Norwich University of the Arts, in collaboration with Sony, has just opened a new state-of-the-art virtual production studio.
The studio, which will be the first educational and commercial facility of its kind in the UK, will feature not only Sony VERONA panels for virtual production, but also a Sony VENICE camera for content capture and much more.
This virtual production facility places Norwich at the forefront of next-generation digital storytelling and filmmaking in the UK. It offers creators and artists the opportunity to perform in front of Sony’s LED screen, which provides real-time immersive environments.
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These digital sets can transport actors and audiences to any imaginable location and are widely used in major blockbusters and broadcast productions. At nine metres wide and four metres high, the LED volume uses 6.7 million pixels to deliver crisp, cinematic visuals that look real both in person and on camera.
The studio is located next to the University’s Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and serves as a new hub for digital creativity for students of film, animation, games and visual effects. It can also be used commercially, as directors will be able to hire the space for their own projects.
Prospective students will have the chance to explore the new facilities during the University’s open days, where the exciting opportunities the space offers for learning, collaboration and innovation will be showcased. Major production companies and local studios have already expressed interest in using the new facilities for commercial purposes.
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The launch of the Virtual Production Studio marks a major step forward for Norwich University of the Arts and for creative education in the UK. This collaboration with Sony allows students to experiment with the same technology that is shaping the future of film, animation and visual effects. It reflects our ambition to ensure that all graduates are prepared to innovate and lead in a rapidly evolving creative landscape, said Professor Ben Stopher, Vice-Chancellor Designate at Norwich University of the Arts.
The facilities include professional cameras and audio systems, as well as customised lighting to ensure high-quality image reproduction in virtual environments. Sony has contributed its technical expertise and support as part of an expanding collaboration with the University.
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The collaborative nature of the project also allowed the University to partner with motion-capture specialists Target 3D, who provided an advanced camera-tracking system based on Optitrack. Their expertise in system integration ensures seamless interaction between all technologies in the studio.
Working with the team at Norwich University of the Arts has been a real pleasure. Their passion and drive to deliver something special has been inspiring. The Sony team is very proud to have been part of this exciting project, said Chris Couzens of Sony Europe.
