By Lily Hutcheson
Welcome to NYWIFT, Faith Trinker!
Faith Trinker is a virtual production filmmaker and immersive storyteller. She recently graduated from NYU Tisch’s inaugural Virtual Production Master’s program, and has a background in 3D computer art and animation from Syracuse University.
In her work, she blends digital worldbuilding with on-set filmmaking, and is passionate about evolving workflows, fast-paced environments, and collaborative creativity. Her credits include projects for ESPN and the 2025 MSC Cruises Super Bowl spot featuring Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, drawing, cars, and her dog, Freddie. She’s eager to work with her new NYWIFT creative community.
Faith discusses her path to virtual production, favorite projects, and goals for the future!
NYWIFT Member Faith Trinker
Welcome to NYWIFT! Please introduce yourself briefly to our readers.
Hiya! I’m Faith Trinker and I’m an immersive storyteller and recent grad of NYU Tisch’s inaugural Master’s program in Virtual Production. I’m passionate about using new tech to push the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking. When I’m not working on breaking into the industry, you’ll probably find me reading, sketching, geeking out over cars, or snuggling with my dog Freddie.
Faith Trinker directing
What brings you to NYWIFT?
I’m seeking community. I’m looking to connect with a network of strong, talented women who are just as excited about this industry as I am. I’d love to collaborate with fellow NYWIFT members and create work that is as challenging as it is exciting.
Faith Trinker directing a shoot
What initially drew you to the field of film, and specifically to work in virtual production?
Storytelling has always been in my DNA. As a kid, I created movie posters, then wrote my own graphic novels with the idea of making them into immersive video games. In undergrad at Syracuse, I studied 3D computer art and animation where I got hooked on building digital worlds in Maya and Unreal Engine. From there, it was an easy leap into virtual production.
Virtual production uses technology to place live-action stories inside 3D worlds of our own creation. It is a really perfect blend of the things I love most: immersive 3D environments and storytelling. It demands flexibility and deep collaboration, so I was bound to fall in love with it!
Faith Trinker working on monitors
Can you share a bit about your experience working on projects that combine film and athletics, such as creating graphics for NBC Sports?
I worked remotely for NBC Sports creating on-air broadcast graphics for Tokyo Olympics and Sunday Night Football. But it was my on-set experience with ESPN that really brought my virtual production skills together.
I worked with 4Wall Entertainment to make a virtual set for ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown. The environment had to be flexible enough for the constantly changing nature of broadcast sports graphics, but with a high enough framerate and image quality for the realistic blending of the virtual and physical sets. I worked closely with VP Supervisor Eve Roth making assets for the environment from her pre-vis concepts. We only had one month to complete it in time and integrate it into their studio for the live launch – and we did it! It was so exciting to watch the live premier in studio with the 4Wall and ESPN teams!
Faith Trinker on a location shoot
How has your education in film and virtual production helped you grow as a filmmaker?
Because of the pandemic, I spent about half of my undergrad experience learning virtually. While I gained a solid foundation in filmmaking, I didn’t get many chances to put that knowledge into practice since everything was done remotely.
After graduating from Syracuse in 2021, I continued building my technical skills. I earned my certification in UE5 World Building from CG Pro. Later, I enrolled in the inaugural NYU Tisch Virtual Production Master’s program, where I learned how to merge traditional filmmaking techniques with the latest in virtual production technology.
This path has opened up exciting new ways for me to tell stories visually and has given me more confidence as a filmmaker than I ever imagined. I’m dedicated to growing and evolving alongside this ever-changing technology.
What has been a favorite project you’ve worked on so far, and what made it special for you?
My favorite project so far is the MSC Cruises 2025 Super Bowl spot featuring Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom. This project reunited me with the 4Wall/ESPN project team and it was my first TV commercial experience. I LOVED the speed! We had to get through 14 different virtual environment scenes in just two shoot days – crazy! But it was amazing to be part of such a large talented crew and learn how to tackle all the creative and technical challenges in real time. And we still had so much fun on set – it was hard not to giggle the first time we heard some of Drew and Orlando’s funny lines on pre-light.
Faith Trinker on set
Are there any projects you are currently working on or would like to explore in the future?
Right now, I’m focused on finding work and staying open to unexpected creative paths. I’d love to work more in commercial and live broadcast spaces using virtual production, but I’m also dreaming up some original narrative work where I can really push the boundaries of what virtual sets can do emotionally, not just technically.
I have experience as a PA, A2, grip, gaffer, production coordinator, engine operator, VAD artist, and director and would love to work with NYWIFT members in any way to support their groundbreaking stories.
Connect with Faith Trinker on her website FaithTrinker.com or via LinkedIn.
(All images courtesy of Faith Trinker)
Lily Hutcheson
Lily Hutcheson is an intern at NYWIFT and a student at Princeton University, where she is studying English and creative writing. She grew up in Vermont, and enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs. She loves film, television, and theater, and especially enjoys writing and directing. She hopes to continue exploring these interests post-graduation, and is excited to be a part of the NYWIFT community!
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