Alumni Spotlight: Rhys Murphy
How my postgraduate degree helped me transition from game art to virtual production for TV and film.
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Rhys Murphy, now the Lead Technical Artist at Supervision VP. Rhys studied the MA in Virtual Production at the Academy of Live Technology (ALT).
From the gaming industry to film and TV
With a background in game art, he decided to undertake the Virtual Production Masters to pivot and transform his passion for game engines and real-time technology into a thriving career in film and tv.
Now working on virtual production projects varying from BBC productions, to indie feature films, his journey is exactly the kind of story that shows how a Masters at ALT can successfully help you harness skills, knowledge and industry contacts to navigate a career change.
We caught up with Rhys whilst he was back on campus, working on an indie feature film in studio 004.
What were you doing before starting your master’s at ALT, and what made you choose Virtual Production?
I originally started out in game art. I completed a four‑year degree in Game Art degree at Abertay University in Dundee before moving down to study here. I chose to transition away from the games industry because I wasn't really enjoying it, but I loved everything I did with game engines and real time technology. So I moved into virtual production and filmmaking.
What made studying at ALT so appealing?
What was so appealing about it was access to the equipment and the fact that Production Park, the campus that ALT is on, is right in the heart of the industry. I was very lucky that within a month and a half of being on campus, I was already working on productions with the xplor team.
Rhys in the VR studio at Production Park.
Rhys in the VR studio at Production Park.
Working in the virtual Production Studio
Working in the virtual Production Studio
Rhys back on campus in the VR studio
Rhys back on campus in the VR studio
Rhys in the VR studio at Production Park.
Rhys in the VR studio at Production Park.
Working in the virtual Production Studio
Working in the virtual Production Studio
Rhys back on campus in the VR studio
Rhys back on campus in the VR studio
What were the most valuable skills you developed during your studies?
The main skills that I chose to develop while I was studying at ALT were more on the physical/technology side. I was already very proficient with game engines and the 3D side, the real-time technologies etc. So, I spent more of my time on the actual physical equipment like the LED walls, processors, as well as things like rigging, designing systems and networking.
What have you been doing since graduating?
My master’s project took me down to London where I gave a talk at Starting Pixel Live. That same talk brought me to the Netherlands to present at the Virtual Production Gathering in front of around 100 people.
Since then, I’ve joined Supervision VP. We’ve been working on BBC TV shows, adverts and studio builds - all using the skills I learned at ALT. We’ve also got a few exciting projects coming up that I can’t quite talk about yet. The reason I’m back on campus today is because we’re working on a feature film in Studio 004.
Do you enjoy coming back to campus now that you're working professionally?
Always! I’ve been back a few times since graduating, and every time it’s a great atmosphere. Being here always reminds me why I enjoyed my time at ALT so much.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at ALT?
Get stuck in. The kit you have access to here is second to none, and you’re genuinely in the industry from day one. Getting hands‑on time with this equipment massively boosts your competency and your employability.
Feeling inspired? Explore our postgraduate courses!
Rhys’s journey shows what’s possible when passion, technical skills and the right training come together. Whether you’re looking to pivot from another creative field or dive deeper into real‑time production, the Academy of Live Technology offers an industry‑embedded environment in which students can thrive.
👉 Learn more about our postgraduate courses and start your own journey in the live events and creative industries.
