Future Tuesdays featuring QUB MediaLab

On Tuesday 9th November 2021 Future Screens NI’s project showcase Future Tuesdays presented the QUB MediaLab featured a deep dive into some of the content creation pipelines, tools and approaches that are driving innovation across the creative industries and providing artists, engineers and developers alternative approaches to realise their vision! Through a brief overview of the MediaLab, the hosts Kevin Killen and Donal Phillips contextualised the impact innovation will have on storytelling which will be followed by a number of case studies that look at the process of overcoming bottlenecks, evaluating tools and testing processes.  

The MediaLab, Queen’s University Belfast acts as focal point to connect expertise in the arts, storytelling and technology, eliminate barriers in deploying cutting edge software innovation in practical contexts and explore the impact of Virtual Production, Real-time 3D, Computer Vision and Machine learning in delivering digital innovation that meet content challenges in the creative industries, architecture, engineering, construction and life sciences.

Kevin Killen’s current practice is the creation of self-made neon light sculptures and installations, often site-specific. The works capture moments in time, representing life and peoples’ physical journeys as snapshots of lives. Based in Belfast, he obtained a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from the Surrey Institute of Art and Design University College (now the UCA) in 1999 and specialist training in neon making in Dallas, Texas in 2009.  

Donal Phillips is Business Development Manager for the Creative Industries at QUB, he has over 10 years’ experience in the games industry working within a broad range of roles, departments and projects and 5 years’ experience of delivering government funded innovation programmes for the Games Sector in Northern Ireland, establishing the first games incubator for the region, The Pixel Mill. He is currently treasurer of Games NI and a Trustee at UK Games Charity Games Aid.  

Future Tuesdays features the innovative tourist & cultural industries project Hub In 16th Nov 12Noon

Join Future Tuesdays In-Person and Online for Hub-In, the innovative tourist and cultural industries project from Belfast City Council and the Maritime Belfast Trust 16th of November at 12 Noon.

The ‘Hub-In’ project is an exciting collaboration between Belfast City Council and the Maritime Belfast Trustto transform, through innovation, Belfast’s Maritime Mile in the city’s Titanic Quarter and to showcase how we’re applying innovation to Belfast’s tourism and culture industries to benefit local communities and the wider economy.

Hosted by: Andrea Thornbury (Belfast City Council Project Manager) and Kerrie Sweeney (CEO of Belfast Maritime Trust)

The event will feature Michael McGlade from Yellow Design, Future Screens NI R&D awardee and project partner.

In person tickets for Ormeau Baths are available for this event here.

Not quite ready to meet in person, grab your online ticket here.

Catalyst Inc offer a lunchtime session 10th Nov 12:30PM: The Future of Work in a Post-Covid World.

Future Screens NI creative industries partner and not-for-profit technology networking hub Catalyst Inc are offering an event for Global Entrepreneurship Week. The Future of Work in a Post-Covid World will be hosted Online on Wednesday 10th of November 12:30PM. The lunchtime session will explore fresh ways to innovate and grow business in the 'New Normal'.

 For more information and to register visit here.

StoryFutures Academy Supports NFTS To Offer Industry First Virtual Production Course.

Future Screens NI’s colleagues in the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s Creative Industries Clusters Programme StoryFutures Academy, Royal Holloway, University of London offer an Industry First Virtual Production Course. the National Film & Television School (NFTS) in partnership with WarnerMedia, WarnerMedia Access and StoryFutures Academy, will lead the charge in training participants on the next frontier of filmmaking technology. The NFTS Virtual Production Certificate is a six month blended learning course, designed to provide students with the core skills needed to build and progress a career in the thriving world of Virtual Production.

Participants will be introduced to the core technical and filmmaking required to work on Virtual Production projects driven by Unreal Engine, with the course aimed at creatives from varied technical and creative backgrounds including games, VFX, 3D animation, graphic design and those from camera department backgrounds.

As part of the NFTS’ commitment to strengthening diversity and inclusion within film and television, scholarship funding will be made available, with WarnerMedia and WarnerMedia Access underwriting 75% of the course fee. Additionally, the School will provide further financial assistance to successful applicants from diverse groups who may require the hardware or software upgrades required to participate. Travel grants will also be made available to ensure that the course is accessible to students no matter where in the UK they are based. 

The first intake of the 24 week certificate will start at the end of January 2022 with an application deadline of 27 November 2021. Made up of six modules, the course will be delivered via weekly online seminars, with six face to face weekend workshops taking place at the NFTS in Beaconsfield, optimising its newly installed Virtual Production LED Stage. 

For more information and details of how to apply, please visit the course page.