HOLLYWOOD, CA – January 17, 2025
Hollywood State University (HSU) today announced the grand opening of its Immersive Storytelling Studio, a groundbreaking facility designed to push the boundaries of narrative experiences through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality technologies.
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Located within the School of Media Arts and Technology, the new 10,000-square-foot studio represents a $12 million investment in the future of storytelling. The facility features a volumetric capture stage, interactive projection environments, haptic feedback systems, and the latest in spatial computing technology.
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"This isn't just another VR lab," explained Professor Lisa Nguyen, the pioneering virtual reality filmmaker who helped spearhead the project. "We've created an environment where students can experiment with truly new forms of narrative – stories that respond to the audience, adapt to physical spaces, and blur the line between observer and participant."
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The studio's centerpiece is its 360-degree immersion dome, which allows creators to prototype environmental storytelling concepts and test audience responses in real-time. Adjacent rooms house specialized equipment for developing location-based experiences, wearable narrative devices, and augmented reality applications.
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"In virtual reality filmmaking, we're not just telling stories; we're creating entire worlds," said Dr. Elena Garcia, Dean of the School of Media Arts and Technology. "This facility gives our students the tools to redefine the bounds of conventional cinema and emerge as leaders in a rapidly evolving field."
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The Immersive Storytelling Studio has already established partnerships with several major technology companies and entertainment studios, creating opportunities for student internships and collaborative projects. Additionally, the facility will host a monthly public demonstration series, inviting the community to experience cutting-edge narrative projects.
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Jake Turner, a senior theater major, described his experience with the new facility: "As an actor, I've always been focused on traditional performance, but this studio has completely transformed how I think about character and audience. I'm now exploring how performance changes when the audience can literally step into your world."
The Immersive Storytelling Studio is expected to serve over 500 students annually from programs across the university, including film, animation, game design, acting, and computer science.
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Classes utilizing the new facility begin this week, with the first major student showcase planned for October 2025.
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For more information or to schedule a tour, visit www.HollywoodStateU.com/immersive.