A real start to the show

Many people talk about virtual reality and its effectiveness in classrooms but few do. Chad Lewis, director of technology at Tampa High School in Florida, is one of them. Chad recently presented his steps to planning and creating the school's virtual filmmaking program at the FETC show in Orlando. In this conversation, he details his first-hand experiences in this process, including purchasing technologies and creating a curriculum using Unreal Engine, Rokoko motion capture suits, and HTV Vive Mars trackers.

Their program aims to democratize filmmaking skills, bridging the gap between students in both public and independent schools. Chad also envisions ai advancements in motion capture and scene creation, anticipating a future where ai streamlines 3D modeling and scene development, making filmmaking more accessible and diverse. Have a listen:

Key talking points:

• Background and inspiration:
  • Chad introduces the virtual production initiative, which grew out of a conversation with a new film instructor interested in integrating virtual reality development into filmmaking.
  • The shift to virtual production was sparked by the realization of the interdisciplinary potential and alignment of tools like Unreal Engine.
• Virtual Production Overview:
  • Chad explains the transition from traditional post-production methods to virtual production, emphasizing filming scenes in real time without extensive post-processing.
  • Unreal Engine becomes a fundamental tool for both virtual reality development and production, providing a unified skill set for students.
• Cost effective setup:
  • Chad describes the cost-effective approach to virtual production, using projectors, snorkel lenses, and motion capture suits for a comprehensive setup under $12,000.
  • It highlights affordability and accessibility compared to traditional multi-million dollar LED walls used in virtual production.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration:
  • Chad discusses integrating virtual production into the school's curriculum, involving STEM students in aspects of Unreal Engine and film students in aspects of filmmaking.
  • A recent collaborative project involving film, STEM and dance students using motion capture and 3D scanning suits stands out.
• Accessible learning tools:
  • He recommends using Scene Forge as a beginner-friendly virtual production application, emphasizing its simplicity compared to Unreal Engine.
  • He discusses the decreasing cost and increasing accessibility of motion capture technology, citing Sony's Mocap product as a cost-effective alternative.
• Future hopes and trends:
  • Chad envisions a future where ai will revolutionize motion capture by eliminating the need for sensors, making the process more intuitive and accessible.
  • It envisions ai-driven advancements in 3D modeling and scene creation, which will reduce the learning curve and further democratize filmmaking.
• democratization of cinema:
  • Chad expresses enthusiasm for the democratization of filmmaking tools, which allow individuals and small groups to create high-quality content without large resources.
  • Reflect on the evolving landscape, where ai accelerates the creative process, making filmmaking tools and skills more available.

Kevin is a forward-thinking media executive with over 25 years of experience building brands and audiences online, in print and face-to-face. He is an acclaimed writer, editor, and commentator covering the intersection of society and technology, especially educational technology. You can contact Kevin at [email protected]

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