Vū Technologies has closed on a $17 million seed investment from ADX Labs, Topmark Partners, and Angel investment syndicates from Tampa, Orlando, and Texas. The investment will fuel the expansion of its existing Tampa-Nashville-Vegas virtual studio network.

“Vū Technologies is on a mission to create the world’s largest network of virtual production studios for the film, television, and advertising industries,” said Tim Moore, Vū Technologies co-founder and CEO. “With our fully immersive, photorealistic virtual environments, we are empowering world-class directors and talent to shoot scenes as if they are on-location anywhere. Thanks to our investors, Vū’s network will forever change the filmmaking landscape, presenting limitless opportunities for creatives.”

Vū Studios says it is advanced sound stages utilizing value-added integration of proprietary and patented Vū technologies with key third-party vendor products, including Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, Mark Roberts Motion Control, and Mo-Sys motion tracking devices. As a result, directors, and producers can achieve incredible savings of time and money by shooting against the fully immersive, high-definition LED Volumes of Vū Studios, according to the company.

“One of the toughest and costliest elements to film production is scheduling the director, the producer, and the talent to be in the same room at the same time,” said Jon Davila, president and co-founder of Vū Technologies. “Vū’s virtual capabilities removes this element from the equation—a true game-changer for the film and entertainment industry.”

“Vū Studios is leading the virtual production revolution,” said Steve Lux, managing partner, Topmark Partners. “As corporations, ad agencies, and other content creators realize the advantages of virtual production; we are excited to partner with Vū to support their continued growth as they expand their virtual studio network across the country.”

Incorporating multiple technologies invented and patented by Tim Moore, the Vū Max, Vū Pro, and Vū Essential are large circular sound stage studios that provide HD LED panels on all walls and ceilings. The Vū Dome is a sound stage in a massive 30 ft. diameter dome structure with custom-made curved HD LED internal surfaces, providing a 180 by 90-degree volume. Vū Walls, constructed in effectively infinite sizes, provide advanced shooting environments for tracking shots.

“We’re thrilled to see smart, strategic investments being made in the entertainment and tech spaces,” concluded David Adelson, executive director of innovation and technology at the Orlando Economic Partnership. “Vū Technologies represents the future of filmmaking, and this investment will allow Vū to expand its footprint in the Central Florida area and throughout our region, diversifying our economy and generating a positive fiscal impact.”