Virtual Story Lab

Virtual Story Lab is the training and community-building arm of Compos Mentis Productions. We provide practical, production-led education in AI filmmaking, creative technology and emerging screen workflows.

Our training grows out of active production, research and experimentation. We focus on transferable methods, critical understanding and the creative and production judgement needed to use new technologies with purpose, rather than simply teaching individual tools.

Don’t just ask what AI can do. Ask what you can do with AI.

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AI Filmmaking Intensives

From idea to finished film.

Five days of practical, production-led AI filmmaking at London Film School, delivered by Virtual Story Lab in partnership with London Film Works.

Develop stories, build characters and worlds, create moving images, dialogue and sound, and bring everything together into a completed short film. Our approach combines hands-on production with creative judgement, transferable skills and responsible AI practice.

AI Filmmaking Winter Intensive

14–18 December 2026 | 10:00–17:00 | £950

Take a short film from initial concept through to a finished screening in five intensive days. Working collaboratively, you'll explore contemporary AI filmmaking workflows, from visual development and shot planning to video generation, sound, editing and finishing.

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AI Filmmaking Summer Intensive

12–16 July 2027 | 10:00–17:00 | £1,200

Our five-day filmmaking intensive returns in summer 2027. Build practical experience developing coherent characters, scenes and visual worlds, generating motion and sound, and assembling a complete short film.

The course is designed for people with an understanding of filmmaking. No previous experience generating AI images or video is required.

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Training for organisations and teams

Virtual Story Lab also designs and delivers bespoke training, workshops and professional development programmes for organisations, educational institutions and creative teams.

Programmes can be tailored to your team’s needs, experience and working context, from practical introductions to generative AI through to production workflows, responsible use, rights, provenance and emerging screen practice.

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Partnerships, funded programmes and industry engagement

We work with film schools, public bodies, creative organisations and industry networks to deliver training and contribute to current conversations around AI, creative technology and screen production.

London Film Works

AI filmmaking education partner

Virtual Story Lab works with London Film Works (part of London Film School) to develop and deliver practical, craft-led AI filmmaking education.

Funded by UK Government

Training delivered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

We delivered practical AI training for businesses and creative professionals in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Our wider industry engagement includes talks, seminars and workshops delivered through Creative UK, Silicon South, Women in Tech Dorset, Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth.

Explore Virtual Story Lab

Discover current courses, live events and professional development for filmmakers, educators, creative professionals, teams and organisations.

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Virtual Story Lab — Where Technology and Stories Converge