By Judy Shields
San Diego Comic Con (The Hollywood Times) 07/26/2026
A really great and informative panel was held on Saturday and the Hollywood Times was there.
The panel included: Oscar-nominated VFX supervisor Michael Ralla (Sinners), filmmakers and producers Noam and Sappir Argov (Verse and Forbidden Fruits), actress Nicole Pacent (Criminal Minds and Wolverine 2026 video game), and neuroscientist Eric Leonardis.
The panel discussed how filmmakers are using different tools including video game tech to create these fully immersive worlds that filmmakers and actors can use to create and play.
Here is a short video of some of the participants talking about their involvement with Noam’s short film “VERSE””:
Comic books helped define world-building. Dungeons & Dragons and LARP made it possible to step inside those worlds. The internet transformed character sheets into code and networked identities. VR gave those identities a body by allowing users to exist as avatars. Now, virtual production and real-time engines are allowing performers to inhabit those worlds, blurring the line between actor and avatar, set and simulation, and story and lived experience. Using scenes from the upcoming short film VERSE (Tribeca 2026) and the 2025 hit Sinners, the panel explores the emerging language of virtual production, from real-time workflows and motion capture to hybrid staging and avatar-driven performance, and how these tools are opening new ways to explore identity, trauma, and connection.
Moderated by Beth Accomando (KPBS Cinema Junkie host; founder, Film Geeks SD).
The Hollywood Times interview with the panel members after the panel:
If you’re just curious: watch some YouTube channels or play a game! Understanding how game engines create real-time environments is the fastest way to understand what virtual production actually is. Some of our favorite channels on YouTube are William Faucher and Blender Guru.
Beth Accomando | @cinebeth
Noam Argov | @noamargov12
Sappir Argov | @sappirargov
Michael Ralla | @michael.ralla.vfx
Nicole Pacent | @nicolepacent
PHIA | @phiabunny
Eric Leonardis | @ericleaonardis
