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Diamond View Studios Donates Cutting-Edge Technology & Equipment to Enhance Video Production Training

The Zimmerman School has received an in-kind contribution of state-of-the-art video production technology, including a 40-foot LED wall for virtual production, and equipment valued at more than $520,000 to outfit a video production studio named the Vū Studio in honor of the donor.
 
In addition to the gift-in-kind, Diamond View also made a cash gift to support a faculty fellowship. Ryan Watson, a full-time instructor in the program, has been named the inaugural Vū Studios Teaching Fellow and will play a pivotal role in designing the curriculum around the new equipment and technology.

“This tremendous gift and our partnership with Diamond View will help develop a talent pipeline of graduates with the expertise and skills needed to support the growing multimedia production community in Tampa.”

Through its sister company, Vū, Diamond View has emerged as a leader in the virtual production industry, which replaces filming on location or against a green screen with virtual backgrounds projected on an LED wall. The method has rapidly gained popularity during the pandemic as it cuts down on the need for travel and allows for a more controlled shooting environment.
 
With Tampa and West Central Florida quickly on its way to being a hub for virtual production globally, this gift will allow The Zimmerman School to train students in this emerging style of production. Diamond View CEO and Founder of Vū Tim Moore said, “The biggest challenge with any emerging technology is workforce, because you’re able to build the studios faster than you can teach people to operate them. The technology is so new there is no accredited coursework, so it’s up to private industry to rapidly create programs and credentials.”