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.

Explore Virtual Story Lab

Now enrolling

AI Filmmaking Summer Studio

Make an AI-assisted short film in five days.

This practical, production-focused studio takes participants through the process of developing and making a short film, from story and visual development through motion, sound, dialogue, editing and screening.

Course dates

17–21 August 2026

View the course and enrol

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.

Discuss training for your organisation

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