A New Era of Visual Storytelling: Integrating Generative AI and XR in Undergraduate Virtual Production Pedagogy

As XR-based virtual production technologies evolve rapidly, they are redefining film and media production — offering new avenues for integrating technology and the arts in higher education. This paper proposes an innovative pedagogical model grounded in XR virtual production, structured around three pillars: narrative-driven design, generative AI integration, and project-based collaboration with industry. The model addresses limitations in traditional film curricula, including weak real-time interaction and a lack of interdisciplinary integration. A multi-tiered course framework is developed to combine spatial storytelling, real-time rendering, and intelligent content creation, enabling students to master emerging digital workflows. Through a dual-mentorship system involving both academic and industry experts, students gain hands-on experience in virtual cinematography and AI-driven scene generation. Case studies from institutional and external collaborations — such as XR recreations of cultural events and industry-facing student showcases — demonstrate the model’s practical viability. Further, strategies for faculty training, hardware investment, and resource sharing are proposed to support institutional implementation. The study offers a scalable roadmap for integrating XR education into applied arts programs, aiming to cultivate hybrid professionals equipped with narrative insight, technical fluency, and industry readiness.