£9m virtual production studio launches in Dundee
The CoStar Realtime Lab is led by Abertay University and based at Water's Edge
A new £9m virtual production studio has been launched in Dundee.
The CoSTAR Realtime Lab is led by Abertay University and based at Water's Edge.
The studio is operated in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, CodeBase, Interface and Chroma Developments.
Through the use of a giant LED screen, lighting and camera technology, the studio carries out virtual production. It's a cinematography technique that employs computer-generated imagery, augmented reality, and motion capture to create immersive virtual film, game and performance sets.
Professor Gregor White, Director of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab said: “With the technologies that power our screen-based experiences in film, games and performance rapidly converging there’s an opportunity for companies working in these sectors to diversify their offer, explore new markets and push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible in their sectors.
"Bringing together international-quality academic researchers with industry experience and enterprise support, CoSTAR Realtime Lab is a truly collaborative project which will break down barriers for the Scottish creative industries, encourage entrepreneurship and experimentation, and provide a space where innovation can flourish.”
The lab is part of the CoSTAR Network, with studios across the UK. The Water's Edge studio is the first in Scotland with a second, led by the University of Edinburgh, to open at First Stage Studios in Edinburgh in March.
The facilities will be connected through the Realtime Cloud Lab supporting remote access and collaboration from anywhere in the world.
Professor Melissa Terras MBE, Edinburgh College of Art, Co-director of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab said: “Scotland has vibrant creative industries, with world-leading activity in festivals, film/TV, music, heritage, and games in particular.
"Building a bridge between creatives and technologists will allow us to support the development of new products and services, while also ensuring that we are encouraging diverse access to cutting edge facilities, which will then produce diverse outputs. The partnership behind CoSTAR Realtime Lab is expertly placed to deliver this exciting innovation vehicle to support our creative communities”.
It's hoped the lab will drive research, innovation and economic growth in Scotland's screen, games, immersive and performance industries.
The lab will be used by researchers to support industry-led projects to improve production pipelines, including the likes of, 3D environments and video processing, performance and motion capture, facial animation, automated speech and dynamic generation of hyper-realistic digital film sets.
It will also be used to look how immersive technology can be used to enhance spectator experiences at concerts, live events and museums.
Through a series of open programmes, the studio is set to create opportunities for screen innovators in Scotland to access the technology to test, develop and refine their ideas.
One of the main programmes in the City of Discovery is the Realtime TEST Lab, offering creative companies, creatives and innovators access to resources to experiment with virtual production and creative technologies in content production or software development before committing further investment in their final productions. This is supported with funding from Screen Scotland.
Studio is a "huge opportunity for Scotland’s screen industries"
Chris van der Kuyl CBE, FRSE, Chairman, 4J Studios said: “I’ve always believed in Dundee’s potential as a global leader in technology and digital innovation. That’s why we’ve invested in spaces like Water’s Edge to provide a collaborative infrastructure for the next generation of creators and companies to thrive. The launch of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab is a major step in that journey, bringing cutting-edge virtual production technology to Dundee and securing its position at the forefront of real-time content creation. This is a huge opportunity for Scotland’s screen industries, and I’m incredibly proud to support it."
UK Government Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “This project is beyond exciting – the possibilities it creates for the entertainment industry are endless. The UK Government’s investment in cutting-edge initiatives like this is central to our Plan for Change to create the jobs and opportunities that will raise living standards right across the UK.
“It’s a tremendous feather in the cap of Brand Scotland too, demonstrating to the world that Dundee and Scotland is a centre of excellence for the screen and gaming industries as we push into new markets and further strengthen the sector. I wish the team at Abertay University every success with the opening of the new facility.”
Stephen Coleman OBE, CEO & Co-Founder of CodeBase said: "Supporting the CoSTAR Realtime Lab is another great opportunity for CodeBase to play our part as a Scottish ecosystem builder and a champion of tech-driven enterprise and entrepreneurship. We are always looking for new ways to collaborate with specialists in different technology domains and to leverage our delivery of Techscaler, Scotland's national tech backbone for the benefit of the ecosystem as a whole, building on Scotland’s unique strengths in talent, research, and innovation."
Project "important for the continued growth and future of the sector"
Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland said: “An exemplar of academia collaborating directly with industry, Abertay’s role in CoSTAR and its leadership of the Realtime Lab continues Dundee’s illustrious history of creativity, design and invention. The project will ensure that Scotland’s tech, digital and creative pioneers are embedded in the next wave of digital and creative transformation.”
Councillor Mark Flynn, Leader of Dundee City Council said: “Dundee has a long history of being at the forefront of technology and innovation for the creative industries and it is wonderful to see the CoSTAR Realtime Lab and its virtual production studio being added to the city’s digital cluster. The video games, screen and performance industries already make a significant contribution to Dundee’s economic and cultural success and collaborative projects like this, supported by both academia and business, are important for the continued growth and future of the sector.”
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