MTPC News - Spring 2024 (Issue 6)

A Live Performance Supported by the Technical Theater Arts Course Read more 2 24 S P R I N G ISSUE 6

MTPC-G23274 MTPC provided support to create new learning possibilities. In Fall 2023, the Metaverse Design Thinking course (EMIA6500C) brought together students from Hong Kong and Guangzhou campuses in a shared metaverse space for the rst time. Using 15 sets of VR goggles in MTPC’s Digital Learning Studio, the instructor and students from both campuses appeared in class inside a virtual classroom as avatars, creating a learning environment that is literally without boundaries. Similarly, the Social Media for Creatives course (EMIA6500F) will also employ VR goggles for cross-campus instruction. Meanwhile, students of the Engineering Team Design Experience course (ENGG1200) developed skills in 3D modeling and motion capture by utilizing our Digital Learning Studio’s advanced motion capturing equipment. After recording body motions, students can integrate them into their creations. Metaverse Theater Lighting Training for EMIA2500A Students An innovative teaching app on metaverse theater lighting training is developed based on a project “Art Mirror” by a group of PhD students. MTPC invites their programmer to take part in the app development, which aims to explore the potential of metaverse for technical theater arts education. The app emulates the physical lighting setup and environment of the Shaw Auditorium. It lets students taking the course create their own lighting design using a metaverse space via VR goggles. Instead of having students take turns on the physical lighting panel, multiple students can now practice what they are learning in class simultaneously through this immersive technology. Interactive A.I. Installation at Annual Donor Event The MTPC team set up an innovative A.I. art installation at the university’s annual donor reception event, held in Asia Society on 2 February. During the event, the host engaged guests to provide keywords in responses to questions. The keywords are fed into an A.I. generative arts platform. Using speci cally designed algorithms, the platform used the keywords to create a unique, custom-made music video that is dynamically displayed with projection mapping on a red bird paper sculpture, becoming a multi-dimensional art piece. This installation greatly enhanced the atmosphere of the event. Hardware upgrades have been made at Shaw Auditorium to improve user experience: A giant motorized projection screen – 216” x 384” in size – has been installed, reducing the manpower needed to set up seminars and meetings. A new tvONE Corio Master 2 video processor has been installed to minimize delay time for the LED wall’s live video signal and optimize LED wall layout control for live video production. A new cable management system with automated cable coiling/uncoiling mechanism for the LED wall has been installed to improve ef ciency and safety. A new concert recording mic hanging system has been installed to improve sound depth and clarity during music concerts. Enhancements at Shaw Auditorium Support for Innovative Classes

HKUST Virtual Event Platform Looking to organize events for both physical and online audiences? MTPC’s Virtual Event Platform is the right tool for you. The platform facilitates both online and hybrid events of any size that are easily accessible from most internet-enabled devices. Offering a customed design HKUST virtual environment with a wide range of virtual booths, multimedia, and multi-language support, as well as live chat, Zoom and webinar integration for real-time communication, the Virtual Event Platform is an ideal event platform to connect participants from both the Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses. A Live Performance Supported by the Technical Theater Arts Course To offer students of the Technical Theater Arts course (EMIA2500A) with a real-life experience in supporting live performances, MTPC has collaborated with renowned choreographer and teacher Andy Wong, along with his talented group "Dancing Angels." Together, they will present an exquisite dance performance titled "Encountering…… Light of My Life" at the Shaw Auditorium on 6 May 2024, from 12:45pm to 1:30pm. EMIA2500A students will offer stage management, lighting, sound, video, technical rehearsals and support for this lunchtime performance, showcasing their skills as their capstone project. All HKUST members are invited to see the performance and witness the learning outcomes achieved by the students of the Technical Theater Arts course. “Imagination in Motion” Animation Showcase To promote arts and culture on campus, MTPC’s Creative Media Zone organized the “Imagination in Motion”. A special showcase of six locally produced animated shorts, was successfully held in Shaw Auditorium last September. Produced under the famous Animation Support Program, which provides various forms of support for local start-ups and small-sized companies in the animation sector, these short lms demonstrate the enormous talent of Hong Kong animators. The audience of over 200 also participated in a post-screening talk featuring animator Mr. Neco LO and animation producer Mr. Donald KWOK. This is the rst screening workshop of its kind in HKUST, and its success will hopefully pave the way for more screening events in the future. MTPC Co-offers “Introduction to Digital Media” (EMIA2200) in Spring 2024 A collaboration between DMCA and MTPC, the 13-week Introduction to Digital Media course (EMIA2200) covers a broad range of digital media topics and techniques with the aim of equipping students with knowledge and skills that can be applied to various academic disciplines. MTPC’s Digital Media Team and industry professionals will lead workshop-based lectures that emphasize practical hands-on experiences. Topics include digital photography, cinematography, stop-motion animation, professional editing, special effects, interactive and immersive media, as well as A.I. generative arts. Promoting HKUST’s Learning & Teaching Environment Collaborating with ITSC, MTPC creates a series of videos to publicize the IT infrastructure on campus. They include the “Did You Know” campaign for Network Printer, HKUST WiFi and Power Sockets. The promo videos will be displayed on a wide range of channels on campus and social media to reach out to our students. More promo videos for study spaces and teaching and learning are being produced. Stay tuned.

MTPC Printshop is now offering in-house backdrop production services. All related tasks including large format printing, laminating, mounting, laser-cutting and setup can all be done on-campus without needing to turn to external services. The service is ideal for functions and events with a low budget but fast turnaround. More importantly, all materials used are either eco-friendly paper cardboard or formboard that will be recycled for other jobs. Besides, event organizers can also contact Printshop to evaluate and collect the backdrop materials of their used backdrop after the event for other jobs. This will minimize the waste generated from single use items and save the material costs for other jobs. In-house Backdrop Production and Recycling Reduce Waste Repurposing Recycling MTPC successfully held lunchtime workshops on A.I. for motion imaging and stop-motion animation at the Creative Media Zone (CMZ) for HKUST staff and students. In one workshop, MTPC staff picked four of the most popular A.I. video tools available to the public today – Wonder Studio, Pika Labs, Runway and Moonvalley – and demonstrated their functions, as well as the pros and cons of each tool. In another workshop, staff introduced tools and techniques that can help everyone to create unique stop-motion animation at home with ease. More CMZ workshops will be organized in Spring. They include the “360 Video Screening & Workshop”, and the “Create & Bind Workshop” held in April 2024. Creative Digital Media Workshops

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