The Entertainment Technology Center will offer some classes at the 31st Street Studios in Pittsburgh's Strip District this semester, where students will have access to an advanced motion capture system and be encouraged to take part in film productions.

The studio on Feb. 27 announced it would partner with Paramount on Location, a division of Paramount Studios Group that provides production support services, and Knight Vision Motion Capture, a digital production company. Knight Vision was founded by James Knight, who developed motion-capture techniques for the movie "Avatar."

The 31st Street Studios occupies a former steel plant. It has six sound stages, a special effects shop and other amenities.