Ulster University, recently named ‘University of the Year 2024’ in the UK and Ireland by Times Higher Education, has officially launched the CoSTAR Screen Lab – an innovative hub for research and development in virtual production and screen technologies.
Bringing together key stakeholders from across the UK’s creative industries, the launch marked a major milestone in Northern Ireland’s growing reputation as a leader in virtual screen innovation.
Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), CoSTAR is a £75.6 million national research and development network of laboratories developing next-generation technologies to cement the UK’s world-leading position in gaming, TV, film and performance.
An additional £63 million of new industry investment is supporting the programme, creating the largest virtual production research and development network in Europe.
READ MORE: Taking the leap - Lara Sunday on jumping into the world of tech with both feet
The CoSTAR Screen Lab, based within Studio Ulster at Belfast Harbour Studios, is a state-of-the-art research and development facility led by an Ulster University-led consortium. Studio Ulster – a world-class virtual production campus – is set to become a global hub for the creative industries, pioneering advancements in virtual production, digital content creation and real-time visual effects when it opens later this year.
Professor Declan Keeney, CEO of Studio Ulster and Professor of Screen Technologies and Innovation at Ulster University commented: “The launch of the CoSTAR Screen Lab at Ulster University today marks a significant step in the evolution of creative technology research and skills development in Northern Ireland. As we continue to grow and support this dynamic sector, the CoSTAR Screen Lab will provide the research foundation necessary to propel us into the next phase of digital transformation. By working closely with our CoSTAR partners, we are confident that our collective efforts will accelerate the development of breakthrough techniques that will redefine how content is created, making Northern Ireland a key player on the global stage for virtual production.”
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, said: “CoSTAR Screen Lab is an exciting example of Ulster University’s continued commitment to innovation, collaboration and delivering real-world impact, and is a testament to our leadership in research and our commitment to advancing the screen industries in Northern Ireland.
“Our investment in cutting-edge infrastructure, including Studio Ulster, ensures that we are well-positioned to drive forward new technologies that will shape the future of film, TV, games, and animation production. This pioneering facility will be a catalyst for new ideas and technologies, positioning this region as a leader in the global creative industries.”
READ MORE: Queen’s part of £6.5 million government-funded hub to help NHS slash carbon footprint
Present at the launch were stakeholders from AHRC, UKRI, other CoSTAR labs in the network from across the UK, Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast Harbour, and industry collaborators including Dell, immersive-tech studio Retinize, and specialist animation studio Humain.
Professor Christopher Smith, AHRC Executive Chair, said: “The CoSTAR Screen Lab in Belfast will enable companies regionally, nationally and globally to access world-leading Research and Development facilities and expertise to capitalise on the opportunities offered by virtual production and real-time technologies for film, TV, gaming, and digital entertainment.
“As part of the CoSTAR network it will play a key role in ensuring that the UK’s creative industries act as a key driver of growth as identified in the government’s industrial strategy. AHRC is proud to work with remarkable, innovative researchers in the fast moving and dynamic world of film and screen to shape the future of technology.”
Attendees enjoyed performances in the lab space, demonstrating the impressive capabilities of virtual production for the film, TV and gaming industries. They also met with groups of participants in Future Screens NI’s S.U.R.F (Skills for Urban and Rural Futures) scheme, a programme designed to address the lack of opportunity for young people in urban and rural communities by training them in virtual production and games design technologies.
A number of CoSTAR Network funding calls aimed at furthering technological innovation within the sector have been announced, with more due to be announced in March. These include the Prototypes and Pilots Programme and the Enterprise and Commercialisation calls which are designed to push the boundaries of the capabilities of virtual production and give filmmakers the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge.
For more information about CoSTAR and its impact on the UK’s creative industries, visit www.costarnetwork.co.uk/, or follow the CoSTAR Network on LinkedIn and Instagram @costarnetwork
Read Sync NI's latest Spring edition for free here.
