Professional Training & Workshops

 1 – Course Kick‑off & AI Fundamentals

2 – LLMs in Pre‑Production

3 – Diffusion Models & Visual Ideation

4 – Storyboarding with AI

5 – World‑Building & Character Design

 6 – Script & Storyboard Synergy

 7 – AI‑Powered Post‑Production Basics

8 – AI Audio & Sound Design

 9 – Ethics, Bias & Licensing

10 – Production Planning with AI

11 – Final Project Development

12 – Final Presentations & Deliverables

David Poyner is an assistant professor and creative technologist working out of Brooklyn, New York. He has a BFA in illustration from Ringling College of Art & Design and is a self-taught computer programmer. David started his career as a kids' game illustrator; he soon realized he could unlock more of his inner creativity by utilizing technology. He started his programming career developing college-level course applications for a prestigious online university. From there, he went on to work in multiple industries, including entertainment, pharmaceuticals, advertising, technology, museums, and education — helping bridge the gap between design and technology. His latest work has been with Ford Motor Company, developing new user experiences for upcoming vehicle platforms.

David's work has won multiple awards for its innovative user experience design, animation work, and creative use of technology. He spent time developing exhibitions for museums such as The Sazarec House, the Illinois Holocaust Museum, the Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Experience Museum, and the International Spy Museum. He has developed immersive experiences and interactive applications for Google, Coca Cola, Apple, Meta and more.

David taught the inaugural Introduction to Virtual Production class for NYU Tisch.

This 6-week workshop is designed for filmmakers, media artists, designers, creative technologists, and storytellers who want to explore how generative AI can enhance their creative and production workflows.

Participants should have a basic understanding of film or media production and a curiosity about how emerging technologies can expand creative possibilities. No prior AI experience is required.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will walk away with

• Produce a 2‑page script outline with LLM prompts

• Assemble a 5‑frame AI storyboard with camera‑angle annotations

• Design character & environment sheets via diffusion‑model prompts

• Color‑grade a 30‑second clip using RunwayML

• Build a 2‑page production plan (budget, schedule) for a 1‑minute film

• Draft a short policy statement on ethical AI use

• Deliver a full post‑production package (storyboard PDF, final script, edited clip, soundscape)

Prerequisites

• Basic film terminology

• Laptop with reliable internet

• Familiarity with Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets)

• Github Educational Account

Day 1 – Foundations of PIXERA

• Introduction to PIXERA interface and workflows

• Media management and playback fundamentals

• Setting up projects and outputs

Day  2 – System Design & Programming

• Timeline programming and cue-based playback

• Projector and LED wall configurations

• Multi-screen and spatial layouts

Day 3 – Advanced Workflows & Show Control

• 3D workflows and compositing

• Multi-user and multi-client setups

• Show control integration and advanced features

• Troubleshooting and live operation scenarios 

PIXERA Instructor, AV Stumpfl

Miles Kipper is the Business Development Manager for PIXERA in the US, focused on live events, concert touring, and integration markets. Based in Minneapolis, he came up through the production world with hands-on experience in concerts, touring, and corporate events which shapes how he thinks about media server workflows and what actually matters to operators and technical directors in the field.

In his role at AV Stumpfl, Miles works closely with rental and staging companies, integrators, and touring professionals to help them get the most out of PIXERA — from initial evaluation through deployment and day-to-day use. He's been involved in training programs with companies across the US as PIXERA continues to grow its footprint in the live event and touring segment.

This 3-day workshop is designed for:

• Media server operators and technicians

• Virtual production professionals

• AV engineers and live event specialists

• Designers working with projection, LED, or immersive environments

• Filmmakers and creatives expanding into real-time workflows

• A basic understanding of video workflows and production pipelines

• Familiarity with digital media formats and playback systems

• Prior experience in AV, production, or related fields (recommended)

All technology necessary for the training will be provided. However, if you have a Windows laptop with an NVIDIA GPU, you are welcome to bring it, but it is not required.

Virtual Production Car Process Cinematography Workshop

Date: August 21, 2025
Time: 10:00AM - 4:00PM with a one hour lunch break
Format: In-Person
Non-Credit Tuition: $500
Description
Explore the ins and outs of a car process shoot by learning how to create a 360° camera rig to capture driving plates and set up a virtual production stage for car process cinematography. 

Sponsored in part by LED panel technology pioneers, ROE Visual, our cutting edge virtual production stage features ROE BlackPearl LED panels and is located in Industry City, Brooklyn. This exciting, hands-on workshop will be led by real-time/ICVFX industry expert, Noah Kadner.

Workshop Structure:

● Building a Multi-Camera Driving Plates Rig 

● Stitching individual angles into 360° video plates with Mistika VR and other tools. 

● Projection of 360° plates with Pixera within the Scorsese Center LED volume. 

● Achieving realistic cinematography for process driving shots. 

● Image Based Lighting(IBL) for synchronized lighting effects. 

WORKSHOP INFO

Date: January 12, 2026 - January 14, 2026
Time: 10:00AM - 4:00PM with a one hour lunch break
Format: In-Person
Non-Credit Tuition: $1500
Description:
In collaboration with AbelCine & NYU Tisch Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center.

The ALEXA 35 for Virtual Production is an intensive, hands-on workshop designed to provide in-depth, practical knowledge of the ALEXA 35 camera system. Gain proficiency with the ALEXA 35 in a variety of production scenarios with a focus on virtual production environments. 

Over three days, explore everything from basic camera operations to advanced workflows, including color grading, working with LogC4, shooting with anamorphic lenses, and utilizing various ARRI accessories like the Hi-5 Hand Unit and Master Grips. Work with the TechnoDolly Techno10 crane system and how it integrates with virtual production studios. The workshop culminates with a hands-on virtual production exercise in NYU’s state-of-the-art LED volume. You will walk away with the knowledge and confidence to handle the ALEXA 35 in any real-world production scenario, from traditional shoots to virtual environments.

Workshop Structure

DAY 1 - ALEXA 35 Intro & Core Camera Operations

• ARRI ALEXA 35 in-depth Overview & Key Features

• Camera configurations

• Mastering LogC4

• Hands-on camera assembly and test footage shoot

DAY 2  - TechnoDolly Techno10 Operation, Advanced Features, Workflow & Post-Production Techniques

• Overview of TechnoDolly Techno10 features

• Hands-on Techno10 shooting exercises and demonstrations.

• Integrating the ALEXA 35 with LED walls, camera tracking, and real-time rendering.

• Look management with LUTs, LogC4, and on-set color pipelines.

DAY 3  -  Virtual Production with LED Volume & Real-World Camera Application

• Overview of virtual production workflows, LED volume tour, intro to key features, and camera tracking with real-time environments.

• Hands-on setup of the ALEXA 35 for virtual production.

• Shooting a scene in the LED volume with dynamic lighting and virtual environments.

• Best practices for exposure, lensing, lighting, and color in VP.

   

  Who is this workshop for?

• This three-day intensive at the Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center is designed for a diverse range of participants across the film and media industries, including:

• Cinematographers and camera operators looking to expand their skills with the ARRI ALEXA 35 and virtual production workflows.
  
  

• Camera assistants, DITs, and digital imaging specialists seeking hands-on experience with LogC4, ARRIRAW, and advanced on-set color workflows.
  
  

• Virtual production technicians, LED volume operators, and Unreal Engine artists interested in integrating high-end cinema cameras into VP pipelines.
  
  

• Motion control and VFX artists who want practical training with the TechnoDolly Techno10.
  
  

• Film and media students eager to gain industry-relevant experience with cutting-edge camera and VP technologies.
  
  

• Directors and producers seeking a deeper understanding of how cinematography, motion control, and LED volume workflows come together.
  
  

• Independent filmmakers and industry professionals seeking hands-on, practical training with professional cinema tools used in today’s hybrid real/virtual productions.