A new Dundee-based film academy has just launched and is offering groundbreaking opportunities for emerging talent

Picture: Abertay University

A new film academy based in Dundee is opening its doors to the next generation of Scottish screen talent, blending cutting-edge virtual production technology with creative storytelling.

The Big Real Virtual Production Film Academy, supported by Screen Scotland and led by Abertay University’s CoSTAR Realtime Lab, is inviting early-career filmmakers and recent graduates to apply for a unique collaborative production programme.

From June to September 2025, 20 selected participants will join forces to create up to two original short films, gaining hands-on experience using state-of-the-art virtual production tools — the same technology transforming the film and TV industry globally.

The initiative is rooted at Water’s Edge in Dundee, where the CoSTAR Realtime Lab has set up Scotland’s newest professional virtual production studio.

Participants will also have access to Abertay’s ViPRE motion capture studio, recording facilities, and professional editing spaces, creating a full-circle film-making experience right in the heart of the city.

Successful applicants will be mentored by seasoned industry professionals, attend in-person and online masterclasses, and collaborate with fellow creatives from across disciplines including directing, cinematography, sound, editing and producing.

The Academy places strong emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and technical innovation — offering a launchpad for those looking to break into the film industry while pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling.

Applicants must reside in Scotland and be either current Master’s students in a film-related subject, recent graduates (within the past two years), or early-career filmmakers with less than two years of professional experience.

A panel of judges will review showreels and portfolios, looking for originality, storytelling skill, technical ability and a flair for working in collaborative environments.

Those selected will spend June and July in pre-production, before filming begins in August. The finished films will be showcased in early September, offering participants the chance to have their work seen by industry figures.

With Dundee fast becoming a hub for creative tech innovation, the Academy builds on the city’s growing reputation for digital arts and screen production. It also adds a fresh layer to Dundee’s cultural landscape, offering hands-on opportunities to shape Scotland’s cinematic future.

Applications are open now until 30 April at 11.59pm. Full details, including submission guidelines and criteria, can be found via the CoSTAR Realtime Lab’s official site.