Loyola University New Orleans to Create Virtual Filmmaking Facility with Support from LED Entertainment Development Fund

Loyola University New Orleans' award-winning digital filmmaking program will receive $750,000 from Louisiana's Entertainment Development Fund to establish a new cutting-edge production facility that helps educate and train students for post-production work in the rapidly expanding virtual filmmaking sector.

The funds, to be paid in $250,000 annual installments over three years, will be used to create a studio-quality production space in the College of Music and Media, including a high-resolution "Volume Wall." The immersive 3-D interactive technology uses Light-Emitting Diode panels, game engines and motion-sensitive cameras to create interactive virtual worlds like those in Disney and Lucasfilm's The Mandalorian.

Funds will also help to purchase top-tier cameras and other specialized equipment for use by faculty and students as they develop their skills.

"This grant will take Loyola Film's production technology to an entirely new level. It's an absolute game-changer," said Miles Doleac, PhD, Chair of the Loyola New Orleans Department of Digital Filmmaking. "Our students will now learn and shoot with studio-grade cameras and lighting gear and have access to the Volume tech that many think is the future of our medium. Loyola Film majors will be able to imagine and create locations for their projects that would have been heretofore impossible. We are incredibly grateful to the Louisiana Entertainment Development Fund for their generous support."

The new cameras and equipment will be available for use by students this fall; studio renovations will begin by fall 2025, and students are expected to be shooting projects on the Volume stage during the 2026-2027 academic year.

"Educating and training tomorrow's leaders of the entertainment industry is a role we take very seriously as we position Louisiana for increased job creation and real economic growth," said Chris Stelly, executive director of Louisiana Entertainment, a division of LED. "With the help of this grant, Loyola will help to develop the next generation of creative professionals working in the film industry in Louisiana. LED is excited to be a partner in this endeavor."