Toward the Consolidation of Filming Simulators: A Systematic Literature Review of Virtual Environments for Audiovisual Learning and Practice

Abstract

In recent decades, virtual reality (VR) learning environments have expanded across various fields, promising procedural knowledge acquisition. While health and engineering have extensively explored these spaces, the audiovisual production domain has received comparatively less attention. Conversely, the entertainment and media sectors aim to reduce costs in immersive production, leveraging advancements in 360 cameras, VR headsets, and 3D visualization. This systematic literature review covers 14 years, aiming to comprehensively address this gap. Initially identifying 319 references, 33 were meticulously selected for analysis. The review elucidates key themes regarding needs, implementation strategies, and outcomes. While tool development prioritizes enhancing accessibility and affordability, applications remain confined to experimental pilots. This review highlights the need for further investigation of virtual environments for audiovisual learning and practice, with future research prioritizing broader implementations integrated into curricula or full-scale productions, as well as comparative studies to comprehensively assess the benefits of virtual environments.

Keywords:

• Film production
• screen education
• virtual classrooms
• simulated environment
• computer simulation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data available on request from the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Universidad de La Sabana under research project COMPHD-20-2022.

Notes on contributors

Andres Forero-Serna

Andres Forero-Serna is an Assistant Professor and animator, PhD candidate in Communication at the Universidad de La Sabana. He holds a master’s degree in Education and a bachelor’s degree in Film and Television. His research interests include animation, video games, virtual environments, practice-based research, and film education.