SXU Unveils New State-of-the-Art Media Studio
Saint Xavier University (SXU) has unveiled a new state-of-the-art media studio complete with cameras, lighting, sound, computers, and a stage/set for art and design, game design and motion graphics, and communication students.
"The main impetus for this studio was to expand and strengthen SXU's offerings in video and filmmaking classes. Over the last couple of decades, with the explosion of social media and platforms like YouTube and Twitch, video has become one of the most important mediums for art, entertainment and communication. Having a dedicated video studio and classroom will allow SXU students to produce a wider range of art, content and media with much higher production quality," said Nat Soti, art and design lecturer.
"It's a multipurpose space, also used for the creation of virtual reality and editing. Students can create something in the VR, upload it to the massive video wall, shoot their video or photograph, and edit right away. This space brings students out of their imagination and into the real world, giving them an opportunity to explore their storytelling and creativity," added Pete Kreten, director of Student Media.
The studio features innovative equipment, including a floor-to-ceiling LED video wall that can be used as video backdrops, a Sony FX6 cinema camera, three Sony A7iv prosumer full-frame DSLR cameras, 15 Canon M50 entry-level cameras, a variety of robotics cameras, multicolor studio lights, portable light kits, a multichannel video mixer, a wireless broadcast shooting system that allows cameras to send signals to the mixer, and 15 iMac computers installed with Adobe Creative Suite, Unreal Engine, and other 3D and motion graphic software.
The media studio was made possible with funding from the Conexiones grant, which supports STEM initiatives for Latino/Hispanic students. With the help of Nathan Peck, chair of Art and Design, the grant and space were secured, and students will be able to shoot and edit a wide variety of video projects.
"The studio offers high-impact learning and career-readiness by giving students access to a variety of professional video production equipment and the ability to produce professional, high-quality work. Though it's still new, the studio has been received very positively and will be excellent for the students who are exposed to video for the first time and fall in love with it," said Soti.
The studio is beneficial for both students and faculty.
"When I teach a lesson on shot composition, I can do hands-on demonstrations and broadcast things to the various screens in the lab so that students can better see what I am teaching. When we are screening student films, we have a nice large screen for students to watch their work on, giving them more of a theatrical experience. The future is bright for this space. I can see drama students filming versions of their productions, musicians filming performances, and other opportunities for shows or content," said Soti.
Student Media has just launched a new student video club, C3 (Content Creators Club). Over the summer, students will work on various projects, including filming professors for profile pieces.
"This is a great hands-on experience for students to learn by creating. It's putting theory to practice, bringing everything students learn together and preparing them with real professional skills they will need in the industry," said Kreten.