Movies

The future of filmmaking? USC gets $25 million for virtual production center

BBG News

The family foundation of business tycoon Len Blavatnik, who is known for his success in both oil and music industries, has pledged a generous donation of $25 million to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. This contribution will be used to establish a state-of-the-art virtual production center, as confirmed by the university this week.

The 15,000-square-foot facility is designed to accommodate two stages, each featuring LED walls encircling them. This space will serve as a hub for both students and industry experts to familiarize themselves with the latest virtual production technology. Additionally, it will be equipped with camera tracking systems, performance capture technology, and lighting equipment. The facility also includes classrooms and labs outfitted with computers loaded with real-time 3D design software and digital libraries of assets.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say, the world of entertainment is getting more magical by the day! With the rise of virtual production, our favorite stories are no longer limited by physical sets. Instead, we leverage cutting-edge gaming software that turns an array of LED screens into immersive and interactive backdrops. Shows like “The Mandalorian” from the Star Wars universe, the captivating “Westworld,” and the epic “House of the Dragon” were all brought to life on these virtual production stages. It’s a whole new world out there!

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The biggest virtual production stage in Southern California, which belongs to Amazon (Stage 15), boasts over 3,000 LED panels and advanced motion capture cameras.

Due to a slowdown in film and television production in California, leaving many industry experts struggling for work, the surge of virtual production is generating fresh employment opportunities for cinematographers, environmental designers, lighting specialists, and professionals adept at managing what are known as LED screens.

Using digital sets for filming, directors can achieve the appearance of a distant, sandy planet without having to travel to Tunisia, just like George Lucas did for “Star Wars”. This technology also enables them to film daytime sequences anytime during the day.

Elizabeth Daley, dean of the School of Cinematic Arts, stated that virtual production is now vital for our field. Our mission is to consistently prepare students for what’s ahead. We want them to graduate equipped to work efficiently with these tools and possess a deep understanding of them so they can adapt and progress.

The center is expected to open in fall 2027, she said.

Blavatnik has a long history in the entertainment sector. Beyond establishing the Blavatnik Family Foundation, he also launched Access Industries, an investment firm based in New York. This firm holds interests in several entertainment companies, such as A24 – an independent movie and TV studio – and Warner Music Group, which it largely owns. Born in Ukraine, Blavatnik acquired Warner Music Group through Access Industries in 2011 and eventually took the company public. As a billionaire, Blavatnik holds dual citizenship in both the U.S. and Britain.

As a passionate cinephile, I always emphasize the transformative impact of emerging technologies on the art of filmmaking. [In other words, technology plays a crucial role in my creative process.]

He stated that USC’s innovative strategy, which involves establishing a cutting-edge virtual production studio, positions it perfectly as an ideal investment opportunity for our sector, highlighting why now is the perfect moment to commit funds here.

For quite some time now, USC has been running an extensive virtual production program, training over 400 of its students and graduates in the use of this technology. At present, the university boasts a smaller wall donated by Sony, however, there’s significant demand for it, and students frequently devote their time to preparing and dismantling their setups.

The upcoming Blavatnik Center for Virtual Production will provide students with numerous stages, enabling them to spend more hours interacting with the technology and less on preparatory tasks, as explained by Habib Zargarpour, who is one of the co-heads of the virtual production program at USC.

It’s clear that virtual production is becoming a permanent fixture in our industry; it will simply be a standard practice going forward. As our students, filmmakers, and creative minds become more familiar with these innovative tools, they will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of this technology because they will be adept at utilizing them effectively.

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2025-06-25 13:33

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