Proposal

Narrative

The School of Communication and Multimedia Studies seeks technology upgrades aimed at improving students’ hands-on experiences with cutting-edge production equipment, so they are prepared for careers in creating film, digital journalism and video game design. This proposal prioritizes enhancements to the BrandStar Studios space (opened Spring 2024) and addresses current production equipment needs on the Boca Raton campus. Last year, local video production company BrandStar Studios opened a collaborative digital workspace at FAU, donating a 30-foot LED video wall and in-camera virtual technology that is now housed in the Arts & Letters Building. The BrandStar facilities have already been used in partnership with FAU initiatives such as the PolCom Lab. The requested equipment, vetted by BrandStar representative Enrique Delgado, fully transforms the space into a teaching-centric one for SCMS students, allowing faculty to take full advantage of the immersive learning opportunities presented by virtual production technology. Our proposal also includes maintenance of and upgrades to existing camera and audio gear, which is used by a minimum of three multimedia classes each semester and is available to students in any multimedia studies course. Students gain confidence in their tech skills by using this gear, as it is the same as what professional digital creators use. Using this in the BrandStar space will give them additional professional-focused experience. In addition to benefitting current FAU students and strengthening an existing community partnership, our proposal helps the school stay competitive with programs at other state universities. Students and parents at high school recruiting events such as Explore FAU and Choose FAU frequently ask faculty representatives about tech and gear, as they are accustomed to having access to top-quality equipment. Being able to spotlight the LED wall as part of regular-use classroom technology will be a boon to FAU.

Facilities

There are no facility renovations required; this proposal enhances the already-completed renovation of the BrandStar Studios @ FAU space in the Arts & Letters Building.

Hardware Requirements

Please see attached list of equipment. This is an initial quote from B&H Photo - the number that appears on our Resource Spreadsheet is the pre-tax total.

Software Requirements

Software is pre-existing in the BrandStar Studios space, or pre-installed on the digital cameras we have requested.

Personnel Costs

SCMS faculty and staff, as well as BrandStar representatives, will manage the installation and upkeep of the equipment request.

Other Costs

There are no additional costs associated with this project.

Timeline

We plan to purchase equipment in June 2024, so that we can upgrade the BrandStar facility space in July 2024. In this way, it will be equipped for regular student use by the Fall 2024 semester.

Sustainability

The BrandStar Studio space is already maintained by personnel from BrandStar, as well as an SCMS staffer (Jonah Mills).

Resource Matching

This project supplements an existing public-private partnership between FAU and BrandStar Studios.

Implementing Organization

The School of Communication and Multimedia Studies, part of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, will implement this project.