Dr Jodi Nelson-Tabor has been appointed as director of MARS Academy – the specialist virtual production and in-camera VFX training centre for film and high-end professionals launched by industry pioneers Bild Studios and MARS Volume.
“As well as elevating MARS Academy to the next level, her appointment reinforces the Academy’s mission of securing film industry jobs amidst AI and digital disruption and propels the Academy to the forefront of technical training lead by women in the field,” the organisation said.
MARS Academy was launched in 2022 in response to the rapidly evolving technology and cutting-edge techniques revolutionising the film and television industries – namely the advent of virtual production and LED stages supporting in-camera VFX.
Continually updated to keep pace with industry advancements, MARS Academy’s industry-informed training programme offers both introductory (VP101) and advanced (VP Supervisor Masterclass) learning pathways, with a focus on hands-on, LED Volume based training.
The Academy has already gained widespread reputation as the trusted training provider for experienced industry veterans and novices, equipping students with the skills and confidence required for all aspects of virtual production.
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 extensive academic and industry experience to hone and expand its course offering, deepen university partnerships and industry engagement,” MARS Academy said.
“Her focus will be on scaling training reach and building resilient job-ready talent pipelines for the screen industries, equipping the UK screen workforce with new technology skills critical to maintaining the country’s competitive edge and future proofing jobs in the face of AI disruption.”
Previously, Nelson-Tabor was instrumental in building global VP Training Academy: Final Pixel Academy from the ground up, leading curriculum strategy and cutting-edge, realtime technology training across the full virtual production pipeline.
Under her leadership, Final Pixel Academy successfully trained thousands of crew and Nelson-Tabor became a highly respected thought-leader for the industry.
Nelson-Tabor said: “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.
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-focused strength.’’
