Digital Catapult and mocap company Target3D have joined forces to open the UK’s first virtual production test stage, which aims to provide early stage and independent production companies with access to a fully functional research facility.
The facility, based in Guilford, will enable media companies to develop new tools and applications as well as boost hands-on experimentation.
The stage includes a state-of-the-art LED screen and motion capture infrastructure, which can be used to film in high-resolution, virtual settings.
According to the two companies, the ability to scale productions alongside R&D programmes means the facility will ensure industry relevance to the products and services being developed.
Digital Catapult CEO Jeremy Silver said: “We’ve seen the phenomenon of virtual production growing rapidly around the world as a result of the huge demand for new content from the streaming media platforms. In this context, it’s really important to ensure the capability of UK companies keeps pace with global development – hence this accessible space for independent production companies, providing hands-on experience and improving understanding of the capabilities of virtual production technologies in a live environment.
“This is all evolving very rapidly. There’s still opportunity for new entrants to take ownership of parts of the workflow, and for the UK to become a centre of global expertise in this field.”
Allan Rankin, director of Target3D added: “The new virtual production test stage is set to be a breeding ground for innovation, experimentation and novel forms of production in the creative industries. Target3D has been collaborating with Digital Catapult from the start – designing, equipping and staffing the facility – so it’s really exciting to see it open its doors to businesses across the UK.
“This is a studio that isn’t hampered by heavy film production schedules, so organisations of all sizes can come and use the facility, test out new concepts, report on them and share their findings with wider industry.”
