By Ball State University Communications—
MUNCIE, Indiana—Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) has completed major studio renovations, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance immersive learning experiences and support student success.
Completed prior to the start of the Fall 2024 semester, the renovated studios—located in the Ball Communication Building—were upgraded to meet industry standards and to enhance hands-on, real-world learning experiences for students.
“Our studio renovations reflect CCIM’s ongoing commitment to providing students with cutting-edge resources that prepare them for the evolving media landscape,” said Dr. Kristen McCauliff, interim dean of CCIM and associate professor of communication studies. “By integrating industry-standard technology, we are equipping our students with the skills and experiences they need to succeed as professionals and leaders in their fields.”
The renovations feature an XR virtual production (VP) system from ARwall, an award-winning leader in the industry known for its patented technology and use by international filmmakers. This leading-edge setup includes a 20-by-12-foot LED volume wall in Studio C, built with Absen PL Pro 1.9mm panels. The stage is further enhanced with a 14-bulb immersive lighting kit, HTC Vive Mars tracking, and a professional camera and lens rig.
This advanced system, powered by ARwall’s proprietary software, synchronizes and integrates actors’ performances with real-time virtual backdrops displayed on LED panels. The same technology was used in productions like Disney’s Muppets Haunted Mansion, for which ARwall’s work earned an Emmy Award.
“I am so very excited that our students now have the opportunity to work with this industry-leading technology,” said Suzy Smith, chair of the Department of Media and associate professor of media. “The chance to partner with ARwall and bring their virtual production expertise to our studios and students is outstanding. I look forward to seeing the amazing works that our students produce.”
Ball State’s commitment to preparing the next generation of production professionals mirrors ARwall’s strategy, which from the outset has been to empower educators and students by offering a suite that’s intuitive with a low barrier to entry.
“We purposefully created a complete ecosystem that works for both student beginners all the way up to Hollywood studios,” said ARwall CEO Rene Amador. “We pioneered and refined this alternative way of making films using integrated LED screens, camera tracking, immersive lighting, and real-time engines, unified by our award-winning software, ARFX. It’s an honor to know that our solution will help Ball State students embark on careers in 21st-century video media.”
To maximize the benefits of this technology, CCIM has introduced a new academic concentration, “Virtual Effects and Motion Graphics,” in collaboration with the School of Art in Ball State’s College of Fine Arts.
“The main goal for our department’s studio renovation was to build spaces for our media students to practice and hone their creative skill sets in multiple professional environments,” said Dr. Betsy Pike, assistant professor in CCIM’s Department of Media. “Accordingly, we have updated our curriculum to ensure this new technology reaches as many students as we possibly can. We now have a capstone course in which those two programs come together, so our media students will work with visual effects art students to create for the wall.
“Our goal is to ensure that it is tied into the curriculum and that our students have access,” Dr. Pike continued, “not just a cool new toy.”
In the multi-purpose Studio D, the department installed three different walls for filming, highlighted by a two-walled cyclorama and green screen. Also installed in this studio are 45 professional ceiling lights, including two concert-type lights that can change color, rotate 360 degrees, and be used as spotlights.
Studio E has been converted into a creative space with professional lighting. Students working there can create special projects, such as a stop-motion video, or build a set for various mediums.
As an education leader in the media production industry, CCIM prepares its nearly 1,600 students to thrive in ever-changing and fast-paced technology-based fields.
For more information about Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media, visit CCIM’s website.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for our second century. We Fly!
