When people think of a library, they often picture quiet study spaces and rows of books. And while those are still an important part of what we do, UTA Libraries is also a place where students come to create, experiment, and bring ideas to life. 

One of the most exciting examples of that is the Virtual Production Studio at the Central Library, a unique space that brings together both motion capture and virtual production tools in one location. Designed with students in mind, the studio gives hands-on access to technology used across creative, technical, and research fields, while supporting coursework, research, and personal projects alike. 

A Space Built Around How Students Actually Work 

Over the past few years, The Studios at UTA Libraries have undergone major changes.  

“Here in The Studios, we have made quite a few big changes,” Callum Knitowski, FabLab Technician, said. “The biggest one would be that we opened our brand-new virtual production studio.” 

The Virtual Production Studio features a state-of-the-art creation pipeline for mixing live-action elements with computer-generated imagery, or CGI, in real time. Using tools like Unreal Engine, along with an eight-camera motion capture system powered by Captury Live software, students can see their projects come together as they work. 

One of the most approachable aspects of the space is the motion capture system itself. 

“That motion capture system is trackerless,” Knitowski explained. “There is no suit involved with it. You can wear normal clothing.” 

Because the system captures movement in real time, students can monitor the quality of their motion data as they go, making it easier to adjust, experiment, and learn without stopping the workflow. The studio supports a wide range of activities, including visual effects, motion capture animation, virtual production filming, and experimental research, making it a versatile resource for both coursework and independent projects. 

It’s Not Just for Film or Game Design 

While motion capture is often associated with animation and video games, Knitowski shared that the technology is useful across many fields taught at UTA. 

The system is rated for medical and research use, making it valuable for students in kinesiology, nursing, and engineering. Students have used the space to analyze joint movement, record data in MATLAB, and support research projects alongside creative work. 

“We enable anyone to come in and use the space,” Knitowski said. “They don’t have to be enrolled in a particular class or degree program.” 

Seeing the Final Shot Come Together 

Alongside motion capture, the Virtual Production Studio supports real-time filmmaking that blends live action with CGI. The space is equipped with a cinema camera that uses a global shutter, to capture high speed action, and help avoid visual distortions that can occur when physical cameras and computer-generated imagery don’t align. 

“You can just look at the monitor and see what the final shot is going to be,” Knitowski said. “There’s no guesswork involved.” 

This real-time feedback has been especially helpful for group projects and performance-based classes, where not every student is focused on the technical side of production. 

Knitowski also explained that the studio’s equipment is designed to mirror what students would encounter in a professional setting. 

“All of the equipment we use in the virtual production studio is professional-tier equipment that someone could find on a film set, from the RED Komodo cinema camera to the Sennheiser MKH 416 boom microphone,” Knitowski said. “This professional equipment naturally invites the use of professional skills and workflows, such as using a remote follow focus and off-camera monitoring.” 

He added that the studio uses industry-standard communication protocols, including SDI, DMX, sACN, timecode, and genlock. 

“We make a lot of effort in making this complex production system as approachable as possible,” Knitowski said. “While this most visibly enables non-filmmaking students to complete projects in the space, those who are cinematically inclined can flex their creative muscles in ways not possible anywhere else on campus. For these students already versed in the language and art of filmmaking, we can remove a technical roof limiting their artistic expression, leaving only the (virtual) sky as the limit.” 

Making the Space Easier for Everyone to Use 

UTA Libraries continues to improve the Virtual Production Studio with a focus on accessibility and ease of use. One upcoming enhancement includes pixel-based overhead lighting that pulls lighting data directly from Unreal Engine, which projects onto performers in the studio. 

“One of the main goals that we have is eliminating as much friction as possible,” Knitowski said. “Because we’re not an advanced film program, we’re a library.” 

These upgrades will help students who don’t need, or want, to master advanced lighting techniques, yet still achieve strong results. 

“It kind of takes the mystery out of lighting,” Knitowski said. 

Supporting Learning Across Campus 

The Virtual Production Studio has already supported classes from art and art history, theater, and film. Two professors in particular have used the space, Benjamin Wagley for Advanced Motion Capture and Laurel Whitsett for Acting for Camera. The studio has given their students hands-on access to industry-standard technology, helping them build skills they can use in future careers. 

“It’s an acting class,” Knitowski said, “so the learning there is acting, not the camera or equipment side.” 

By allowing students to see the scene come together live on screen, the studio removes technical barriers while keeping the focus on course goals. 

“We’re able to remove the barriers from these assignments while focusing on the instructions and experience for their coursework,” Knitowski said. 

Why This Belongs in the Library 

Libraries have always been about access. While information is more available than ever, access to professional-grade equipment remains a major hurdle for many students. 

“The roadblocks people run into now are on the equipment side of things,” Knitowski said. “Physical equipment just costs too much.” 

At UTA Libraries, students can use the Virtual Production Studio and Motion Capture Studio at no additional cost beyond standard tuition. These are the same tools used by professionals, made accessible in a supportive learning environment. 

“By having it here in the Libraries, we enable students to get familiar with this technology and have a successful career once they leave college,” Knitowski said. 

How to Get Started 

Using the Virtual Production Studio is simple. Students and faculty can reserve the space through the UTA Libraries website, just like booking a sound booth or other studio space. During open hours, there is always expert staff and highly trained student staff available to help. 

“We understand that it’s a very unique thing to see in a library,” Knitowski said. “So, we always have an expert available to walk you through the process.” 

When reserving the space, users can note whether they are working on motion capture, virtual production, sound recording, or another setup. Consultations are also available for anyone who needs extra guidance. 

“We can take you from, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing’ to ‘we have a full thesis project,’” Knitowski said. “We’re always here to help.” 

An Open Invitation to Create 

While the Virtual Production Studio is still new, the response from students and faculty has been overwhelmingly positive. 

“Students are surprised to find out that this space even exists,” Knitowski said. “One professor told their class, ‘If you want to get a job when you graduate, you should be doing more projects in the Libraries.’” 

UTA Libraries invites students to bring their class assignments, research ideas, and personal creative work into the Virtual Production Studio. Whether you’re experimenting for the first time or refining a major project, this space and our staff are here to support you. 

To learn more or reserve the space, visit: 
https://libraries.uta.edu/services/studios