Applications Are Open for the Second Edition of the Institute of Immersive Media and Netflix's Virtual Production Training Initiative for Women in the European Creative Industries

In partnership with the Institute of Immersive Media (IIM), Netflix has announced the return of its Women’s Virtual Production Training Initiative, aimed at equipping women working across the creative industries in Europe with the skills needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving field. 

Now expanded for its second year in 2026, applications for the 45 training places have opened today to professionals based in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, reflecting increased demand and a continued commitment to supporting women in the creative industry. 

Virtual production is an innovative approach that blends traditional live-action filmmaking with advanced digital technologies, bringing together every stage of the production lifecycle. As the use of virtual production continues to grow across the global film and television industry, it is creating new roles and career pathways. The Women’s Virtual Production Training initiative has been designed to provide women working in cinematography, VFX, animation and related disciplines, with the opportunity to expand their expertise and apply their skills within new environments. 

Participants will benefit from a combination of hands-on training and online learning, hosted from Copenhagen, Berlin and Warsaw. The programme will be led by experienced virtual production professionals, offering an in-depth, practical learning experience tailored to high-end television and film production. 

In addition to technical training, the initiative will foster a strong network of peers, encouraging collaboration, knowledge-sharing and long-term professional connections across Europe’s creative industries.

IIM Founders said:  

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Netflix on this initiative. At its core, our mission is to address the gender gap in virtual production by providing accessible education, mentorship and hands-on training for women across Europe. By equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to work in virtual production, we aim to strengthen representation and expertise within this rapidly evolving field.  

"This programme represents an exciting opportunity for women already working across film and the wider creative industries to learn from leading practitioners, expand their skillsets, and unlock new pathways for their careers.”

Anna Mallett, Vice President, Production, Netflix EMEA, said: 

“Sharing knowledge and best practice is essential to giving creatives the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing production landscape. Virtual production is one of the most exciting and innovative shifts we’re seeing in how stories are made, and it’s been wonderful to hear how much last year’s programme has meant to participants, and how they’re already putting what they learned into practice. We’re looking forward to welcoming a new cohort this year, and to continuing our collaboration with the IIM.”

To apply, candidates should visit https://www.iim.one/vptraining and submit an application form by June 7, 2026.

Testimonials from the Women's Virtual Production Training Initiative, 2025:

“I feel so lucky to have been part of this training. Not only to be surrounded by such talented professionals, but also to be inspired by all these amazing women who lead and are shaping the industry. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to grow both professionally and personally.” — Ariadna, Madrid

“As professional filmmakers, we rarely have opportunities to learn from others in a safe, structured environment like workshops – most of the time, we learn on the job. Workshops like this give us a safe space to ask questions and practice new skills, which we hope we can develop further in the future.” — Agnieszka, Warsaw

“Participating in these workshops has been an extraordinary experience. It's not often that you get the chance to connect with talented women from so many different departments and explore deeply how to work collaboratively in creating meaningful ways. What we were shown during the workshops truly opened up completely new ways of thinking about how this technology can be used. It opened up my perspective and sparked ideas I wouldn't have discovered otherwise.” — Zuza, Warsaw 

“The IIM training in Virtual Production was a fantastic introduction to the fundamentals of this emerging mode of production. Its balanced approach to both the possibilities and challenges of VP provides a strong foundation for pursuing work deeply within the technology.” — Samira, Berlin