The new tech, which includes Sony’s BURANO and VENICE 2 digital cinema cameras as well as the VERONA Crystal LED modular display, was featured at the recent ‘Arts in Motion’ event.
The College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts at Texas A&M University is utilizing Sony Electronics equipment and technology for its new Virtual Production Institute.
The institute will employ Sony’s BURANO and VENICE 2 digital cinema cameras, and the latest generation VERONA Crystal LED modular display. The VERONA offers high black levels, low reflection, high brightness, wide color gamut, and high refresh rate.
“With its innovative Crystal LED panels, BURANO and VENICE 2 digital cinema cameras and professional monitors, Sony offers opportunities for students and industry partners to utilize cutting-edge technology,” said Tim McLaughlin, Dean of the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts. “Our partnership with Sony provides the immediate benefit of the top-quality LED panels and cameras for our virtual production volumes, plus the capacity to address the scope of the college’s long-term goals through its range of different tools and technologies for imaging, audio and internet-connected devices.”
The institute will leverage the latest technology from Sony’s virtual production ecosystem and its Virtual Production Tool Set, which allows hardware to work together for improved performance and workflow.
“Exposing students to our latest technology through Texas A&M’s Virtual Production Institute will ensure future generations in the virtual production industry are trained and proficient in the technologies of tomorrow,” added Theresa Alesso, President of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics. “Our technologies will help the institute stand apart and create new forms of engagement and immersion.”
The Virtual Production Institute is based on Texas A&M’s main campus in Bryan-College Station with an extension at Texas A&M-Fort Worth. With funding support from the 88th Texas Legislature for faculty, staff and equipment, the institute will reach into workforce training, simulation for first responders, health care, the military, manufacturing, product and architectural design, digital twin environments, and live performances.
Students will have access to four virtual production stages composed of large LED walls that display computer-generated imagery to create immersive worlds. Real-time game engines process photorealistic imagery and live-action scenes to create in-camera visual effects.
Two of the virtual production stages will be in Fort Worth and two in Bryan-College Station. A temporary wall was recently installed in the Starlab facility at the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus in Bryan for course instruction in the Visualization program’s new minor in virtual production.
Virtual Production Institute’s new tech was recently featured during the “Arts in Motion” event held on November 22 at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth. The event closed with a virtual production demonstration on a Sony Crystal LED wall at Red Productions’ Backlot Studios.
“I hope people take away that Texas A&M is at the forefront of this technology and at the forefront of collaboration with industry to prepare the workforce of tomorrow,” said David Parrish, director of the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts at Texas A&M-Fort Worth. “We are building on our established relationships with a variety of industries. And we are here to establish and nurture additional relationships, to offer the capability for them to collaborate with us, to research with us, to innovate with us. And to explore what we’re building and find new ways to put it to good use.”
Source: Texas A&M