AIE Secures $750k for Virtual Production Filmmaking from Louisiana’s Entertainment Development Fund
AIE Lafayette, a non-profit specialist educator for film, games and visual effects, with support from the Louisiana Entertainment Development Fund, will develop a filmmaking program which incorporates the latest in virtual production technology and create a virtual production studio for use by students and industry.
The Louisiana Entertainment Development Fund has awarded AIE Lafayette $750,000 to develop the virtual production studio at the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise (LITE) Center. The funding will elevate the state’s position as a virtual production leader through the development of accredited programs in Filmmaking and Virtual Production. Developed with the film industry, these programs run for up to two and a half years. Building workforce capacity through these funded initiatives is vital to take advantage of this growing industry area, which is expected to reach USD $4.73 billion by 2028, according to Insight Partners.
“These programs focus on applied skills so that graduates will attain the skills to be immediately employable in the many film and television productions that are rapidly adopting virtual production technology,” AIE CEO John De Margheriti said. “EDF’s award brings to life a filmmaking program that incorporates virtual production, which is an exciting initiative, and one that will strengthen Louisiana as a world-class destination for filmmaking talent and filmmaking production.”
Virtual Production uses large LED screen walls to display virtual sets in the background of film sets using game engine technology. This allows filmmakers to combine live action with computer graphics in real time. This technology has been rapidly adopted by major film and television productions.
“Partnering with Louisiana Economic Development to bring such a state-of-the-art facility and accredited training in filmmaking and virtual production to Louisiana is a fantastic outcome,” said Robin Couvillon, AIE’s head of school. “This initiative will upskill and prepare the next generation of talent within Louisiana’s film industry.”
Read the press release on the Louisiana Economic Development website: