Lipscomb University partners with Treeline Bamboo and Kaleidoscope Studios to give students real-world virtual production experience with cutting-edge volume stage

Lipscomb University partners with Treeline Bamboo and Kaleidoscope Studios to give students real-world virtual production experience with cutting-edge volume stage

Volume stage is one of the first of its kind at a university in the region

Kim Chaudoin | 10/13/2025

Lipscomb University is partnering with Treeline Bamboo and Kaleidoscope Studios to bring a cutting-edge virtual production volume stage to the university's George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts (CEA) and School of Communication. One of the first of its kind at a university in the region, this state-of-the-art studio will be used for teaching, content creation and professional productions.

The new volume studio opens the door for Lipscomb students to gain hands-on, real-world training with one of the most innovative tools driving today's entertainment and broadcast industries. Kaleidoscope Studios, founded by Treeline and based at The Factory at Franklin, has already been involved in major productions, including Amazon Originals, the ACM Awards 60th celebration, national broadcasts and documentaries, using this technology. The LED volume wall replaces traditional green screens with immersive, real-time digital backdrops. Used in productions like The Mandalorian and The Batman, as well as major commercial projects for Ford and Nike, this technology allows filmmakers to create lifelike environments on set, with lighting and reflections that respond naturally. Students will learn on the same tools currently revolutionizing film, television and broadcast industries, preparing them to be successful in the evolving entertainment landscape.

"We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with not only Bamboo and Kaleidoscope Studios, but also Kingdom Story Company and Qava," said Mike Fernandez, CEA dean. "Together, we are creating a pipeline of next-generation storytellers who will thrive in the evolving entertainment landscape. This investment, made possible by co-founder of Kingdom Story Company, Tony Young, not only elevates the learning environment for our students but also ensures they graduate with the technical skills, creative vision, and professional experiences that today's industry demands."

The project is generously funded by a donor committed to advancing educational opportunities at Lipscomb. The CEA will be the primary user of this facility, particularly within its film and animation programs. The School of Communication will also benefit significantly, as the upgraded broadcast media environment offers students access to live event production, broadcast graphics and virtual set technology similar to that used by national news networks.

"This partnership is a significant step forward for our journalism and broadcast programs. The volume wall will allow our students to produce news, magazine, and sports shows in professional, visually dynamic environments," said Sarah Gibson, director of Lipscomb's School of Communication. "It opens up new opportunities for interactive sets that enhance reporting and visual communication. We're especially excited to partner with animation students to design these virtual backgrounds, giving our journalists hands-on experience in the future of broadcast production."

It will also serve as a content hub for Lipscomb faculty and programs as well as a venue for select outside clients, ranging from film and television production partners to organizations seeking broadcast-style environments, represented by Treeline and Kaleidoscope to rent.

"This is about more than technology; it's about opportunity," said Michael Moore, development managing partner of Treeline Bamboo Partners. "By managing the volume stage with Lipscomb, we're giving students the chance to step into the future of production, work on exciting projects and experience the joy of creating with cutting-edge tools."

"Kaleidoscope Studios is proud to partner with Lipscomb University to manage and maximize the potential of their virtual production volume," said David N. Watson, director of technology and innovation at Kaleidoscope Studios. "This collaboration brings students hands-on access to industry-standard tools and workflows, giving them real-world experience. Together, we're not only preparing future filmmakers, but also shaping the future of storytelling."

"Our goal is to not only offer the best classroom training, but to create the opportunity for our film students to obtain IMDb and real-world industry credits before they graduate," said Matt Huesmann, chair of Lipscomb's cinematic arts film program. "This best-in-class volume wall technology, combined with our industry partners, internships, and on-set experience, contributes to the rapid growth of our program."

Imagine House, Lipscomb's immersive professional content production house, will also benefit from this technology.

"The significance of this technology cannot be overstated," said Steve Taylor, Imagine House executive director and associate professor of cinematic arts. "It will enhance the work of Imagine House, where students apprentice under nationally acclaimed faculty to create original, market-ready projects."

Located in the university's Mullican Studios, the volume stage was officially opened at a dedication ceremony and demonstration for the Lipscomb community on Oct. 2. For more information about the volume stage or rental opportunities, contact Huesmann at matt.huesmann[at] lipscomb.edu(matt[dot]huesmann[at]lipscomb[dot]edu).

About Lipscomb University's George Shinn College of Entertainment & the ArtsLipscomb University's George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts is one of the fastest-growing creative arts programs in the region, offering degrees in film, animation, music, theatre, fashion, and design. Through hands-on training, industry partnerships, and innovative facilities such as its new virtual production volume wall, Lipscomb prepares students for meaningful careers in today's dynamic entertainment industry. Learn more at https://www.lipscomb.edu/CEA.

About Lipscomb University's School of CommunicationThe School of Communication at Lipscomb University is a forward-thinking program that prepares students to enter a rapidly evolving media landscape. With a foundation in storytelling, ethics, and innovation, the school offers a reimagined Communication major built around flexible certificates, allowing students to customize their education. Whether pursuing paths in journalism, public relations, advertising, digital storytelling, or emerging areas such as AI, students gain adaptable skills and ethical grounding needed to lead and succeed in a dynamic media environment. Learn more at https://www.lipscomb.edu/communication.

About Treeline Bamboo Partners
Treeline Bamboo Partners is a Nashville-based entertainment company specializing in innovative production development and creative partnerships.

About Kaleidoscope Studios
Kaleidoscope Studios, located at The Factory at Franklin, is a premier virtual production facility supporting high-profile film, broadcast, and live event projects.