BARNSLEY College students have achieved global recognition, reaching the finals in a prestigious, international contest that celebrates innovation in virtual filmmaking.

The VIVE Mars Virtual Production Competition focuses on pioneering uses of virtual production technology.

This year’s competition brief, themed around creating the best horror shot, challenged competitors to push the boundaries of virtual production. Participants included industry-leading professionals as well as students from renowned institutions worldwide, making the competition both prestigious and highly competitive.

Universities like Shanghai University, a global leader in educational resources, and Berkeley College, ranked among the top film schools globally, claimed the top spots. Although there is no official third place, Barnsley College’s entry earned finalist recognition, marking a significant accomplishment for students and staff.

Thomas Martel, Media Lecturer, said: “Being recognised as a finalist in the VIVE Mars Virtual Production Competition is a monumental achievement for Barnsley College and a testament to the dedication and talent of our students.

“Competing on an international stage alongside prestigious institutions like Shanghai University and Berkeley College underscores the exceptional skills of our students. This accolade not only showcases our commitment to industry-standard education but also provides our students with valuable, real-world experience and a unique film credit at the Further Education level. We’re thrilled to receive worldwide recognition, and we look forward to further establishing Barnsley College as a leader in virtual production education.”

The project was a collaborative effort, with contributions from Hair and Beauty students, who assisted with specialised styling, bringing a unique level of realism to the production.

“This venture into international competition was initially intended as an educational exercise, providing our students a hands-on experience of industry-standard practices in our newly equipped virtual studio.”