CoSTAR Screen Lab

Active

Description

The CoSTAR Screen Lab is an advanced screen and performance technology research and development lab led by Ulster University and based at Studio Ulster in Belfast. It is one of five labs in CoSTAR, the UK's national research and development network for the creative industries and creative technology, and was officially launched at the BEYOND 2023 conference in November 2023. The lab offers world-class in-camera visual effects technology within a commercial virtual production complex, providing an environment for developing the tools and production pipelines that enhance real-time visual effects for film, television, gaming and digital entertainment. Its dedicated virtual production stage includes an LED volume, motion capture and 3D and 4D scanning, spatial audio systems and private 5G connectivity. The lab's research and development is driven by three overarching principles (place and potential; equality, diversity and inclusion and environmental sustainability; and open innovation) and explores four converging themes: world building and asset creation; performance, performers, interactivity and virtual space; automation, real-time processes and workflows; and democratisation and capability. The Screen Lab works with core partners Studio Ulster, Belfast Harbour Studios, Northern Ireland Screen, BBC Northern Ireland and the specialist animation studio Humain, and offers local companies developmental support through challenge calls in virtual production and real-time technologies. CoSTAR is supported by 75.6 million pounds of funding from UK Research and Innovation's Infrastructure Fund, delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and 63 million pounds of new industry investment.

Currently active

Yes

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

2023

Contact details

Studio Ulster
9 Gullivers Drive
Belfast
BT3 9HW

Website: https://www.costarnetwork.co.uk/labs/screen-lab

Public email: costar@ulster.ac.uk

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Categorisation

Type

Parent infrastructure(s)

CoSTAR Network

The CoSTAR Network is the United Kingdom's national research and development infrastructure for the creative industries, giving creative companies access to advanced facilities, connectivity and resea… read more about CoSTAR Network

Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham Hill
Egham
TW20 0EX

Partner Universities

Ulster University

Additional Partnerships

Studio Ulster; Belfast Harbour Studios; Northern Ireland Screen; BBC Northern Ireland; Humain

Last modified:

2026-07-11 23:07:03