CoSTAR Screen Lab

The CoSTAR Screen Lab, led by Ulster University and based at Studio Ulster, is part of UKRI’s CoSTAR programme, supported by £75.6 million of AHRC funding and £63 million of new industry investment, which will form the largest virtual production research and development network in Europe, with four other facilities across the country.

Ulster University is one of five CoSTAR network labs bringing together world leaders across academia and industry:

• CoSTAR National Lab (led by Royal Holloway, University of London)
• CoSTAR Screen Lab (led by Ulster University)
• CoSTAR Live Lab (led by York)
• CoSTAR Realtime Lab (led by Abertay)
• CoSTAR Foresight Lab (led by Goldsmiths)

The Screen Lab will be driven by three overarching principles:

• place and potential
• equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and environmental sustainability
• open innovation

Its R&D&I will explore four converging themes:

• world building and asset creation
• performance, performers, interactivity and virtual space
• automation, real-time processes and workflows
• democratisation and capability

The Screen Lab will offer local companies the opportunity to apply for developmental support through challenge calls aimed at building future understanding of virtual production and real-time technologies.

More details to come in early 2025.