CoSTAR Screen Lab
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Ulster
Department Name: Faculty of Arts
Abstract
The CoSTAR Screen Lab in will be a Northern Ireland based creative technology research, development and innovation facility located in Studio Ulster, a large scale virtual production studio complex at Belfast Harbour Studios. Driving the CoSTAR Screen Lab are three overarching principles: Place and Potential; EDI & Environmental Sustainability and Open Innovation. These principles will drive four converged themes addressing: Worldbuilding and Asset Creation; Performance, Performers, Interactivity and Virtual Space; Automation, Real Time Processes & Workflows; and Democratisation and Capability.
The CoSTAR Screen Lab, led by Ulster University will work with five core partners in Belfast Harbour Studios, Studio Ulster Ltd, Northern Ireland Screen, BBC Northern Ireland, Humain Ltd and a range of collaborative partners including, Dell, BT, Retinize, Clear Angle Studios and DfC/ACNI to deliver world-leading programmes of R&D&I, Talent Capacity Building, Sustainability & EDI.
The CoSTAR Screen Lab will operate in partnership with the CoSTAR National Lab and the other networked labs to ensure that expertise is both shared and consolidated through a process of distributed best practice while advancing the understanding of virtual production and real time processes through collaborative learning and training. The CoSTAR Screen Lab will articulate to the CoSTAR National Lab through co-designed Demonstrator challenge calls, national training initiatives and co-funded technology research projects.
The CoSTAR Screen Lab will offer local companies the opportunity to apply for developmental support through challenge calls aimed at building future understandings of the virtual production and real time spaces. These calls will be co-funded by Ulster University and partners Studio Ulster Ltd., NI Screen, BBC NI and DfC, CoSTAR Screen Lab will work with all partners to deliver the over-arching and related objectives identified for the CoSTAR project, 'providing a highly capable R&D infrastructure that enables researchers, companies and institutions across the UK to access to the facilities, capabilities and insight necessary to ensure that they can conduct world class R&D in the application of current and future waves of advanced computing technologies to transform the means of production across the screen, performance and allied sectors of the Creative Industries'.
While the core business of CoSTAR Screen Lab will be to undertake R&D&I leading to products which advance SME and audience engagement with virtual production, the relationship between the commercial work of Studio Ulster and the more R&D&I focused work of the CoSTAR Screen Lab facilitates the opportunity for more experimental work, delivered in an environment of informed and supported risk. Crucially, the CoSTAR Screen Lab will create opportunities to increase the visibility of virtual production and its potential but also to build the skills pipeline, policy and environmental infrastructure necessary to the long-term sustainability of the project after the funded period.
Hence, the CoSTAR Screen Lab will also create targeted training programmes, accredited through the Ulster Screen Academy (USAc) at Ulster University. These training initiatives will be designed to advance the skills base in the region but also to build capacity across the CoSTAR network. Training will be developed and delivered on a partnership basis, ensuring distributed access and high standards of practice to challenge current knowledge and expectation of what is possible in the convergence of technologies in the virtual production and real time spaces.
A key aspect of the work of CoSTAR Screen Lab's mission will be to drive innovation in sustainability and EDI approaches and formal Work Packages have been designed to work with key community groups to advance access for disenfranchised groups while adhering to the sustainability benchmarks created by the Albert project and BREEAM accreditation frameworks.
The CoSTAR Screen Lab, led by Ulster University will work with five core partners in Belfast Harbour Studios, Studio Ulster Ltd, Northern Ireland Screen, BBC Northern Ireland, Humain Ltd and a range of collaborative partners including, Dell, BT, Retinize, Clear Angle Studios and DfC/ACNI to deliver world-leading programmes of R&D&I, Talent Capacity Building, Sustainability & EDI.
The CoSTAR Screen Lab will operate in partnership with the CoSTAR National Lab and the other networked labs to ensure that expertise is both shared and consolidated through a process of distributed best practice while advancing the understanding of virtual production and real time processes through collaborative learning and training. The CoSTAR Screen Lab will articulate to the CoSTAR National Lab through co-designed Demonstrator challenge calls, national training initiatives and co-funded technology research projects.
The CoSTAR Screen Lab will offer local companies the opportunity to apply for developmental support through challenge calls aimed at building future understandings of the virtual production and real time spaces. These calls will be co-funded by Ulster University and partners Studio Ulster Ltd., NI Screen, BBC NI and DfC, CoSTAR Screen Lab will work with all partners to deliver the over-arching and related objectives identified for the CoSTAR project, 'providing a highly capable R&D infrastructure that enables researchers, companies and institutions across the UK to access to the facilities, capabilities and insight necessary to ensure that they can conduct world class R&D in the application of current and future waves of advanced computing technologies to transform the means of production across the screen, performance and allied sectors of the Creative Industries'.
While the core business of CoSTAR Screen Lab will be to undertake R&D&I leading to products which advance SME and audience engagement with virtual production, the relationship between the commercial work of Studio Ulster and the more R&D&I focused work of the CoSTAR Screen Lab facilitates the opportunity for more experimental work, delivered in an environment of informed and supported risk. Crucially, the CoSTAR Screen Lab will create opportunities to increase the visibility of virtual production and its potential but also to build the skills pipeline, policy and environmental infrastructure necessary to the long-term sustainability of the project after the funded period.
Hence, the CoSTAR Screen Lab will also create targeted training programmes, accredited through the Ulster Screen Academy (USAc) at Ulster University. These training initiatives will be designed to advance the skills base in the region but also to build capacity across the CoSTAR network. Training will be developed and delivered on a partnership basis, ensuring distributed access and high standards of practice to challenge current knowledge and expectation of what is possible in the convergence of technologies in the virtual production and real time spaces.
A key aspect of the work of CoSTAR Screen Lab's mission will be to drive innovation in sustainability and EDI approaches and formal Work Packages have been designed to work with key community groups to advance access for disenfranchised groups while adhering to the sustainability benchmarks created by the Albert project and BREEAM accreditation frameworks.
| Title | Titanic Sinks Tonight |
| Description | A four part documentary drama series for the BBC exploring the real lives of 6 people connect to the Titanic tragedy. Directed by Hugh Ballantyne and produced by Stellify (Sony Pictures) in Northern Ireland. The project utilised next generation virtual production pipelines derived from research undertaking at Ulster University, Studio Ulster and through the CoSTAR Screen Lab project in support of a new Northern Irish based company and subsidiary of multi award winning Poli Productions called Poli Vision. This new company now employs 5 people in a virtual art department redefining set design and manufacture and creating best in class solutions for set extension work in virtual production with unparalleled accuracy and class leading camera tracking for in camera visual effects. Breaking old rules and setting new benchmarks for the quality of virtual production achievable using in camera visual effects. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | Notable Impacts of the Project: 1. Advancement of Virtual Production Technologies • Direct application of next-generation virtual production (VP) pipelines developed through Studio Ulster and CoSTAR research. • Integration of cutting-edge set extension techniques with class-leading camera tracking, enhancing production accuracy and creative possibilities. 2. Economic and Industry Growth • Enabled the creation of Poli Vision, a new Northern Ireland-based subsidiary of Poli Productions. • The company now employs five full-time staff within a virtual art department, contributing to local job creation and industry expansion. 3. Innovation in Set Design & Manufacture • Redefined approaches to digital set design and manufacturing for virtual production. • Developed best-in-class solutions for VP set extension, breaking traditional constraints and setting new quality benchmarks for in-camera visual effects (ICVFX). 4. Impact on Film & TV Production Standards • Demonstrated new workflows that challenge conventional production techniques, improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. • Established new best practices for VP-driven productions, influencing future industry standards. 5. Strengthening Northern Ireland's Position in Virtual Production • Increased the region's profile as a centre for virtual production innovation and high-end content creation. • Strengthened ties between industry, academia (Studio Ulster), and public sector bodies (CoSTAR project, BBC), fostering further R&D collaborations. 6. Contribution to BBC's Documentary Drama Production • Provided the BBC with a highly innovative approach to documentary drama, demonstrating the viability of advanced virtual production for factual storytelling. • Supported a cost-effective and scalable model for integrating VP into high-end television production. Sub millimetre camera tracking accuracy enabled the stitching together of the virtual and physical worlds at new levels of accuracy combined with new production workflows putting set build accuracy at the forefront has changed what is now possible in virtual production maturing and moving the sector forward. These impacts collectively position this project as a milestone in the evolution of virtual production in the UK and Northern Ireland, reinforcing the region's capability to lead in this space. |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/titanic-sinks-tonight-wt-factual-northern-ireland |
| Description | Virtual Production's Role in Carbon Reduction and Net Zero Production in the Screen Industries Future Observatory Cultural Policy Fellowship Report |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| Impact | The report "Virtual Production's Role in Carbon Reduction and Net Zero Production in the Screen Industries" has catalysed significant changes in policy and practice, leading to measurable environmental benefits. Key developments include: Policy Changes: • Integration of Virtual Production in Sustainability Strategies: Major production companies, such as Netflix and NBC Universal, have incorporated virtual production (VP) into their sustainability initiatives to achieve net-zero targets. ? • Development of Specialized Carbon Calculators: The report's identification of gaps in existing carbon calculators has prompted the development of tools tailored to VP, enhancing the accuracy of carbon footprint assessments in the industry. ? Changes in Professional Practice: • Adoption of Virtual Production Techniques: The screen industry has increasingly embraced VP methods, leading to a reduction in travel and on-site fuel consumption. This shift has resulted in carbon emission reductions of 20% to 50% compared to traditional production methods. • Enhanced Training and Skill Development: Establishing a £1.6 million virtual production training and research facility at Ulster University's Belfast campus has addressed talent shortages and equipped professionals with the skills necessary for sustainable production practices. Impact on the Public: • Promotion of Sustainable Content: The adoption of VP has enabled the creation of environmentally conscious content, raising public awareness about sustainability issues and influencing audience perceptions and behaviours. Evidence of Reach and Benefits: • Industry-Wide Adoption: The report's findings have influenced a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders, leading to the widespread implementation of VP technologies and practices. • Measurable Carbon Emission Reductions: Implementing VP has led to quantifiable decreases in carbon emissions, with reductions ranging from 20% to 50% compared to traditional production methods. ? In summary, the report has significantly influenced policy and practice within the screen industries, leading to measurable environmental benefits and advancing the sector's progress toward net-zero emissions.The report "Virtual Production's Role in Carbon Reduction and Net Zero Production in the Screen Industries" has catalysed significant changes in policy and practice, leading to measurable environmental benefits. Key developments include: Policy Changes: • Integration of Virtual Production in Sustainability Strategies: Major production companies, such as Netflix and NBC Universal, have incorporated virtual production (VP) into their sustainability initiatives to achieve net-zero targets. ? • Development of Specialised Carbon Calculators: The report's identification of gaps in existing carbon calculators has prompted the development of tools tailored to VP, enhancing the accuracy of carbon footprint assessments in the industry. ? Changes in Professional Practice: • Adoption of Virtual Production Techniques: The screen industry has increasingly embraced VP methods, leading to a reduction in travel and on-site fuel consumption. This shift has resulted in carbon emission reductions of 20% to 50% compared to traditional production methods. • Enhanced Training and Skill Development: Establishing a £1.6 million virtual production training and research facility at Ulster University's Belfast campus has addressed talent shortages and equipped professionals with the skills necessary for sustainable production practices. Impact on the Public: • Promotion of Sustainable Content: The adoption of VP has enabled the creation of environmentally conscious content, raising public awareness about sustainability issues and influencing audience perceptions and behaviours. Evidence of Reach and Benefits: • Industry-Wide Adoption: The report's findings have influenced a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders, leading to the widespread implementation of VP technologies and practices. • Measurable Carbon Emission Reductions: Implementing VP has led to quantifiable decreases in carbon emissions, with reductions ranging from 20% to 50% compared to traditional production methods. ? In summary, the report has significantly influenced policy and practice within the screen industries, leading to measurable environmental benefits and advancing the sector's progress toward net-zero emissions. |
| URL | https://futureobservatory.org/files/dcmsreports/futureobservatory_culturalpolicyreport_studioulster.... |
| Description | Northern Ireland's Inaugural Screen Industry Sustainability Show Case-2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Activity Overview: Northern Ireland's Inaugural Screen Industry Sustainability Showcase The Northern Ireland Screen Industry Sustainability Showcase took place on 2nd October 2024 at Belfast Harbour Studios, bringing together industry leaders, sustainability experts, and key stakeholders to explore and promote sustainable practices within the screen sector. The event was organised by Northern Ireland Screen, in collaboration with BBC Northern Ireland, Belfast Harbour, and Studio Ulster, alongside other industry partners. Intended Purpose • To advance sustainability in the screen industries by sharing best practices, discussing policy changes, and showcasing innovative sustainable solutions. • To align with Northern Ireland Screen's 'Stories, Skills, and Sustainability' strategy, reinforcing environmental, economic, and creative sustainability. • To encourage collaboration between industry leaders, suppliers, and government bodies in achieving net-zero targets. • To highlight emerging technologies such as virtual production that can reduce carbon footprints in film and television production. Activities and Highlights • Panel Discussions: Industry leaders from Albert (BAFTA's sustainability initiative), PACT, Balloo Hire, and Sunbelt Rentals shared insights into sustainable production and best practices. • BBC Climate Creatives Programme: BBC Northern Ireland presented its sustainability goals and the BBC's commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050. • Studio Ulster's Virtual Production Showcase: Experts from Studio Ulster and the PI of the CoSTAR Screen Lab Professor Declan Keeney demonstrated how virtual production can replace traditional location shoots, reducing travel emissions and set construction waste. • Green Technologies in Production: Presentations included hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as an alternative to diesel for generators and food waste reduction solutions. • Networking & Collaboration: A key outcome of the event was the establishment of new partnerships between local suppliers and production companies, ensuring continued progress towards a greener industry. Outcomes and Impacts (Known to Date) • Increased Industry Awareness & Commitment: The showcase enhanced industry-wide awareness of sustainability challenges and practical solutions, with attendees expressing commitment to integrating these practices into their productions. • Implementation of Sustainable Practices: Some production companies indicated they would adopt HVO fuels and explore carbon-reducing virtual production technologies. • Policy & Funding Discussions: The event opened dialogues between industry bodies and government representatives regarding potential funding and incentives for sustainable film and TV production. • Education & Future Engagement: Post-event feedback suggested that students and industry newcomers who attended felt inspired to explore sustainability-focused roles in the creative sector. Conclusion The event marked a significant step in positioning Northern Ireland as a leader in sustainable screen production. By fostering discussions, showcasing innovation, and building industry-wide commitment, it has set the stage for future advancements in environmental responsibility within the film and television industry. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://northernirelandscreen.co.uk/news/northern-irelands-inaugural-screen-industry-sustainability-... |