{"id":32106,"date":"2026-09-09T15:00:50","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T07:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&#038;p=32106"},"modified":"2026-09-09T15:02:01","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T07:02:01","slug":"in-your-curtin-universe-global-partnerships-open-a-world-of-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/in-your-curtin-universe-global-partnerships-open-a-world-of-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"In your Curtin Universe, global partnerships open a world of opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For Elena, a degree that began in animation and game design has become a pathway into one of the fastest-evolving areas of the creative sector: virtual production.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through Curtin\u2019s new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-bachelor-of-digital-creative-industries--b-digci\/\">Digital Creative Industries program<\/a>, Elena Epis has gained hands-on experience with emerging screen technologies and developed the confidence to explore opportunities in Australia and overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat we\u2019re learning at Curtin matches the industry trends,\u201d Elena said. \u201cI\u2019m using everything I learned in the games and animation areas of my course but I\u2019m able to translate it to video and film production.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image32106_e5e571-e4 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image32106_e5e571-e4 size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Elena-creates-virtual-production-1-1000x500.jpg\" alt=\"Elena creates virtual production on a computer.\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-32207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Elena-creates-virtual-production-1-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Elena-creates-virtual-production-1-740x370.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Elena-creates-virtual-production-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Elena-creates-virtual-production-1-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Elena-creates-virtual-production-1.jpg 1260w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption>Elena creates a digital scene in Curtin&#8217;s digital media studio.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A better course for changing creative technologies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-bachelor-of-digital-creative-industries--b-digci\/\">Bachelor of Digital Creative Industries<\/a> prepares students for a fast-moving creative landscape shaped by emerging technologies and industry practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senior lecturer Jonathan Pillai said the course expands Curtin\u2019s former animation, games and digital user experience program into a broader creative ecosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019ve taken a successful program and extended it to reflect the way creative technologies are converging,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe degree now has majors in animation, visual effects and virtual production (VP); game art and design; and immersive UX, with another major planned for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That transition has opened up access to virtual production technologies, which, Jonathan explained, &#8220;is a clear example of where film and games are coming together\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An advanced studio for student productions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Elena, the new course arrived at the right time. \u201cI started my course when it was Animation and Game Design, but I was lucky enough to pivot to virtual production for my final unit, and actually design a project using Curtin\u2019s new LED soundstage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEven large film studios are experimenting with LED virtual production. Like the TV series <a href=\"https:\/\/www.disneyplus.com\/en-au\/browse\/entity-422f6dcc-226f-44e7-98d4-22de69b31cf3\"><em>The Mandalorian<\/em><\/a>. They filmed in an LED soundstage, using real-time renders for the background of some of their environments,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s really changing the way that film is made, so it\u2019s great to be learning it at uni.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jonathan paid tribute to Curtin&#8217;s initiative in bringing virtual production into the student learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCurtin actually began exploring virtual production during COVID, with a small experimental LED stage. From there, we started looking for a partner who could help us bring industry best practice into the curriculum and studio pipeline,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, what exactly is an \u2018LED stage\u2019?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere\u2019s a real camera used for filming on set, which is directly tracked to a digital camera inside a rendering software. This is directly capturing the virtual environment built in the software,\u201d Elena explained. \u201cThe two cameras link up, so when the real camera is moved, the environment moves with it on the screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re creating a digital scene that responds to the movement of a physical camera. Most projects are aiming for realism. So, you need realistic objects to fill an environment, with realistic lighting \u2013 which requires us to think like filmmakers as well as digital artists.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Virtual-production-sorkshop-1000x500.png\" alt=\"Students watch an instructore operate a camera in a virtual production workshop.\" class=\"wp-image-32211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Virtual-production-sorkshop-1000x500.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Virtual-production-sorkshop-740x370.png 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Virtual-production-sorkshop-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Virtual-production-sorkshop-480x240.png 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Virtual-production-sorkshop.png 1260w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">LED soundstages use a physical camera linked to a &#8216;digital camera&#8217; inside virtual production software.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Industry partnerships with global reach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elena\u2019s initial work experience came through Curtin\u2019s AGDX Studio, where students work on real-world, industry collaborations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOur team helped produce animated videos or games for external clients through Curtin,\u201d she said. \u201cIn one project, we created a motion-graphic video for a client who used to play in the AFL. It\u2019s a great way to apply your skills as a student and start building industry connections.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A major turning point came through Curtin\u2019s partnership with Oceanus Media Global, which helped shape the virtual production stage and build best-practice industry pipelines into the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That partnership came after about a year of conversations,\u201d Jonathan explained. \u201cOceanus Media Global brought expertise from its Singapore studio and its large LED volume in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iskandarmalaysiastudios.com\/\">Iskandar Malaysia Studios<\/a> \u2013 and that\u2019s been invaluable for showing our students how these workflows operate internationally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through that partnership, Elena was one of four students selected for a six-month placement with Oceanus Media Global in Singapore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI used my game design skills in a software called Unreal Engine to build 3D virtual environments,\u201d Elena said. \u201cThe internship was my first jump into VP, and I was lucky enough to learn it in a different country.\u201d<br><br>Supported by a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/oasis-news\/expressions-of-interest-are-now-open-for-2026-new-colombo-plan-scholarships\/\">New Colombo scholarship<\/a>, the internship gave Elena a chance to apply her creative skills in an international setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI got to go somewhere new, learn about a new culture, meet different people. It\u2019s definitely been the most memorable part of my degree.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image32106_6c76ae-0e .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image32106_6c76ae-0e size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1260\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/OMG_Group4-1.jpg\" alt=\"Elena with the OMG team.\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-32213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/OMG_Group4-1.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/OMG_Group4-1-740x370.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/OMG_Group4-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/OMG_Group4-1-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px\" \/><figcaption>Elena with some of the OMG team celebrating on set in Singapore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stepping into a career with confidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For students entering a rapidly changing creative sector, confidence matters as much as ability. Elena said the internship helped her feel ready for the next stage of her career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBeing able to say that I\u2019ve created work that has been used in commercial projects is a massive confidence boost. It really does make you feel ready for the industry,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI definitely can see myself working in the industry, and I feel confident enough to approach a VP company and give them my r\u00e9sum\u00e9.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Along with technical expertise and industry experience, Elena\u2019s course has helped her build a close creative community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s great to work with lecturers like Jonathan who\u2019ve worked on real industry projects, along with other students with similar interests. There\u2019s definitely students that I\u2019d collaborate with on making a game or a short film,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cElena\u2019s pathway shows how we want Curtin\u2019s creative ecosystem to work,\u201d Jonathan said. \u201cStudents build confidence through studio-based projects, then connect with industry partners locally and internationally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Curtin is also growing its network of industry partners across Perth, giving students more opportunities to connect with professionals, build real-world skills and explore future career pathways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elena has already benefited from these connections, with Sandbox Productions, the team behind the Curtin Universe videos, offering to collaborate with her for her university work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Making the most of creative opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elena\u2019s uni experience shows exactly how creative study can open up practical, industry-facing opportunities. So, what would be her advice for anyone considering choosing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-bachelor-of-digital-creative-industries--b-digci\">Digital Creative Industries<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAbsolutely give it a go!\u201d she said. \u201cYou\u2019ll learn so much about the industry and be able to build connections.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She said students should make the most of Curtin\u2019s opportunities, because passion matters as much as talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cPeople will definitely notice that you\u2019re really committed and hardworking,\u201d Elena said. \u201cAt the end of the day, that\u2019s what they\u2019re looking for, and it can take you pretty far.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn more about how Curtin can help you graduate career-ready with skills that take you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/learning-experience\/\">beyond the classroom.<\/a> And if you&#8217;re keen on a creative career in a dynamic industry, explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-bachelor-of-digital-creative-industries--b-digci\/\">Bachelor of Digital Creative Industries<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a id=\"_msocom_1\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For Elena, a degree that began in animation and game design has become a pathway [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4275,"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"5584,6928,4896,4564,7317,8054","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","wds_primary_category":28,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,93,1044],"tags":[1534,1533,1536,1535,1527],"class_list":["post-32106","advice","type-advice","status-publish","hentry","category-art-and-design","category-digital-experience-and-graphic-design","category-student-experience","tag-creative-design","tag-digital-design","tag-film-production","tag-media-industry","tag-virtual-production"],"acf":{"post_options":{"":null,"additional_content":{"title":"","content":"","image":false},"related_courses":[{"title":"","qualification":"","link":"","description":"","faculty":""}],"credits":{"author":"","photographer":"","media":false},"display_author":true,"banner":{"image":false}}},"featured_image":false,"author_meta":{"first_name":"Curtin","last_name":"University","display_name":"Curtin University"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/32106","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/advice"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4275"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/32106\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32106"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32106"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}