ORLANDO, Fla. – Students at Launch Site at Orange Technical College Mid Florida Campus are on the cutting edge of the latest in modeling and simulation training. Through the dual-enrollment program with Orange County Public Schools, high school juniors and seniors are getting a jump start in the industry.
"I had to get into mo-cap (motion capture) suit. I really enjoyed doing Hulk positions and stuff,” Alberto Rodriguez, a dual enrollment student, said in reference to an animated short of his face and motion capture footage being transformed into The Incredible Hulk. “The one we captured, I think it turned out good.”
Katherina Alvarez, another dual enrollment student, worked on a large digital sketch pad on a character she already had drawn out on her paper tablet. She said that’s why she's there.
"Not just to model, but learn how to bring things from sketch onto the computer and make characters," Alvarez said.
Among its numerous tools of the trade, the school is home to one of the largest motion capture stages on the East Coast.
"The equipment is bar-none. Students can walk out and go straight into the industry," instructor William "Wink" Winkler said.
Modeling and simulation training is a $5 billion-plus industry that is always evolving, and Launch Site is working to get students ready for the future.
"We're actually training people for jobs, equipment and apps that don't even exist today. I venture to say five years from now, it will be different than what you see today," Dr. Mike Armbruster, associate superintendent of careers and technical education for OCPS, said.
Adult students also use the training they receive at the school to prepare for a competitive workforce.
"This was an opportunity to proceed in same path, but locally. A lot of employers here in Orlando are trying to fill spots with people training here," Manuel Delgado, an adult student, explained.
With a variety of mediums to work with from virtual reality to modeling and animation, students can immerse themselves at Launch Site and find their passions.
"There are so many positions in our field,” Winkler said. “The students, once they have a broad understanding of what the different roles are and have been exposed to them, they can make a decision and really start to train in one area to be applicable to the industry.”
For more information about Launch Site, click here.