Lead Filmmaker (Virtual-First)

Commitment: Flexible hours, at least 20 hours per week.

Duration: Three months with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement.

Important Notice: This is an unpaid collaborative opportunity as part of an incubator for emerging filmmakers. It is also free.

About the Role

You are a Lead Filmmaker (Writer, Director, or Producer) with a clearly defined film project, including a completed script, who is ready to bring it to life using a virtual-first approach. You’ll serve as the creative lead of a bespoke team of virtual artists, AI technicians, and previsualisation specialists, working collaboratively to create a fully realised digital version of your film, leaving you exceptionally prepared to pitch for and/or shoot a live production.

This is a unique opportunity to reimagine the way films are made: faster, leaner, and with complete creative visibility from day one.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the virtual production of your film project from script through to virtual mastercut.
• Collaborate with a team of 3D artists, animators, AI workflow experts, and sound designers.
• Make creative decisions on casting, blocking, cinematography, pacing, and tone, within a virtual production environment.
• Participate in script-to-screen previsualisation using Unreal Engine, MetaHuman, and AI writing/animation tools.
• Use feedback from early virtual screenings to refine structure, scenes, or dialogue.
• Shape the vision that will guide the real-world shoot and post-production.

You Must Have

• Completed, ready-to-produce script (short or feature-length).
• Availability of at least 20 hours per week for three months.
• Clear creative vision, intent to move forward with it now.
• Interest in leading the creative development of the project from day one.
• Willingness to experiment with AI tools, virtual production, and digital-first workflows.
• Experience as a Writer, Director, or Producer on previous film projects (indie, professional, or student).

Bonus

• Experience with previsualisation or virtual production tools (Unreal Engine, Blender, etc.).
• Familiarity with storyboarding, 3D blocking, or performance direction.
• Comfort with remote collaboration tools and Agile workflows.

What We Offer

• Considerable support recruiting a team of technical and creative experts to bring your vision to life.
• Access to a full virtual production pipeline including AI tools, 3D worldbuilding and cloud rendering.
• A fast-tracked path to production with greater creative control and lower up-front cost.
• The opportunity to pioneer new methods of filmmaking in a supportive, future-facing environment.
• Potential partnership to take the project forward together if appropriate and desired.

AI Ethical Use Policy

We believe AI should be a tool to empower humans, not replace them. We maintain human oversight over all AI-powered features, and we’re accountable for their outcomes. Further information on our AI Ethical Use Policy is available on request.

The Deal

• Each filmmaker retains ownership of their original idea and creative direction.
• The intellectual property created within the incubator, such as virtual assets or prototypes, is shared equally between Lunim and the filmmaker, and is usable by either party.
• If a filmmaker later produces their film independently, Lunim retains a small percentage of revenue or profit in recognition of its contribution.
• If Lunim continues as a production partner, both parties share ownership and profits on mutually agreed terms.
• In all cases, filmmakers remain central to the creative and commercial journey of their work.
• An exact contract will be provided before work begins.

Expressing Interest

Attach a treatment (PDF) to your expression of interest. If you’re not yet a Tabb member, you will need to sign up to Tabb to create a simple profile with one project in your portfolio.

In your expression of interest, also tell us:

• Why this story needs to be made now.
• What it is that excites you about virtual-first filmmaking.
• Your experience as a creative leader (Director, Writer, Producer).