At Form Volumes, we believe in the transformative power of virtual production—not just for Hollywood or big name brands, but also for education. One of the most exciting examples of this is our partnership with the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG), where an ambitious and visionary film program is reshaping the way students learn the craft of storytelling.
This case study explores how UNCG has embraced virtual production (VP) to equip the next generation of filmmakers with real-world skills, how the school is leveraging the technology to stay ahead of industry trends, and what other institutions can learn from their success.
Why Virtual Production, and Why Now?
UNCG’s foray into virtual production began with a simple curiosity: what’s next in filmmaking? Kevin Wells, a senior lecturer in the Department of Media Studies, was trained in traditional documentary filmmaking. But after seeing the behind-the-scenes of the technology used on The Mandalorian, he knew a change was coming—and UNCG needed to be ahead of it.
“Virtual production is where the industry is heading,” Wells told Form Volumes. “If we want our students to be competitive, we can’t just teach them what’s current—we have to teach them what’s next.”
This forward-thinking attitude is not new for UNCG. The university had already begun investing in esports and gaming infrastructure, which made it a natural environment to experiment with Unreal Engine and other real-time technologies. That same openness to innovation helped spark the idea for an in-house virtual production studio.
Building a Curriculum from the Ground Up
One of the most daunting challenges for universities looking to embrace VP is curriculum development. Faculty often lack the training or resources to teach a completely new workflow. UNCG took a different approach.
Rather than waiting for a formalized guidebook, Kevin and his colleagues learned by doing. Their journey began with Unreal Engine training events, many of which were hosted on campus with support from Epic Games. Then came hands-on experimentation, followed by Kevin’s enrollment in the Mo-Sys Academy, a workshop that demystified green screen virtual production and laid the groundwork for UNCG’s first classes.
Today, UNCG offers two virtual production courses—VP1 and VP2—with plans to expand into a more comprehensive curriculum. The structure is intentionally scaffolded. Students start with green screen keying, camera tracking, and foundational Unreal Engine work in VP1, then progress to LED walls and advanced techniques in VP2.
And when UNCG made the leap from green screen to LED walls? The transition took just one class session.
From Green Screen to LED Wall: A Natural Progression
One of the most surprising takeaways from UNCG’s journey was how seamless the switch from green screen to LED wall proved to be. According to Wells, the students adapted almost instantly.
“We had already built the foundation with camera tracking and chroma keying. Once we introduced the LED wall, it just clicked,” he said.
Even better, most of the equipment purchased for green screen production—PCs, camera trackers, software—remained compatible with the new LED setup. That continuity made the investment more scalable and more financially practical.
More Than Film: Cross-Departmental Impact
While film students were the primary beneficiaries of the VP studio, the ripple effect has extended far beyond one department.
Collaborations are now underway with animation, esports, and even elementary school outreach programs. One standout project involved local students creating a dance film using the LED wall—a powerful demonstration of how immersive storytelling can inspire at any age.
“There’s huge excitement across campus,” Kevin said. “Everyone wants to use the wall. It’s not just for film students.”
Prospective students—and faculty—often cite the VP studio as a deciding factor in joining the university. With a larger LED volume planned for the upcoming Tannenbaum Center, UNCG’s reputation as a hub for virtual production is only growing.
Choosing Form Volumes: Trust and Technical Expertise
When it came time to select a partner, Wells didn’t want just another equipment vendor. He wanted a trusted guide—someone who could explain what was needed, what wasn’t, and how to make smart, strategic decisions.
That’s where Form Volumes came in.
Wells connected with Form Volumes via David Stapp, a fellow UNCG alum now working as the Director of Virtual Production at Form Volumes. What followed was a collaborative and consultative relationship, built on honest conversations—not sales pitches.
“Form Volumes made everything clear without ever being pushy. That made all the difference,” Kevin said.
UNCG initially started with independent quotes, but it was Form’s all-in-one guidance—on panels, installation, manufacturer logistics, and long-term support—that helped bring the project to life.
A Vision for the Future
UNCG’s virtual production program shows what’s possible when innovation meets intention. By combining grassroots curiosity with strategic investment—and with the right partner—UNCG has built something rare: a forward-looking, student-centered approach to storytelling education.
At Form Volumes, we’re proud to have played a part in helping UNCG write this chapter. And we’re even more excited about what’s next.
Thinking about bringing virtual production to your campus? Let’s start a conversation.