The Virtual Production Supervisor shortage is now recognised by ScreenSkills as a specific skills gap, with pressure building in delivery-critical roles. But the solution isn't simply more training, it's structured, production-aligned experience. You cannot learn to supervise a virtual production shoot in a classroom. This year, MARS Academy partnered with ScreenSkills on a proof-of-concept job shadowing programme, placing six mid-career professionals inside live HETV and Film productions at MARS Volume over six months. All six completed the programme and wanted more, demonstrating both the demand and the value of this approach.

This panel brings together a cohort participant, ScreenSkills' Head of HETV Engagement & Projects Manager and a MARS Volume Virtual Production Supervisor to explore what real production experience delivers that classroom training cannot, what happens when talent steps onto set and how the industry can create stronger pathways into virtual production roles.