Final Pixel has announced a strategic partnership with StoryFutures.
Combining StoryFutures’ commitment to R&D, upskilling and innovation with Final Pixel’s HETV and film end-to-end production capabilities, the collaboration aims to redefine how the industry develops future talent.
Centred on a residency at Royal Holloway’s Futures Studios, the partnership aims to provide an innovation ecosystem to unite technological advancement with workforce development, equipping teams with the skills to shape the next generation of storytelling and production, said the companies.
Accelerating applied R&D into set-ready workflows and enabling rapid prototyping of solutions to meet production challenges, the partnership aims to tackle skills shortages in innovations such as Gen AI and provide new capabilities for showrunners, producers and creatives
More than 40 per cent of roles in the UK’s creative industries are now tech-driven, with 83 per cent of creatives using advanced technologies such as machine learning and real-time engines. The partnership aims to address skills gaps and challenges, including interoperability and limited access to innovation, the companies added.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Audiences will see more of what they love, as we are further able to successfully balance cost of productions with creative ambitions
- Producers and studios gain simplified decision-making through proven, scalable solutions.
- Creatives access expanded possibilities, including AI-enhanced storytelling and real-time technology that bring bold visions to life.
- The wider industry benefits from a strengthened UK creative ecosystem that attracts global productions, develops world-class talent, and establishes new standards for sustainable, efficient filmmaking.
Commenting on the announcement, Amanda Murphy, head of partnerships and training at StoryFutures, Royal Holloway, said, “This partnership represents a shared vision to empower the next generation of talent in our creative sector. By uniting our resources and expertise, we can really innovate—enabling diverse creatives to get hands-on with exciting new technologies in our onsite studio, built for the future of production, to drive new forms of media.”
Michael McKenna, CEO and director of virtual production at Final Pixel, added, “Working in alliance with the highly regarded StoryFutures team and prestigious Royal Holloway reflects Final Pixel’s commitment to excellence in filmmaking. This partnership allows us to collaboratively address skills gaps and drive R&D innovation in emerging areas of technology. I cannot wait to see the outcomes of this unique and forward-thinking collaboration.”
