Hareem’s PhD, Directing Fiction in Virtual Worlds, is a practice-based investigation into how virtual production is changing the role of the film director. Although virtual production is becoming increasingly common in the film industry, much of the existing research focuses on the technology rather than the director’s creative process. Through the production of a narrative short film, reflective practice, and interviews with industry professionals, this research explores how directors make creative decisions, collaborate with technical teams, and direct actors within virtual environments. The study aims to contribute a better understanding of directing fiction in virtual production and provide practical insights for filmmakers adopting these emerging technologies.