Full Sail University Introduces Real-World Productions for Students on Campus - MovieMaker Magazine

      Full Sail University adopts a real-world method for teaching students about filmmaking and production. This involves creating contemporary curricula with input from industry experts, developing project-based courses, and providing students with practical experiences on professional productions.

      Throughout the years, the university’s industry-standard facilities have accommodated various projects such as films, commercials, live broadcasts, music videos, and more. Students pursuing studies in areas like film, film production, computer animation, show production, and creative writing often take on crew roles in these projects or gain valuable insights from observing on-set activities.

      Here’s an overview of the facilities that have attracted professionals to Full Sail, along with some productions they have brought to the campus.

      Full Sail’s Campus Film Facilities

      Studio V1

      Studio V1 serves as Full Sail’s virtual production studio, allowing creators to construct virtual sets within a game engine and project them onto a digital background during filming. The backdrop, floor, and ceiling are covered with hundreds of LED tiles, creating immersive environments that can be altered quickly. Full Sail has hosted independent films, commercials, and promos in this space, providing students and graduates with hands-on experience using the latest filmmaking technologies.

      Dubb Stage

      Full Sail’s Dub Stage is a Dolby-certified post-production facility where students can practice mixing dialogue, sound effects, ADR, foley, and music for a film’s final edit. The room is equipped with an Avid console, Pro Tools HD systems, high-definition video projectors, a JBL theater surround sound system, and theater seats for private screenings.

      Backlot

      The Hollywood-style backlot at Full Sail is an outdoor area featuring various building facades for on-campus shoots. This space offers students and professionals multiple choices for pre-built sets, such as Seattle’s Pike Place Market, Bourbon Street in New Orleans, New York City brownstones, a gas station, a pizzeria, a laundromat, a European-style café, and more.

      Soundstages

      Students and professionals have the opportunity to construct sets and film scenes in the five soundstages located on Full Sail’s campus. These soundstages are equipped with industry-standard lighting, video, and sound equipment, as well as woodworking materials and other supplies for building and decorating sets.

      Industry Projects Filmed at Full Sail

      Movies & Television

      The series The Right Stuff on Disney+, which chronicles the early days of the US space program, was filmed at Full Sail. Film students had the chance to observe and learn from industry professionals on set, and several graduates were hired for roles on the series.

      The aquatic horror film The Requin, produced by Full Sail graduate Aaron B. Koontz’s company Paper Street Pictures, utilized the university’s soundstages extensively. Students contributed by constructing a custom villa as part of the set and assisted during the filming process.

      Space Pups, a family-friendly sci-fi film about a group of aliens who disguise themselves as dogs, was filmed in Studio V1. Dozens of Full Sail graduates filled crew positions, while student volunteers helped create over 3,000 sound cues in the Dub Stage during post-production.

      For several years, the WWE’s NXT was broadcast live from campus, where Full Sail students collaborated with the NXT crew, assisting with makeup, live filming, production support, and various technical roles. Additionally, live segments for the reality show WWE Tough Enough were filmed at Full Sail.

      Promos & Commercials

      Local professional soccer teams Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride filmed their jersey reveal promos for the 2024-2025 season in Studio V1, with students from various degree programs taking on roles such as Production Assistant and Unreal Engine Operator.

      Full Sail worked with storyboard artist and animator Travis Blaise and Xencelabs to create an advertisement for the company’s Pen Display 24. Film and computer animation students helped design the set and contributed to lighting and sound during the shoot.

      Show openings for ESPN’s College GameDay and Monday Night Football have also been recorded on Full Sail’s backlot and soundstages.

      Music Videos

      Many professional musicians have showcased their talents at Full Sail. A student crew assisted during the filming of Boyz II Men’s music video for “One More Dance” from their album Twenty.

      Recently, former MLB pitcher and current country artist Adam Wainwright recorded a live concert for his debut album at Full Sail. Students participated in production roles, including camera operation, lighting, audio, and stage management during the event.