Curtin University screen arts and journalism students will have access to a high-definition film and television studio after the official opening of the refurbished School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry (MCASI) Media Production Studio last night.
The refurbishment included an infrastructure upgrade to the media production control room and studio floor to provide students a realistic, industry-like film and television studio experience during their studies.
The official opening was attended by WA Minister for Culture and the Arts, the Hon David Templeman MLA, Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Humanities, Professor Alan Dench.
Professor Dench said MCASI was internationally renowned for its award-winning creative-practice research in writing, performance, fine art, and the screen arts, and the upgraded studio facilities would further enhance the experience for students.
“The control room has been fitted with cutting-edge technology that provides students with a realistic industry learning experience, including live-streaming capabilities,” Professor Dench said.
“These upgraded facilities will offer students hands-on learning in a full high-definition, 4K-ready digital environment, which will help prepare them for a future career in screen arts or television.”
Upgrades to the studio floor equipment included 4K cameras, tripods and autocue.
In the production control room, the full control desk was replaced, including the lighting control panel, switcher, autocue, monitors, PC’s, and software. The machine room also received an upgraded server rack. Overall, significant engineering and infrastructure work was undertaken to accommodate this technical upgrade from Standard to High Definition.
The upgrade will facilitate further collaboration across the University, as well as with industry and community partners.
Minister Templeman commended the investment Curtin had made in the creative and cultural industries.
“The dividends from this investment will come not only in the form of world-class industry-ready graduates, but also in broader economic and cultural benefits to the state,” Minister Templeman said.
“Western Australia has a vibrant cultural scene and the creative industries are flourishing here. Creating high-end production facilities such as this allows us to continue to share our distinctly Western Australian stories with the world.
“This investment is a commitment to continued excellence in arts and culture in Western Australia.”
