From 20th to 23rd October 2025, Denis Murray and Kenneth Rea attended Cutting Edges in Lisbon, a FilmEU-hosted workshop on Virtual Production with a particular focus on In-Camera VFX (ICVFX), organised by Lusófona University and based at Estúdio F – Lusófona. The event brought together participants from partner institutions for an immersive and highly practical exploration of emerging workflows in virtual production.
Over the course of the programme, Denis and Kenneth engaged with a hands-on introduction to the technologies, concepts and collaborative practices shaping contemporary virtual production. The workshop examined the ICVFX workflow in detail, including the use of 360-degree video plates, LED wall components, image-processing pipelines and camera-tracking systems. Participants also considered the practical opportunities and limitations of LED wall production, including issues such as Moiré effects, lighting artefacts and the challenges associated with fixed-shot vehicle scenes.
The event combined expert-led sessions, team presentations and live production activity, culminating in test shoots carried out in a controlled real-world scenario. A standout feature of the workshop was the live shooting of a car scene, followed by collaborative reflection on the captured material. This structure gave Denis and Kenneth an opportunity not only to deepen their technical understanding, but also to exchange ideas with colleagues from across the FilmEU network in a rich European learning environment.
Hosted by Lusófona University, the workshop also highlighted the strength of the wider FilmEU European University alliance, which connects institutions across Portugal, Belgium, Ireland, Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Slovakia in a shared commitment to creativity, innovation, inclusion and cultural exchange in film and media arts education. Denis and Kenneth’s participation reflected the value of international staff development and the importance of engaging with cutting-edge practice in screen, media and production technologies.
Alongside the academic and technical programme, the visit also offered the chance to experience Lisbon itself. The event concluded with a city excursion and a social dinner on 23rd October on the banks of the River Tagus under the 25 de Abril Bridge, providing a fitting close to a productive and inspiring few days of collaboration, learning and innovation.
This visit to Cutting Edges represented an important professional development opportunity for Denis Murray and Kenneth Rea, strengthening international links while building knowledge in one of the most exciting and fast-evolving areas of contemporary media production.