In an industry evolving faster than ever, Optic8 has taken center stage as a leader in the film industry’s virtual production transformation. Known as a top integrator of LED volumes and VP studios, Optic8 is now extending its expertise to educational institutions, helping schools and education centers nationwide build professional-grade virtual production studios and empowering the next generation of filmmakers with hands-on learning experiences.

Optic8 has positioned itself as the go-to partner for schools seeking to provide students with immersive training in virtual production. By making virtual production tools and technology more widely accessible, Optic8 is giving students the opportunity to explore and experiment within this advanced filmmaking landscape.

“These studios are equipped with state-of-the-art virtual production technology,” says Dan Kretz, President of Optic8. “From top-tier LED panels to sophisticated motion-tracking systems, we’re giving students a hands-on opportunity to learn and work in a professional-grade environment.”

A recent partnership with NewTech Prep in Washington underscores Optic8’s commitment to education. The launch of a new virtual production program at the school gave students a rare opportunity to work directly with Optic8’s installation team. In collaboration, students were able to perform quality control checks on LED panels, assemble the walls, run wiring, build support structures, and calibrate tracking cameras.

“Optic8 is helping us prepare our students not just for today’s standards in filmmaking, but more importantly, for tomorrow’s standards,” said Keith Osso, Director of Digital Media at NewTech Prep.

Through this immersive experience, students were able to gain firsthand knowledge of what goes into constructing high-quality VP environments from the ground up. Such involvement empowers young creatives, inspiring them to consider future careers in film and virtual production while preparing them for the future of the landscape.

Optic8 is also breaking ground in real-world training. Recently, a group of students from a Texas high school joined a professional team on the set of a live music video shoot for a rising country star at Trilogy Studios in Fort Worth, one of Optic8’s chief collaborators. Students participated in every stage, from practical set preparations to real-time virtual adjustments, and the three-day shoot was an amazing learning experience for these high school students.

“The students got to see what it takes to pull off a successful virtual production shoot,” Kretz said, who also took part in the music video shoot. “Working on a production like this gives students an invaluable glimpse into the industry they hope to join, and it sends them back to their schools ready to share what they’ve learned.”