Hollywood power couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are teaming up with Dimension and DNEG 360 to launch the Rise Up program, aimed at empowering U.K. talent from underrepresented backgrounds in the field of virtual production. This exclusive initiative will provide hands-on training at Dimension’s state-of-the-art London complex, offering participants a comprehensive learning experience alongside industry professionals.
Starting August 1st, the Rise Up program will immerse selected U.K. residents in the latest virtual production technology, facilitated by Dimension’s partnership with DNEG 360 and Sunbelt Rentals. Participants will receive accommodations, transportation, and a stipend to support their training journey.
In a joint statement, Lively and Reynolds expressed their enthusiasm for supporting the U.K.’s creative community and advancing the future of storytelling through cutting-edge technology. They highlighted the program’s collaboration with leading partners as pivotal in fostering skills development and real-world production experience.
Trainees will have the opportunity to engage with prominent production executives, including those involved in upcoming projects like “Animal Friends (2025),” a feature film blending live-action and animation produced by DNEG, Legendary Entertainment, Prime Focus Studios, and Reynolds’ own Maximum Effort.
Launched in 2020, the Group Effort Initiative (GEI) by Reynolds and Lively aims to create pathways for underrepresented individuals in the entertainment industry, having successfully placed over 1,000 participants in various roles to date. Nana Duncan, an aspiring participant in the Rise Up program, expressed excitement about the opportunity to delve into virtual production and learn from industry leaders.
The Rise Up initiative underscores the couple’s commitment to diversity and inclusion within entertainment, promising to equip aspiring talents with the skills and exposure needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of film and media production.
