image

James Ward

MSc.  UAI

About

Yorkshire based Virtual Production Specialist, Freelance Lecturer and Unreal Authorised Instructor James is experienced in a wide range of Virtual Production and film related skills. With past work including content creation for the BBC R&D Dept. and separate R&D development showcased at the International OISTAT symposium, James utilises his particular set of skills to provide expertise be it in lecturing or industry based projects. Showcased through lecturing work at institutes such as the National Film & Television School and the Academy of Live Technology.

Qualifications

Unreal Authorised Instructor

2025

PhD Film Studies (Ongoing)

2025-2028

MSc. Virtual Production

2023-2024

BSc. (Hons) Computer Science

2020-2023

Main Programs / Skills

Unreal Engine is my primary program when creating films, animations, games and live events. It is my most proficient program and I have am approved by Epic as an Authorised Instructor (2025).

Disguise is my primary media server software as it is the one which I have the most experience in, both for Live Events / Installations and Filming. It is the one I also have the most experience with teaching.

DaVinci Resolve is my primary program for editing, and colour grading. It is the editing software I am most proficient in using too.

Blender is my primary non-engineering 3D software for modelling and animation. I often use it in conjunction with Unreal Engine as well as part of the Virtual Production process.

Inventor is my primary engineering modelling software as I have over a decade of experience using it. I utilise it on the majority of my projects which require accurate engineered diagrams and designs to be printed / physically created.

Brompton Media Servers are my preferred LED processing solution when working with LED based environments as I am most proficient with it.

OBS is my recording software of choice for both videos as well as my "Budget" and "Shoestring" Real Time -Green Screen based - Virtual Production pipelines.

I have experience with using the URSA and Pocket cine line of cameras numerous on numerous occasions, along with the Ultimatte live Keying pipeline as well (part of my "Shoestring" VP Pipeline).

Sony is my proffered camera solution, predominately as it is one that I have the most experience with due to owning both a FX2 cine-camera and a A7ii Photography camera.

I have a large amount of experience with utilising RED cameras in LED based / Volume Virtual Production environments.