Virtual Production Soundstage release

Media Contact: C.C. Gonzalez-Kurz; CGonzalezkurz@DallasCollege.edu

For immediate release — Feb. 5, 2026

DALLAS – Dallas College will unveil its cutting-edge Vū virtual production soundstage Feb. 11, expanding workforce-driven education in film, digital media and immersive technology. The installation brings real-time, industry-grade visual production into the classroom, preparing students for in-demand careers across the region’s rapidly growing TV and film industry.

“This investment reflects our commitment to preparing students for real jobs in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Ahava Silkey-Jones, vice provost of the School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design at Dallas College. “By embedding virtual production technology into the classroom, Dallas College is creating clear, accessible pathways from education to career while supporting the talent needs of North Texas’ growing film and digital media workforce.”

Powered by industry-leading display technology and supported by DHD Films’ Dallas College virtual production soundstage during construction. production expertise, the initiative reflects Dallas College’s mission to connect education to employment by equipping students with job-ready experience in emerging fields shaping the industries of tomorrow.

The launch comes as North Texas experiences rapid growth in film and media production following the expansion of the Texas Moving Image Incentive Program (TMIIIP). Demand for specialized roles including virtual production technicians, visual effects artists and camera operators is expected to increase, further strengthening Dallas’ reputation as a leading destination for filmmakers. MovieMaker Magazine recently ranked Dallas as the seventh-best place to live and work as a moviemaker.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Creators

The state-of-the-art virtual production soundstage allows students to simulate any location from their lab, transforming traditional classrooms into dynamic, interactive learning environments. The technology enables students and faculty to visualize, experiment and create in real time across disciplines. It supports instruction across media studies, business, STEM and the arts, while giving students real-world experience that mirrors professional production workflows.

The integration of this technology begins with professional mastery. Dallas College faculty are currently undergoing intensive training at DHD Films’ Dallas studio, gaining the expertise required to weave virtual production and real-time rendering into Dallas College curriculum.

Empowering Innovation Through Partnership

The virtual production soundstage is being launched through a partnership among Dallas College, DHD Films and Vū Technology, with support from the Dallas Film Commission. The collaboration is designed to expand access to advanced training while strengthening the local workforce pipeline.

Seven people key to construction of the virtual production soundstage pose in the studio. (L-R) DHD Films Founder and Creative Director Shezad Manjee; Dallas College School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design (CAED) Vice Provost Ahava Silkey-Jones, CAED Department Chair Scott Venters, Dallas College Construction Manager Chris Marrs, Industry Technical Consultant Ian Loomer, DHD Films President and Chief Success Officer Hussain Manjee, Dallas College Video Technology Faculty Greg Ruuska.

“Partnering with DHD Films to bring a virtual production soundstage to Dallas College is an exciting milestone for our students and community,” Silkey-Jones said. “As one of the only colleges in Texas offering virtual production training as part of our curriculum, we are ensuring students have the tools and experience needed to thrive. I am deeply grateful to our board, leadership, faculty, partners and students whose collaboration, passion and vision made this opportunity possible.”

Building on that vision, DHD Films brings over two decades of industry experience to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional production.

“Our collaboration with Dallas College on this new virtual production volume isn’t just about technology, it’s about access,” said Shezad Manjee, founder and chief creative director of DHD Films. “By putting a world-class virtual production soundstage in the hands of students, we’re helping grow the next generation of storytellers right here in North Texas, giving them the tools, confidence and imagination to lead the industry forward.”

DHD Films President Hussain Manjee has deep ties to Dallas College as an alum of the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business program.

“He and DHD Films are committed to ensuring we launch a successful scaling of this resource for our students and the community, as we embrace regional growth in the film industry,” added Silkey-Jones.

Media Opportunity

Media are invited to come experience the technology before the launch party on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m., at Dallas College North Lake Campus, Building G. Please email NewsTeam@DallasCollege.edu to RSVP. Reservations are limited.

Virtual Production Soundstage Fact Sheet

What Is a Virtual Production Soundstage?

Also known as an LED volume wall, XR studio or virtual cinema wall, a virtual production soundstage is a high-resolution LED screen system that displays real-time, three-dimensional environments that respond dynamically to camera movement and lighting.

The technology allows filmmakers and content creators to produce immersive — and often impossible — settings while filming against computer-generated backgrounds rather than green screens or physical sets.

Key features and benefits

Real-time, three-dimensional rendering creates immersive environments and expands creative possibilities.
Enables filming with dynamic digital backgrounds in-camera, reducing the need for postproduction visual effects.
Provides hands-on training with modern tools used in film, television and virtual production industries.
Allows students to create portfolio-ready work aligned with current industry standards.

Jobs and Expected Earnings:

Training prepares students for roles such as virtual production technician, LED volume operator, unreal engine artist, motion designer, production coordinator and other traditional media roles that increasingly touch virtual production workflows.
These roles do not require a four-year degree and pay salaries of approximately $65,000-$85,000.*
Virtual production skills are in demand for roles in corporate communications, live events, gaming and immersive experiences. *

Texas Film Industry Job Growth and Demand:

Texas has significantly expanded its Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) (SB 22, $1.5 billion over a decade).**
TMIIIP is credited with approximately 180,000–190,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in spending in Texas (2007-2024).**
Return on the film incentives (2007-2024) has been 469% (for every $1 paid in grant money, $4.69 is spent in Texas).**
To qualify, 55% of cast and crew must be Texas residents; 60% of total production days in Texas.**
With new productions and campuses (like Taylor Sheridan/Paramount in Fort Worth), the industry is projecting tens of thousands of additional jobs over the coming years.*
Fastest job growth is in virtual production, real-time 3D and in-camera VFX — a segment forecast to roughly double by 2030. These are the types of roles the virtual production soundstage is designed to facilitate. Dallas College students will be able to step directly into that pipeline with skills in high demand across film as well as advertising, tech and live events.*

Applications Beyond Film and Television

Marketing and business: Producing advertisements and marketing as well as shooting commercials, interactive presentations*
STEM: Running real-time simulations in health care, engineering and experiential learning projects*
Art and design: Developing immersive performing arts experiences and producing digital media*

Beyond Installation, the Role of DHD Films:

DHD Films serves as an industry partner and mentor. They are training faculty, sharing best practices from active production sets and helping to .design learning experiences that mirror real-world workflows.
DHD Films will continue to look for ways to connect standout students with internships, mentoring and professional opportunities.

* Data provided by DHD Films
** Data provided by Texas Film Commission (https://gov.texas.gov/film/page/impact)

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