Nate Strayer

In this episode of the New Arc Podcast, we sit down with Nate Strayer — writer, director, producer, and founder/CEO of Stray Vista Studios in Dripping Springs, Texas.Nate shares his journey from shooting home movies in Michigan to film school, a COVID-era no-budget feature that launched his career, and building a virtual production studio that’s worked on Super Bowl commercials, major streaming series, and projects with talent like Matthew McConaughey and Dennis Quaid. We explore how virtual production has become a powerful storytelling tool, why Texas is emerging as a serious media hub, and the growing intersection of film, immersive experiences, and technology.The conversation expands into theme parks, dark rides, and the future of physical storytelling — how robotics, virtual production, and intentional design can create experiences that go beyond thrill rides to truly immerse audiences. Nate and the New Arc team dig into the shared goal of making Texas a bigger player in entertainment while fighting for the cool version of the future.A lively, wide-ranging discussion on story, technology, and building the next generation of immersive experiences.CreditsTheme Music: Composed and produced by Aaron Wagnerhttps://aaronpwagner.comIntro Narration Clip: Criswell from Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. (Public Domain)Recorded at: Audion in Austin, TXhttps://audionllc.com/Produced by: New Arc Ventures