‘Movie magic’ lab to keep UK at cutting edge of visual effects technologies
A new research and development facility in Wakefield is to help drive the next generation of production technologies that aim to revolutionise the UK’s film, TV and performing arts industries.
The lab is part of the Creative Industries Sector Vision, which sets out the Government’s ambition to maximise the potential of the UK’s creative industries so they generate an extra £50bn for the economy and support a million more jobs by 2030.
A consortium led by York University has been selected by the Government as a preferred bidder to host one of four new labs specialising in the future of virtual production – a range of content production techniques using computer-generated imagery (CGI), augmented reality and motion capture to create virtual sets, world and experiences.
Virtual production allows filmmakers and theatre directors to create large-scale digitally-generated environments that performers can interact with in real-time using LED panels, as a faster and less expensive alternative to green screens.
The research facilities will study how the latest developments can be used to ensure the UK has the skills and infrastructure to stay at the cutting edge of this type of technology.
Located alongside studios and leading entertainment technology companies at Production Park in Wakefield, the lab will bring together expertise from the University of York, Vodafone, Screen Yorkshire, and support from Wakefield Council and the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
The lab is part of UKRI’s Convergent Screen Technologies and performance in Realtime (CoSTAR) programme, supported by £75.6m of Government funding and £63m of new industry investment, which will form the largest virtual production research and development network in Europe, with four facilities across the country.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “Yorkshire has a rich history in film, TV and the performing arts, home to unforgettable scenery and highly skilled creatives behind popular productions including The Duke, All Creatures Great and Small and Happy Valley.
“Now we’re putting West Yorkshire at the forefront of future technology for the next generation of filming and live events.
“Together with experts across the UK, this new lab will make sure the UK stays ahead of the latest developments transforming our screens and stages.”
The network will include a national lab at Pinewood Studios, and a new Insight and Foresight Unit led by Goldsmiths and the British Film Institute.
Three regional hubs, in Dundee, Yorkshire and Belfast, are expected to contribute a combined £33m to the economy and support 423 jobs.
As Europe’s largest purpose-built rehearsal studio for arena concerts, the lab at Production Park will focus on applying new virtual production technology to live events.
Lab director, Professor Gavin Kearney from the School of Physics Engineering and Technology at University of York, said: “We are thrilled to announce our new lab facility in Wakefield at Production Park.
“The lab will build upon the University of York’s world-leading applied research for the creative industries, as well as the support and growth initiatives of Screen Yorkshire and XR Stories in the screen industries sector across our region.”
