Current role: technical artist
Film Forward role: Unreal Engine operator
“Programmes like Film Forward are game-changers for our industry.” Graham Oliver is enthusiastic about the importance of the Film Skills Fund programme. The technical artist has joined the new cohort of Film Forward and is looking forward to starting his training.
Based on the existing Film Skills Fund Film Forward programme, it is designed specifically to support film professionals who have declared a disability. The programme will match people in the film industry with three or more years of experience, with paid placements and provide them with support to step-up to a more senior role.
Graham joins as a technical and visual effects artist whose interest in pushing boundaries of virtual production has seen him “explore new technologies and workflows that seamlessly blend the physical and digital worlds”. This passion for storytelling and world-building was instilled early in Graham and echoed in his earlier choices: “My journey from an English Literature graduate to a technical artist has given me a unique perspective on storytelling through technology. This fusion of creative and technical thinking drives my approach to virtual production, allowing me to craft immersive, visually compelling experiences.”
As part of the programme, Graham will receive a four-week placement as Unreal Engine Operator at Bild Studios, an experience he realises represents a great opportunity to further develop his skills. “Getting hands-on experience in such a high-end facility that's hosted major productions like Black Doves and House of the Dragon is an incredible opportunity. What I'm really looking forward to is learning how commercial virtual production actually works in the real world - not just the technical side of operating Unreal Engine scenes during live shoots, but seeing how all the different roles work together on set”.
The chance to learn from skilled, seasoned professionals is something that Graham is eager to make the most of, “Working alongside Bild's team on a commercial LED volume that's hosted major Netflix and HBO productions gives me access to industry connections and workflows that would be impossible to get otherwise. I'll be learning directly from professionals who are at the cutting edge of virtual production, seeing how they manage real-world challenges and create solutions on major projects.
“The programme isn't just about technical skills – though operating Unreal Engine in a high-pressure production environment will definitely sharpen those! It's also about understanding the full ecosystem of a professional virtual production pipeline, from data management to client relationships to on-set collaboration.”
Film Forward’s focus is on providing vital pathways removing barriers to progression that deaf, disabled and neurodivergent professionals may experience, something desperately needed within the industry believes Graham: “It’s tackling the real problem of who gets to climb the ladder into senior roles, especially in cutting-edge areas like virtual production. Getting hands-on experience with companies like Bild Studios through paid placements is exactly what's needed to help talented people make that crucial jump from mid-level to leadership positions.”
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Find out more about the Film Skills Fund