Inside our 160,000-square-foot studio is a vast, blacked-out room glowing with tech. At the center of it sits Tyler Spicher, surrounded by a sprawling command center of screens, glowing buttons, and high-powered gear. This minimalist yet high-powered space is TRG’s Virtual Production Studio—and it’s also Tyler’s office.
Tyler is TRG Multimedia’s first-ever Virtual Production Supervisor, a role that blends CGI artistry, live-action production, and real-time rendering in Unreal Engine. But more than that, it represents the future of content creation: a bridge between the physical and the digital. As TRG invests in virtual production, a technology once reserved for high-budget films and series, we're bringing the magic of this innovation to clients right here in Cleveland. Tyler’s journey from CGI generalist to virtual production lead is the perfect lens through which to explore this new chapter.
We sat down with Tyler to talk about his journey from CGI generalist to Virtual Production Supervisor, and how his role is helping shape the future of content creation.
TRG: What does that title Virtual Production Supervisor actually mean?
Tyler: Basically, I supervise the virtual production studio—making sure all the tech is working, collaborating across departments, and being the glue that keeps everything connected. That includes the Virtual Art Department that works within Unreal Engine, the physical art department, gaffers, camera crew. I also troubleshoot anything that pops up in the space.
TRG: You originally joined TRG as a CGI generalist, right?
Tyler: That’s correct.
TRG: What was the path from that role to where you are now?
Tyler: I’ve always loved where art and tech intersect. I actually started college in computer science but later switched to animation and VFX. I earned my degree in visual effects and joined TRG as a CGI generalist, which I did for about five years. When this opportunity came up, it was the perfect blend of art, tech, and problem-solving, so I jumped on it.
TRG: Is working in virtual production still considered CGI, or are you in a totally new world now?
Tyler: It’s still CGI, but the tools are different. We’re using Unreal Engine, which is a real-time game engine. Unlike traditional CGI workflows that rely on offline rendering (where one frame can take minutes or hours to process), Unreal renders in real-time. That creates a whole new set of challenges, but the core principles still apply.
TRG: Do you remember your first project at TRG?
Tyler: Oh god, yeah. I had to composite some CG tables for a client into this wild image of a hut looking out onto a jungle. I had way too much fun with it.
TRG: Going from a desk job to this immersive environment—what’s the biggest shift?
Tyler: I love the physicality of it. I love being able to step away from the computer, walk onto the stage, move the camera around, and actually test things in real-time. On test days, we’ve got the whole crew—art department, gaffers, stylists—all collaborating. And when we finally see everything come together through the camera lens, that’s the moment it clicks and comes to life.
TRG: What helped you prepare for a role like this. Anything unexpected?
Tyler: As weird as it sounds, working in restaurants. Probably not what anyone would really expect, but that fast-paced, on-your-feet environment translates really well to being on set. People warned me how hectic it can be, but I adapted quickly because I’d already worked in that environment.
TRG: What do people not get about virtual production?
Tyler: That it’s not “just a big TV.” Yes, it’s a giant LED screen, but the magic happens when you pair it with 3D scenes in Unreal and the tracking system that shifts perspective with the camera. I always tell people—don’t look at the wall, look through the lens. That’s where the illusion becomes real.
TRG: Are there any dream projects you’d love to see us take on with this setup?
Tyler: Definitely more narrative-driven projects… Short films, music videos, cinematic work. This wall opens up so many possibilities, especially for filmmakers in the Midwest. I’d love to push into genres and ideas that are outside of our typical wheelhouse.
TRG: Final question: describe your job in one word.
Tyler: Troubleshooting.
TRG: Do I sense a pause?
Tyler: Enjoyable troubleshooting, if I get to tack on another word.
Why This Matters
Virtual production isn’t just a shiny new toy, it’s a transformative tool. It’s changing the way commercials, films, and branded content are made by eliminating the need to travel to remote locations, allowing directors to adjust lighting and sets instantly, and helping everyone from clients to creatives visualize the final product in real time. With Tyler at the helm, TRG is stepping confidently into this next phase of multimedia innovation.
Want to see what virtual production can do for your next project? Contact us to schedule a tour or start the conversation.
