Virtual Production in Scotland is changing the game!
In this BrightWolf Big Five episode we head to Dundee and a brand new Virtual Production studio.
BrightWolf BigFive: Virtual Production Filming in Scotland [S1 E5]
In this episode of BrightWolf Big Five, we explore Virtual Production at Abertay University’s Viper Room—a game-changing technology that’s revolutionising commercials, music videos, and brand films. We sit down with Matt Bett, Lecturer in Virtual Production, to discuss how filmmakers and brands can harness this powerful tool. Say goodbye to green screens and hello to real-time, dynamic environments!
A huge thanks to Matt Bett and the team at Abertay University for showing around and DOP Andrew Begg (with assistance from Alex Farnham and Tristan)!
The full transcript is below:
Magnus Wake and Matt Bett
Reflections and looking through liquids is real
Producer Simone Bett and Magnus Wake check out the facilities
Magnus Wake: Hello, and welcome to another BrightWolf Big Five, where we explore five incredible locations. This time, however, we’re looking at one amazing location that can be as many locations as you want. We’re at Abertay University in Dundee, inside their Virtual Production suite, or as they call it, The Viper Room.
Today at BrightWolf, we’re exploring Virtual Production and how this technology can help you create incredible projects. No idea is off the table, and the technology is more accessible than ever.
Magnus Wake: I’m joined by Matt Bett. Matt, what do you do, and what is the Viper Room all about?
Matt Bett: I’m a lecturer in Virtual Production here at Abertay University. The Viper Room is our virtual production research environment, a scaled-down version of the massive virtual production studios used in Hollywood today. It allows us to experiment with the technology while making it accessible to local companies and commercial rentals.
Magnus Wake: Even though it’s experimental, this is an industry that’s constantly evolving and pushing boundaries. What kind of productions have been using this space so far?
Matt Bett: We’ve had students creating projects here as part of their courses. We’ve hosted music video shoots, motion capture work, life drawing sessions, fashion shoots—we’re really experimenting with all the ways LED walls, dynamic lighting, and game technology can be creatively applied for Virtual Production and beyond.
Magnus Wake: That’s exciting. What are the advantages of this setup compared to traditional green screens?
Matt Bett: The biggest benefit for actors is that they can actually see and interact with the environment, rather than imagining it in a green-screen void. We’ve had actors say it dramatically improves their ability to understand the setting and use it naturally in their performance.
Magnus Wake: From a filmmaker’s perspective, I love that the camera movement actually affects the perspective in real-time—something incredibly difficult to replicate with a green screen. Plus, reflections and lighting interactions behave naturally, eliminating the need for extensive post-production fixes like rotoscoping.
Magnus Wake: So, looking ahead, where do you see Virtual Production evolving?
Matt Bett: Right now, we’re fortunate to be working with cutting-edge technology that will keep developing over the next five years and beyond. We’re also part of high-level funded research projects, which lets us stay ahead of emerging innovations. Unlike a traditional studio, we can afford to take risks, test new technologies, and adopt experimental tools without disrupting major productions.
Magnus Wake: Fantastic. And for production companies interested in using this technology, what kind of support can you offer?
Matt Bett: We’re particularly keen to work with SMEs and Scottish production companies. Virtual Production can be intimidating and misunderstood, so we help de-risk and demystify it. It’s not a magic solution to every filmmaking challenge, but it’s an incredibly powerful tool when used correctly. We work closely with companies to identify how Virtual Production fits their needs and ensure they get the most from it.
Magnus Wake: That’s brilliant. Thanks so much, Matt!
Useful Links:
Official Scottish Film Organisations:
Abertay University Viper Room
Screen Scotland
Film Edinburgh
TayScreen and FifeScreen
Other Useful Sites
BrightWolf Films ( our brand, commercials): www.brightwolf.co.uk
Encaptivate Films (drama and broadcast): www.encaptivate.co.uk
Film Bang (Scotlands Online directory for crew and producers): www.filmbang.com
