Brompton Technology’s Tessera LED processing platform is at the core of a state-of-the-art virtual production studio at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), one of the world's most prestigious drama training institutions.
Supplied and integrated by Universal Pixels, the installation forms part of a major strategic investment by LAMDA in emerging technologies for audiovisual production and is already transforming the way the school prepares the next generation of creative professionals.
The studio is centred around a 7-metre-wide by 3.5-metre-high LED volume composed of AOTO RM 2.3 panels mounted on a gently curved structure with 2.5° panel increments. The system is powered by a Tessera SX40 4K LED processor alongside two Tessera XD 10G data distribution units. Running in conjunction with Unreal Engine, the volume renders real-time environments ranging from photorealistic exteriors to fully abstract sci-fi worlds. It is further complemented by a dedicated Vicon motion capture space equipped with 30 cameras and a sprung technical floor, a combination that places LAMDA’s facilities among the most technologically advanced of any drama school in the UK.
Rather than viewing this technology as a simple addition, LAMDA has made the LED volume a genuine academic priority. The facility is integrated across the school's entire educational offering, from the Foundation in Stage and Screen (CertHE) and BA Professional Acting programmes to MA/MFA courses in Classical Acting, Musical Theatre, and Professional Acting. The new studio serves as a shared space where acting, directing, and production & technical arts students work together, mirroring real-world professional virtual production workflows.
The choice of Brompton processing was a carefully considered decision. Bethany McShepherd, Head of Innovation, is clear that LAMDA students deserve to work with the same tools they will encounter in the industry. "LAMDA graduates are the future of the creative industries. Investing in their careers through the very best technology and the very best training is what matters most to our institution", she says.
With LED volumes now a standard feature of high-end film and television productions, from prestigious streaming dramas to advertising campaigns, students working within LAMDA’s volume become familiar with the same workflows, technical language, and production demands they will encounter on professional sets long before graduation.
Charles Douglas, Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing with Emerging Technologies and Head of Screen & Audio Training, believes the potential is transformative.
This technology opens the door to XR or mixed reality, to new ways of making films, and to extending both the physical stage and the spaces in which we work. Using it in practice is one thing, but it is also an invitation to rethink the boundaries of what we do. That is an important mission for our department: to drive a new chapter in performance and storytelling, he explains.
Brompton’s API has also become an integral part of practical on-set training. Through an integration with BitFocus Companion, test patterns can be triggered via a Steam Deck, enabling students to quickly identify hardware or cabling issues and move efficiently through troubleshooting processes. Meanwhile, the reliability and colour consistency of the Tessera platform give LAMDA the confidence to use the volume not only for student projects but also for professional-grade productions. The system provides the same level of support for graduate films, commercial digital assets, and collaborative research projects.
This professional reach is already evident in the work being produced. A short film created in partnership with Media Trust, funded by The Crucible Foundation and based on stories from prison reading groups, was filmed entirely within the volume and features actor Ralph Ineson. The space has also played a central role in the LAMDA x Lyric Future Technicians Programme, an outreach initiative delivered with the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, through which a group of young people from West London gained hands-on experience with professional audiovisual production infrastructure. For many of them, it was their first encounter with technology at this level. For Gary Pillai, Assistant Professor of Screen Acting, the objective is clear: "Our mission now is to understand this technology and ensure that our graduates can step directly into the profession and the screen acting industry".
We were proud to work with LAMDA on this project, providing the technology that gives students hands-on access to the professional workflows used throughout the film and television industry. Facilities like this play a vital role in bridging the gap between education and industry, helping students gain real-world experience with the tools they will use throughout their careers, adds Dan Edmonds, Film & TV at Universal Pixels.
Beyond the technology itself, the relationship between LAMDA and Brompton reflects something deeper. The school’s strategy is built around a Partnership First principle, and Stephen Court, Head of Marketing & Communications, describes Brompton as a direct expression of that philosophy. "Brompton Technology is a perfect example of a partner that shares our values of curiosity, innovation, and inspiration", he says.
The scalability and future compatibility of Brompton’s platform ensure that this investment can evolve alongside both the curriculum and the wider industry. "It’s not just about providing the sector with skilled talent", Douglas concludes. "It’s about actively collaborating with innovative productions at LAMDA to advance both training and professional practice".
The volume has been operational for just over a year. Based on the results achieved during its first twelve months, it is clear that this is only the beginning.
