Dr Jodi Nelson-Tabor has been appointed as Director of MARS Academy – the virtual production and in-camera VFX training for film and high- end professionals launched by Bild Studios and MARS Volume.
MARS Academy was launched in 2022 in response to the advent of virtual production and LED stages supporting in-camera VFX. MARS Academy’s training programme offers both introductory (VP101) and advanced (VP Supervisor Masterclass) learning pathways, with a focus on hands-on, LED Volume based training.
Graduating over 700+ industry professionals, previous alumni include Heads of Department such as VFX supervisor, producers, cinematographers and directors for Amazon Studios, Netflix and more.
Taking the helm, Dr Jodi Nelson Tabor will formalise, strategically oversee and grow the capabilities of MARS Academy, using her academic and industry experience to hone and expand its course offering, deepen university partnerships & industry engagement. Her focus will be on scaling training reach and building resilient job-ready talent pipelines for the screen industries.
Previously, Nelson‑Tabor was instrumental in building global VP Training Academy: Final Pixel Academy from the ground up, leading curriculum strategy and real‑time technology training across the full virtual production pipeline.
Dr Jodi Nelson Tabor says “I am inspired to join MARS Academy with their extraordinary calibre of talent, proven track record, and shared commitment to supporting industry professionals with key skills to secure jobs. The Academy represents an incredible opportunity to strengthen our next generation of film industry leaders—fusing people, technology, and purpose in ways that strengthen and reinforce the film industry, critically future-proofing key job roles amidst the headwinds of AI & digital disruption. Together with our government, university and industry partners, we’ll continue to take the lead on an inclusive and sustainable jobs future for the creative industries.”
Nelson-Tabor will head up the Academy alongside Bild Studio’s long term Chief Commercial Officer and Academy founder Joanna Alpe, who will continue to focus on strategic oversight and overall MARS VP Solutions growth.
Joanna Alpe commented “Dr Jodi Nelson-Tabor is precisely the leader required to grow the remit of MARS Academy. Future proofing film industry professions is our core focus at MARS Academy, and with AI disruptions and other screen innovations emerging it’s our top priority to ensure the industry is informed and equipped with how to wield this new toolkit. Knowledge is power, and MARS Academy under Jodi’s leadership will wield this knowledge transfer with laser-focussed strength.’’
MARS Academy is the earliest and only Screenskills endorsed training organisation with a home base at a commercially working virtual production studio – MARS Volume. MARS Volume’s 12,000 sq. ft virtual production and LED stage studios has played host to some of the largest feature films, HETV and scripted drama productions. Clients include Amazon, Netflix, Disney, Apple, Sky, BBC & ITV amongst others.
Photo Credit: Ed Swift
Jon Creamer
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