusófona plays a central role in FilmEU, a European alliance advancing film and media arts through collaboration, mobility, sustainability, and intercultural dialogue, shaping future storytellers worldwide.

Associated partner

Biunivoca
Biunivoca specializes in advanced digital consulting, focusing on the integration of emerging technologies in the industrial and educational sectors.
It is the only organization in Italy to have received a MegaGrant from Epic Games, aimed at supporting education and training on Unreal Engine.
For nearly three years, Biunivoca represented Epic Games in Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, and Malta in the field of education, contributing significantly to the expansion of the Unreal Engine network of training centers, academic partners, and certified instructors.

Associated partner

Auckland University of Technology

AUT is a modern university built on 130 years of learning and 25 years of innovation, focused on practical education, impactful research, and career-ready graduates. VCD, based in AUT’s School of Art and Design, unites creatives, technologists, and academics to advance virtual creative design and immersive media through cutting-edge technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry partnerships.

Associated partner

Turku University of Applied Sciences

Our research team develops innovative solutions that support the media and film industry as the world of work changes.

We examine the roles of media, culture and film in societal change, global transformations, sustainable development and the building of diverse communities. We study media professionalism and create new practices for teaching. 

Associated partner

your name here?

Become an Associated Partner and be part of something impactful.

We’re always looking to collaborate with organizations, institutions, and individuals who share our vision. As an associated partner, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute your expertise, expand your network, and help shape meaningful outcomes.

Newsletter

AVENUE Virtual Production Newsletter

* indicates required

Please select all the ways you would like to hear from :

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.

avenue online buddy - virtual production/vfx

AVENUE ONLINE BUDDY:
Get Expert Guidance

Get personalized support from experienced industry professionals. AVENUE ONLINE BUDDY connects young talents, students, and young professionals with mentors from our partner companies for one-on-one sessions, whether you need advice on your career, projects, research, or studies.

Who Can Apply?
Open to students, graduates, and young professionals from the five AVENUE ecosystems.

Ready to get started? Fill out the form below to apply.

AVENUE Residencies

🎬 Your Story. Our Stage. Limitless Possibilities.

The AVENUE Residency is now open for students, graduates, and researchers ready to push the boundaries of Virtual Production!

Spend up to 4 months at Breda University of Applied Sciences with access to our 8-meter LED wall, cutting-edge VP technology, and mentorship from industry experts. This is your chance to research, experiment, and create groundbreaking content in a world-class facility.

What’s Included:
✨ State-of-the-art VP technology and facilities
🤝 Expert mentorship and connection to a European network of industry pioneers
🚀 Creative freedom to explore where technology meets storytelling

Program Details:
📍 Location: Breda University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
⏱️ Duration: Up to 4 months
💡 Note: Travel and accommodation are not provided

Ready to shape the future of immersive media?

👉 Submit your project or research proposal to Joey Relouw at relouw.j@buas.nl or hit the button!

want to join avenue?

Become an Associated Partner at Avenue


Avenue is a growing network of creatives, educators, and innovators who believe in the power of collaboration to shape the future of learning.

As an Associated Partner, you’ll join a community of like-minded individuals working together to create meaningful, engaging educational content that inspires and empowers learners around the world.

Whether you’re a designer, writer, strategist, educator, or multidisciplinary creator, if you’re passionate about sharing knowledge and pushing creative boundaries, there’s a place for you here.