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Transmedia Lab

Transmedia Lab

The Transmedia Lab houses top-of-the-line computer stations loaded with various digital media software for use in video editing, 3D animation, audio editing, and more. The Lab also maintains an extensive inventory of audio-video equipment that can be checked out for use in Transmedia projects. The Transmedia Studio is a separate space within Transmedia that houses a cyclorama (green screen) wall, as well as space for installation and performance.

Equipment access is limited to:

  • Undergraduate students enrolled in Digital Media Lab classes

  • Digital Media Lab faculty

  • TAs who teach in those classes

  • Transmedia graduate students

  • Exceptions approved by the Lab Manager (Nathaniel Elder)

All users must sign and return a copy of the Equipment Liability Agreement (Appendix
B) prior to checking out any equipment.

Equipment Use – General Rules

  • Equipment may not be taken out of the State of Texas without prior recommendation of the faculty teaching your course and approval of manager.

  • If you plan to take equipment outside of the State of Texas you must:

    • request written approval for equipment and

      • get clearance by lab manager

  • Additional paperwork may be required (Appendix E).

  • International Travel is allowed only by petition.

  • Equipment air travel must be a carry-on luggage only.

  • Additional AAH, UT or insurance company may be required

Equipment Use – Limitations

Equipment should not be used in or around settings that may be hazardous to either the
operator or the equipment. Hazardous conditions include:

  • Around sand or dust

  • In/on water or highly humid areas

  • Under extreme temperature conditions

  • Near fire or explosives

  • Areas of high humidity

  • From excessive heights (rooftops, cranes, water towers, etc.)

  • Mounted on cars, motorcycles or horseback

  • Around corrosive substances such as solvents, toxic vapors, etc.

If you have questions about whether a situation or location might be hazardous to the operator or the equipment, ask your Professor or Lab Manager.

When filming on UT campus

  • If you are using guns, knives, and/or simulated violence, you must get approval from the Office of the Dean of Students (Appendix D).

  • If approved, Office of the Dean of Students will advise the University police of your film shoot.

  • To get approval: (i) print the attached Weapons Approval Form, and (ii) follow the instructions at least five (5) business days in advance of your shoot.

Responsibilities

  • Equipment should be safeguarded at all times.

  • Storing equipment in an unattended vehicle is highly discouraged. Regardless of whether the vehicle is locked, equipment concealed, or “secure” vehicle location.

  • Do not swap equipment without having it checked in first and checked out again by a TA or Lab Manager. This can cause confusion when tracking equipment for return or burden of responsibility.

  • In the event of theft or fire, notify the lab manager, your professor, and file an APD police report or a UTPD police report if an incident occurs on campus.

  • Before returning equipment, ensure all accessories are included, files on storage cards are deleted, and the battery is charged. Check for accessories including lens caps, chargers, microphones, cables, etc.

Lab Rules and Use Computers

  • All lab Apple computers operate the way all public campus computers do with access granted by using your UT EID and password with some use limits:

    • 60-minute inactive automatic logout

    • Nightly automatic reboot

    • All locally saved files are deleted upon logout

  • The lab's PC computers are special use devices and not intended to be assigned as daily use stations for classes. They are spec’d for use as processing intensive rendering stations for animation, video, supporting VR/gaming applications. Projects can be left rendering in progress outside of class/open hours if necessary and do not have the same use limitations as the Macs.

Open Lab Hours

The Digital Media Lab and Performance Studio are available for use according to the open lab schedule developed for that semester. Refer to the schedule on the door or as it is listed in your class Canvas page.

  • Performance Studio access is granted during class (unless another class is scheduled) and open lab hours by the observing TA, Lab Manager or Professor.

  • No food or drink consumption is allowed at the computer stations. Please leave all drinks on the shelf at the front of the lab and eat elsewhere.

  • Do your part to keep our modest facilities easy to use, clean, fully functional and in presentable condition.

  • No changes may be made to hardware or software configurations and any changes need to be requested to and made by the Lab Manager.

Cyclorama (Green Screen) Stage

The green screen stage in the Performance Studio is a specialty wall and floor to be used for video special effects. Care must be taken to keep this part of our facilities in their best condition to ensure longevity for continued use.

  • No shoes are allowed on the bare painted floor

  • No liquid or hazardous materials may be used on the painted floor

  • Students may use lighting controls once they have been trained

  • Lighting must be turned off once done being used

  • The curtain and rug must always be returned to their original state

 

For any additional questions, please contact Nathaniel Elder (Transmedia Lab Manager) at nathanielelder@utexas.edu.