Dr. Jodi Nelson-Tabor joins the virtual production education centre from Final Pixel

Jodi Nelson-Tabor Mars Academy

Mars Academy has named Dr. Jodi Nelson-Tabor as its director.

Nelson-Tabor joins the company from Final Pixel, where she had been business development and training manager since 2022 as well as playing a key role in the creation of fellow virtual production training scheme Final Pixel Academy.

At Mars Academy she will aim to formalise its services, as well as strategically oversee and grow its capabilities, expand its course offering, and deepen university partnerships & industry engagement. She will lead 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.

Mars Academy was launched in 2022 by Bild Studios and Mars Volume, and has since seen over 700 industry professionals graduate from its courses. It includes both introductory (VP101) and advanced (VP Supervisor Masterclass) learning pathways. 

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.”

Alpe said: “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-focussed strength.’’