Woodbury Students Gain Hands-On Industry Experience at Sony Digital Media Production Center
Woodbury University students arrived bright and early on a December morning for an immersive visit to Sony’s Digital Media Production Center, where academic learning intersected with real-world filmmaking technology. The tour welcomed a diverse group of students representing majors from Liberal Arts, Architecture, and Media : Culture : Design.
As introductions went around the room, Sony representatives noted the impressive range of interests across the filmmaking pipeline. Students expressed passions spanning every stage of the production process, including screenwriting, first and second assistant directing, production design, editing, cinematography, directing, and sound. This wide scope of interests reflected Woodbury’s collaborative, well-rounded approach to film education and the interdisciplinary nature of today’s film and media industries.
After introductions, the visit kicked off with an overview of the history of Sony Cinema, providing students with insight into the evolution of Sony’s camera technology starting from early cinema systems to the FX series, and the industry-standard cameras used on professional film and television productions. Seeing this progression firsthand helped students connect the tools they use in class with those employed across the industry. Sony staff also broke down film trailers with the class, explaining how various technologies were used or adapted to fit the needs of each production.
A major highlight of the day was the virtual production lab, where students received an in-depth look at Sony’s cutting-edge technologies. Through the demonstration, students gained a deeper understanding of camera tracking systems, virtual environments powered by Unreal Engine, and the ways the technologies work together to create a seamless experience for filmmakers’ storytelling.
After the Virtual Production lab demonstration students were taken onto an actual film set to use Sony’s professional equipment to shoot their own collaborative video project in a hands-on training that mirrored real-world workflows. The group split into teams, with some students working behind the camera while others performed in front of it. This educational experience reinforced the learning objectives of Woodbury’s film department initiatives by allowing students to engage directly with industry-level tools and practices to tell their unique stories.
Students consistently expressed how impactful the experience was. Erubiel Sanchez shared, “Thank you for hosting us and showcasing your latest film camera technology. The presentation was incredibly informative, and the production assignment was fun, especially seeing all the elements come together in real-time. The Unreal Engine integration was a highlight of the tour for me […] Witnessing the camera position tracking system in action was truly impressive and gave us valuable insight into the future of filmmaking.”
The hands-on access to equipment left a lasting impression on many students. “Visiting was truly inspiring,” said Kai-Lynn Fortner. “I am so grateful to have had the chance to learn about the different types of cameras, try them hands-on, see myself on the big screen, and try the new virtual reality wall!”
Josiah Juarez emphasized how informative the technical discussions were. “I really appreciated being able to get an insight on the facilities and Sony’s camera history from the FX series to the Venice. […] The last thing that stuck with me was the VR room and how awesome the technology was in there; I was really enamored with the idea of being able to do camera tests and testing different assets that could be used for the backdrop of a shot.”
The visit concluded with students screening their collaborative project on a professional display bringing the experience full circle and solidifying the impact of the day.
Reflecting on the trip, Ivanna Felix expressed gratitude for the opportunity, “Huge thank you to Dr. Larkin for giving us the incredible opportunity to tour Sony Studios! […] Getting to see their gear up close, the insanely wide range of cameras, the technology advancements were unreal. […] this type of experience truly helps me understand my aspirations more and more, evaluate all the different areas in this industry, etc.”
The tour of Sony’s Digital Media Production Center provided Woodbury students with invaluable real-world experience, industry insight, and creative inspiration.
Professor of Filmmaking George Larkin shared about the experience, “We’re so grateful to Sony for their ongoing partnership with our university. They’ve been so generous with training sessions for our students as well as donations of critical technology.”
By bridging classroom education and professional practice, the visit reaffirmed Woodbury’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers in film and digital media.