“Cutting-edge” Gateshead production studio launches following £2m investment

A new “cutting-edge” advanced media production studio has launched to offer virtual production and 3D technology to local businesses.

Following the success of the Virtual Production Test Stage in Guildford in 2021 between Target3D and Digital Catapult, the collaboration between Digital Catapult and Target3D continues with AMP at PROTO, a network of technology studios that provide access to virtual production and 3D technology across the UK.

AMP at PROTO has benefited from a £2m investment from InnovateUK to provide greater capabilities to regional creative industries, particularly filmmaking and games development.

The “crown jewel” of AMP at PROTO is a curved LED screen which provides “seamless and crystal-clear” visuals on a huge 8x3.5m scale, allowing “state-of-the-art” kit used in global productions such as Disney’s The Mandalorian to be accessible to North East businesses. Other virtual production equipment includes tracking cameras and a motion capture system.

By bolstering the capabilities of PROTO, such as 360-degree photogrammetry capturing, the facility enhances the North East’s reputation as a “leading film and TV production hub”. Virtual production is a film-making technique that combines digital technologies, such as LED walls, games engines and motion capture, with live footage of actors to create scenes.

It offers greater flexibility to filmmakers, reducing the traditional costs of transporting equipment and people, as well as shortening production times. The launch comes at a “momentous” time for the region, with the North East’s production and film industry buoyed by the recent announcement of a major film studio to launch in Sunderland.

AMP at PROTO was unveiled to guests at a regional launch event yesterday (March 8). Attendees included local authorities, academics and creatives from all over the region, as well as representatives from Digital Catapult, Target3D and North East Screen.

Allan Rankin, CEO of Target3D, commented: “The opening of AMP at PROTO marks a momentous milestone for creative industries in the North East, with exciting potential for collaboration both locally and nationally.

“We’re proud to be a part of this historic event, operating the state-of-the-art facility during a time of impressive growth within the industry. This is only the beginning of a promising and productive future.”

Alison Gwynn, chief executive at North East Screen, added: “We are thrilled to see the North East welcome the Advanced Media Production studio to PROTO. It will provide amazing opportunities for upskilling and will further support the region’s vision to become a growing force in film and TV production.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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