Loyola University’s Digital Filmmaking Program Receives $750,000 Grant for Cutting-Edge Production Facility
Louisiana's Entertainment Development Fund supports the creation of a state-of-the-art studio to train students in virtual filmmaking
Loyola University New Orleans’ award-winning digital filmmaking program has been awarded $750,000 from Louisiana’s Entertainment Development Fund to establish a cutting-edge production facility that will equip students for post-production work in the rapidly growing virtual filmmaking sector.
The grant, distributed in $250,000 annual installments over three years, will fund the creation of a studio-quality production space within the College of Music and Media, featuring a high-resolution “Volume Wall.” This advanced 3-D interactive technology, utilizing LED panels, game engines, and motion-sensitive cameras, will allow students to create immersive virtual worlds similar to those seen in Disney and Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian.
In addition to the Volume Wall, the grant will support the acquisition of top-tier cameras and specialized equipment, enhancing the practical training for faculty and students.
“This grant will take Loyola Film’s production technology to an entirely new level. It’s an absolute game-changer,” said Miles Doleac, PhD, Chair of the Loyola New Orleans Department of Digital Filmmaking. “Our students will now learn and shoot with studio-grade cameras and lighting gear and have access to the Volume tech that many think is the future of our medium. Loyola Film majors will be able to imagine and create locations for their projects that would have been heretofore impossible. We are incredibly grateful to the Louisiana Entertainment Development Fund for their generous support.”
Students will have access to the new cameras and equipment starting this fall, with studio renovations slated to begin by fall 2025. The Volume stage is expected to be operational for student projects by the 2026-2027 academic year.
“Educating and training tomorrow’s leaders of the entertainment industry is a role we take very seriously as we position Louisiana for increased job creation and real economic growth,” said Chris Stelly, Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, a division of LED. “With the help of this grant, Loyola will help to develop the next generation of creative professionals working in the film industry in Louisiana. LED is excited to be a partner in this endeavor.”