Bright Beyond the Lights Businesses: Vū Technologies
Exterior of Vū Las Vegas (pc: Vū Studios)
In 2022, Florida-based Vū Technologies set out to expand westward with Vū Las Vegas. As North America’s largest network of virtual studios, Vū is an emerging force in shaping the growing virtual production market. With an expanding global network of Vū-operated and affiliate studios, an evolving set of software tools, and a world-class team of creative storytellers, virtual artists and technologists, Vū enables greater access to advanced virtual production technology.
Chuck Akin, General Manager, Vū Las Vegas (pc: Vū Technologies)
Elevated by unique market opportunities and competitive education and workforce development programs, Clark County was an easy choice for the company to land on when looking to expand its footprint.
Operating within a Rapidly Advancing Market
Chuck Akin, general manager of Vū Las Vegas and co-owner of oogoog productions, moved to Clark County during his undergrad to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Becoming immersed in both the community and the film industry, Akin found the region held considerable potential to support a flourishing film production industry. “Las Vegas has room for growth for companies like us. When other studios get built, it really helps diversify the region. It will create a bigger ecosystem with competitive jobs that come with it. There will be new opportunities that come about, and we can become competitive with markets like New Mexico, California and Arizona,” explained Akin.
Home to a world-class transportation infrastructure and a vibrant network of rapidly advancing industries, companies can count on Clark County to support sustainable growth. “Las Vegas is our only tier-one market. We get more celebrities and forward-facing commercial projects here. When talent happens to be here for residencies and events, they find the opportunity to film something while they are in Las Vegas,” said Akin. “We have the space and technology to do that.”
When asked how the company benefits from operating within Clark County, Akin’s answer was indicative of the region’s supportive network of resources designed to help local businesses shine. “The Clark County OCED has been amazing in terms of being so open and helpful. There are resource organizations here that want the same thing: growth and reputable companies that want to put their flagpole down and say, ‘this is where we’re proud to be.’”
Vū Las Vegas Lobby (pc: Vū Technologies)
Growth on the Horizon for Clark County’s Film Industry
In the spring of 2024, the Clark County Zoning Commission approved plans for a $1.8 billion movie studio and mixed-use development in Summerlin. The project, brought forward by Sony Entertainment and Summerlin developer Howard Hughes Holdings, and backed by A-list actor and producer Mark Wahlberg, has the potential to create 10,000 jobs in the community. With Clark County’s reputation as an epicenter for entertainment and Nevada’s status as one of the nation’s most business-friendly states, it’s no surprise that renowned film events and celebrities are eyeing the region for major projects and new opportunities.
Clark County’s approval of the Sony movie studio project comes on the heels of the Independent Film and Television Alliance’s announcement that the American Film Market will be hosted outside of Southern California for the first time in event history. More than 7,000 people from 80 countries will come together in Las Vegas for the 45th American Film Market, advancing Clark County’s ‘Hollywood 2.0’ concept and paving the way for companies within the industry to consider setting up shop in Southern Nevada.
For local business owners like Akin, these announcements mark an exciting new era of opportunity and growth for film production in the community.
Inside Vū Las Vegas Studio (pc: Vū Technologies)
Shaping the Talent of Tomorrow
Clark County is home to a highly skilled workforce brimming with the potential to support the growth of companies relocating to the region. “Through colleges like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, trade schools and even within high schools, everyone is embracing technology. Our education will set us apart from other markets. You can come here and get a two-year degree and find job opportunities that are transferable. It will create a cycle where we are educating our own people, and they will stay here,” said Akin. “We will be able to grow and be competitive with other markets and thrive.”
Clark County is continuously evolving, with each stage of growth offering new, fulfilling career opportunities for local talent. “To be able to come to school here and then be given the opportunity to become the general manager of a studio is something that we didn’t have twenty years ago. Now, it’s an amazing time where those kinds of jobs are being created within Clark County,” explained Akin. “Because I graduated from UNLV, I have the experience of coming from the university and knowing what works and what doesn’t. It’s a very good place to be in terms of what’s to come. We’re really excited.”
Vū Las Vegas blurs the lines between the physical and digital realm. They look forward to seeing Clark County’s innovative talent pool continue to take shape, confident that they will be poised to take their clients’ visions for production and turn them into a reality. “Clark County’s workforce is an area of opportunity. The infrastructure that Clark County will be developing will draw people who are educated here to stay here. There is so much room for growth.”
Behind the scenes of filming for Sympathy for the Devil inside Vū Las Vegas Studio (pc: Vū Technologies)
Clark County’s supportive business ecosystem, world-class education and workforce training programs, and spirit of innovation and collaboration make it an ideal place for companies like Vū Technologies to operate and grow. Ready to join us? Get in touch with our team at the Clark County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) to see how we can help your business shine #BrightBeyondTheLights.
