Rafi Nizam

The new year is the perfect moment to spotlight the visionary creatives pushing live performance into the future through groundbreaking technology. 🎭 This new video from XR Stories and XR Network+dives into an XR Network+ and University of York funded R&D project led by CAMERA at the University of Bath, created in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Using cutting‑edge motion capture and virtual production workflows, the team explored bold new ways to transform what’s possible on stage. Take a look at the next evolution of live performance. ⚡

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A new joint venture called Utopai East, co-founded by Stock Farm Road and Utopai Studios, seeks to integrate AI into filmmaking, providing the necessary data center infrastructure. Brian Koo, grandson of LG's founder, plays a pivotal role by contributing financial resources and industry connections. Ceilica Shen of Utopai Studios emphasizes their approach of working alongside creators, focusing initially on Korean content with plans for broader Asian expansion. The venture is part of a larger mission by SFR to build AI infrastructure supporting various connected sectors including entertainment and manufacturing. #Ai #Entertainment #DataCenter https://lnkd.in/gJtEjgza

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It's about time to do some AI tests. I've just tested Autodesk Flow Studio's Character Integration (Wonder Dynamics app) on one of the scenes in my recent Short Film! Results look stable enough when used with no objects occluding the character (otherwise it integrates on top of the objects and roto will be needed). Check out my recent Short Film on Youtube! https://lnkd.in/dRMXRnBH #AI #Autodesk #FlowStudio #WonderDynamics #VFX #3D #CG #CGI

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Touch Tree recently collaborated with International Magazine Centre to produce a whitepaper which focuses on the subject of digital archives and how powerful this can be for independent publishers. 🤝 The whitepaper contains a case study for Wargames Illustrated Limited, who digitised their expansive magazine collection and made it instantly available on any device with no apps or downloads. The case study explores the process, with editor Dan Faulconbridge giving insights and feedback about how Wargames have benefited from the platform so far. 🎉 https://lnkd.in/eD3AaX3Y #revenuemodel #search #recurringrevenue #editorialplanning #wargames #digitalstrategy #brandbuilding #customerrelationship #digitalpublishing

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Sometimes immersive projects require immersive dailies! ✨ Our team spent some time at the Bristol Digital Futures Institute & MyWorld - Bristol Bath facility in Bristol recently testing some of our large format content for a couple of our commercial Immersive projects on their "reality emulator", a 14k x 2k cylindrical LED display. The full wraparound screen allows us to experiment with high frame rates and view the content in incredible detail, something not yet possible with even the best VR headsets! Working closely with teams and facilities like these allows a mutually beneficial deep dive into the technical landscape of large screen format content. The reality emulator allows us to experiment with and view the content in ways which fully support our commitment to visual storytelling for large format venues.

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London South Bank University writes an exclusive for the Develop Croydon website. Titled “Bring your creative vision into reality: The XR Studio at London South Bank University” the article explores the XR Studio at London South Bank University (LSBU) which offers forward-looking organisations a remarkable platform to prototype, experiment and deliver immersive experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Find out how the Studio is built for immersive creation and business impact, why it matters for the creative industries, the importance of partnering for innovation and how it will help collaborators step into the immersive future. ✍️ Read the full piece: https://lnkd.in/etbVqrYm

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Welcome to the SharedSpatial page! A utility-first multi-user VR platform for putting your 3d data in your hands. Release spatial data from screen constraints - grab and inspect a 3d scan or run 3d animations and explore stereoscopic images and videos with friends and colleagues in a private dedicated space that you own. Watch this spatial :-) #vr #multiuservr #unreal #aws #3dmodels #3dscans #3danimation #pointclouds #stereoscopy #collaboration #spatial https://lnkd.in/eZwr5tfh

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Final Pixel x StoryFutures – A New Era for Production The UK’s creative industries are at a turning point. Worth £124.6bn GVA and employing 2.4M people, this sector is expanding fast—but faces critical gaps in skills, interoperability, and access to innovation. That’s why we’re excited to announce a strategic partnership between Final Pixel and StoryFutures, hosted at Royal Holloway’s Futures Studios, a state-of-the-art production facility supported by Surrey County Council. What does this mean for the industry? This partnership will support Final Pixel’s mission to redefine the production of HETV and Film using the latest technology, from concept to delivery. Together, we’ll: • Accelerate R&D into department workflows. • Prototype new solutions for the toughest on-set challenges. • Tackle skills shortage in technologies like Generative AI. The result: Maintaining and expanding the UK as a successful creative and production force in the next era of film production, with faster pipelines and smarter tools to create the best stories. Amanda Murphy, Head of Partnerships & Training at StoryFutures, Royal Holloway, explains: “By uniting resources and expertise, we can really innovate—giving diverse creatives hands-on access to future-facing technologies in a studio designed for tomorrow’s media.” Michael McKenna, CEO of Final Pixel, adds: “This partnership reflects our commitment to excellence in filmmaking. Together, we’ll address skills gaps and drive innovation in emerging areas of technology.” This collaboration isn’t just about today—it’s about future-proofing the industry. Linked to the new CoSTAR National Lab, it positions the UK as the world’s premier hub for creative and technical talent. The future of storytelling is being written right now. And it starts here. 👉 Read the full news story: https://lnkd.in/e8sakeFk 👉 For further information, please visit www.finalpixel.com #StoryFutures #FinalPixel #GenAI #VirtualProduction #Innovation #CoStarNationalLab #CreativeIndustries #FutureStudios #Storytelling #Entertainment #Technology #ResearchandDevelopment Michael McKenna | Dr Jodi Nelson-Tabor | Amanda Murphy | Peter Richardson | Destiny Lawrence Royal Holloway, University of London CoSTAR National Lab

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We’re excited to share that Jonathan Kershaw, Programme Manager and Animation Specialist at MITIH, is featured in Prolific North. In his interview, Jonathan explored Greater Manchester’s fast-growing animation ecosystem, and what impact AI and immersive technologies have on jobs and opportunities within the region. He also reflects on how MITIH, Greater Manchester’s hub for immersive and creative technologies, is supporting industry transformation through innovation, skills and funding. You can read the full feature in our comments. #ProlificNorth #Animation #ImmersiveTech #CreativeIndustries #GreaterManchester #MediaCityUK HOST Salford, Salford City Council, MediaCityUK, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Innovate UK

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🚀 Backing big ideas in animation - Spotlight on Engine House - Realtime Animation Collective an award-winning animation studio based in Cornwall, taking a big leap forward with Innovate UK support. 🗣 Natasha Price, Co-Founder of Engine House, said: “The impact of the funding was massive. Not only did it mean that we had dedicated studio time to be able to focus on building the tools that we wanted to make. It also left us with a really cool end product of a short film.” 🎥 Take a closer look at Engine House journey > https://ow.ly/pSN550XMc6r Engine House is one of the awardees of the Innovate UK Creative Catalyst, a funding programme that supported high potential creative businesses. 📖 Read more about Engine House here > https://ow.ly/uEwK50XMc6q #creativeindustries #shortfilm #animation #creativetech #userexperience #innovation #funding

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Your online ads are being ignored. Here’s the secret weapon Google & TikTok use – strategic print design. Yes, in a world of digital noise, the most powerful way to be remembered is surprisingly tangible. Scroll, swipe, delete. In the endless stream of digital content, your message is one tap away from being forgotten. But what if you could make an impression that sticks? The world's most innovative companies have already figured it out. While they dominate our screens, they invest millions in a powerful "old-school" medium: print. Google uses direct mail postcards to promote its digital tools. TikTok launched its B2B campaign with posters in the London Underground. Their strategy reveals a crucial truth: Digital builds reach, but print builds trust. Why Tangible Beats Temporary A screen ad is weightless and disposable. But a beautifully crafted brochure, a luxurious welcome pack, or a thoughtfully designed presentation folder? It has presence. It engages the senses. It lingers on a desk. It commands attention in a way pixels never can. This is the trust gap in a digital-only world. When you need to close a major deal, welcome a premium client, or build unshakeable loyalty, you need to make a physical impression. We Don’t Just Design for Print. We Design for Impact. At G3 Creative, your Glasgow-based graphic design studio, we see print as the physical embodiment of your brand promise. The weight and texture of your paper speaks to your quality. The precision of a die-cut or the gleam of a spot varnish signals your craftsmanship. Choosing eco-friendly materials isn’t just sustainable—it’s a tangible statement of your values. In a digital-saturated market, print isn’t a relic; it’s a refreshment. It’s real, it’s credible, and it works. Ready to Make a Lasting Impression? Your customers are physical beings in a physical world. They connect with what they can touch and hold. If your marketing feels invisible, it’s time to make it tangible. Let's talk. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with G3 Creative. Let’s craft a print strategy that makes your brand impossible to ignore.

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Extending XR is a new training programme from the team at XR Stories that provides free creative technology skills development for people in York and North Yorkshire. The first round of Extending XR workshops are designed at a foundational level for people who are interested in creating new content, experiences or stories, but don’t know where to start. Covering 3D scanning/modelling, basic animation/performance capture and creating virtual environments, each two-hour workshop builds on the skills developed in the previous session Taking place at venues in Harrogate, Malton, Richmond, Scarborough, Skipton, Whitby and York from March 2026, all equipment is provided and the sessions are suitable for people with little or no experience of working with creative technology. Find out more and book your place today! https://lnkd.in/e4r8dfDK

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The UK studio landscape is facing real challenges: rising labour costs, international competition, uncertainty around commissioning pipelines, and a significant strain on demand following commissioning slow down. Positioning your studio as an innovative, creative and sustainable business feels more important than ever. But how do studios stand out, stay competitive, and continue to attract productions, partners, and talent? PR can play a critical role in elevating the reputation of film studios and reinforcing their position to local and international productions. Here are some PR methods that can elevate the reputation of film studios in this current climate 👇 👀 Industry visibility PR can position studio spaces and studio teams in wider industry conversations. Participation in panels, festivals, and industry events reflects your studio as an active contributor with a unique and relevant perspective. Whether it’s speaking about skills shortages, sustainability, virtual production, accessing tax credits or the future of UK production infrastructure, thought leadership builds authority at a time when the industry is navigating change and needs to hear from experienced businesses. 🎤 Business announcements and infrastructure milestones From new stages and facilities to tech, investment, expansions, or new service offerings, PR helps contextualise business news within the broader industry landscape. This is especially important when studios are competing internationally for productions and long-term partnerships. A press release announcing a new studio expansion for example can act as a Trojan Horse to communicate its competitive offering. 🎥 Virtual production and tech innovation UK studios are investing heavily in virtual production and other cutting-edge tech and workflows. PR can highlight these capabilities through demos, BTS features, and appearances in thought leadership articles, podcasts and panels. Showcasing your tech as well as your expertise can attract productions from around the world that are seeking innovation. 💡 Talent development and training programs Highlighting how your studio invests in developing the next generation of talent, whether that be through apprenticeships, trainee schemes or other programmes demonstrates leadership and commitment to the wider UK industry. PR around these initiatives positions your studio as a hub for talent, which is attractive to both clients and prospective employees. 🤝 Partnerships and co-production opportunities PR can help connect studios with broadcasters, production companies, directors, DPs, and more. Positioning your studio as a reliable partner for local productions and international co-productions can attract collaborations, and create new commercial opportunities. Positioning your team as creative and technical experts shows that you can be effective and expert partners too, not just a dry hire space. #studio #production #filmproduction #filmstudio

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🎬 The Big Real Virtual Production Film Academy The CoSTAR Realtime Lab, in partnership with Screen Scotland, has launched The Big Real Film Academy - a cutting-edge initiative aimed at shaping Scotland's cinematic future. This immersive programme offers 20 emerging filmmakers the opportunity to collaborate on projects using advanced virtual production technologies, with access to professional studios and mentorship from industry practitioners. The Academy is open to Scotland based graduates, current Master students or early career film makers.  The CoSTAR Realtime Lab is led by Abertay University, in collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art, Chroma Developments, CodeBase and Interface. Find out more and apply by 30 April: https://lnkd.in/eze85Wkt CoSTAR Network

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On Thursday 4th of September at the Ars Electronica festival in Linz 🇦🇹, AIxDESIGN and Sound & Vision - Research & Heritage will run a workshop to make better images of AI. They will use their Archival Images of AI Playbook to create new, more impactful AI visuals. Led by Rasa Bocyte 🍉 with Nadia Piet and Ploipailin Flynn, you'll learn how to use cultural heritage collections to challenge mainstream AI narratives. ➡️ Details and registration here: https://lnkd.in/eHzFF28M

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