Shaping the future of film and television: The Arthur Smith Virtual Production Studio
Known for his pioneering career as one of Hollywood’s top television producers, RTA School of Media alum Arthur Smith has spent his life giving back to the community. Building on that legacy is the launch of the Arthur Smith Virtual Production Studio, a state-of-the-art space that will shape the next generation of creative talent and is setting the gold standard for what it means to be an industry-ready graduate.
Arthur Smith cuts the ribbon for the newly renovated Arthur Smith Virtual Production Studio, joined by the team from The Creative School at TMU. Left to right: Rick Grunberg, Media Production, Professor; Karen Sebesta, Media Production, Program Director; Arthur Smith, Television Producer; Joseph Recupero, RTA School of Media, Interim Chair; Charles Falzon, Dean of The Creative School
Arthur Smith giving a speech in the newly renovated Arthur Smith Virtual Production Studio
“This studio is a testament to the power of reaching for your dreams and the impact of this institution. My time at the RTA School of Media – with great teachers and state-of-the-art equipment – prepared me for this wonderful career creating thousands of hours of television for audiences all over the world,” said Arthur Smith. “I envision this studio not just as a space for learning, but as a launchpad where young, hungry students can take flight towards a career in production. It’s a privilege to be able to support the place that helped shape me, and I’m so excited to see what these next generations of talent will create as the entertainment industry continues to evolve.”
The newly renamed Arthur Smith Virtual Production Studio enables students to create live multi-camera productions within virtual environments that closely resemble real scenes. These environments are crafted using interactive 3D gaming graphics software like Unreal Engine. The studio will also be integrated with other campus facilities, fostering collaboration among students from various disciplines to work together on productions.
Attendees exploring the new studio space equipped with state-of-the-art technology
Left to right: Charles Falzon, Dean of The Creative School; Arthur Smith, Television Producer
Bridging the gap between education and industry
The new system features three advanced computers, known as Ampere engines, from Zero Density, Sony HD cameras, the Mo-Sys camera and lens tracking system, and lighting fixtures from Kino Flo, founded by Image Arts graduate Frieder Hochheim. These components form the core of the studio’s virtual production capabilities, with additional electronic elements to integrate everything seamlessly.
This system is the result of eight years of collaboration with Groupe Media TFO, Zero Density, ROCKET and Herne Hill Media, and has since been widely adopted by industry leaders like Sportsnet and numerous international broadcasters and filmmakers.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the virtual production studio will prepare The Creative School students to graduate with the skills necessary to excel in the industry and their careers, skills that Media Production professor Rick Grunberg has been teaching his students for years.
“The production community (television and film) is in desperate need of graduates that can work in the creative development of these visual assets and on set in these types of studio environments,” says Grunberg. “The live production studio space and the courses we have been teaching over the past few years in Unreal, will give our students a strong background in the virtual production ecosystem.”
Television Producer Arthur Smith at the Arthur Smith Virtual Production Studio Launch
Arthur Smith and his family at the Arthur Smith Virtual Production Studio Launch
A Vision Brought to Life
Named in honour of Arthur Smith, who, over the course of his influential career, has created over two hundred television shows including hits like “Hell’s Kitchen” and “American Ninja Warrior,” the studio is more than a testament to his financial support—it’s a reflection of his ongoing dedication to fostering future talent.
“The support of Arthur is more than a financial one. As one of our most successful alumni, we are fortunate that he is always committed to the future of his Alma Mater and in particular the student experience,” says Dean of The Creative School, Charles Falzon, emphasizing the invaluable role Smith plays in shaping student success. “I am so grateful for his support and friendship.”
The Arthur Smith Virtual Production Studio represents more than just a state-of-the-art facility. It’s a glimpse into the future of television and film production. Years in the making, the virtual production system is setting new industry benchmarks, already embraced by broadcasters and filmmakers worldwide. More importantly, it elevates the learning experience, positioning students to lead the next generation of storytelling.
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.