CoSTAR Realtime Lab launches Scotland's breakthrough virtual production studios
Scotland is set to become a global hub for innovation in virtual production
Innovators, tech companies, and creative industry leaders from across Scotland gathered at Water’s Edge in last night to celebrate the launch of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab - Dundee’s first dedicated virtual production studio.
This marked the start of operations for the major infrastructure project that will provide a significant boost to Scotland’s screen industries.
The event also announced the CoSTAR Realtime Lab call launching on 17 March 2025 inviting creative innovators across the UK to apply for funding to use the new facilities to develop their ideas around how virtual production can make filmmakers and creators of digital experiences more efficient, cost effective and accessible.
Find out more and register your interest here.
Additional facilities will be established in March 2025 at the University of Edinburgh, including a state-of-the-art studio at First Stage Studios, with further expansion planned at Edinburgh College of Art in 2026. These studios will be connected through the Realtime Cloud Lab, enabling remote access and global collaboration.
The event’s highlight was a captivating short Virtual Production and VFX film, created and produced by the CoSTAR Realtime Lab team under the direction of creative producer Dr. Andrea McSwan. The film followed a biker, Jonny, as he journeyed across the Scottish Highlands and Dundee, carrying an important message about the lab.
Seamlessly blending aerial cinematography with studio-generated visuals, the production showcased the lab’s cutting-edge virtual production capabilities. It also incorporated game animation from 4J Studios' latest creation, Reforj, demonstrating how the facility can merge technology and storytelling in innovative new ways.
The film’s dramatic conclusion saw Jonny arrive at the studio in person, bike and all, to deliver the message that the CoSTAR Realtime Lab is officially open.
Watch this space to see the film for yourself and follow our socials to find out more about what's happening at CoSTAR Realtime Lab.
Molly Danter from Scottish Dance Theatre and the CoSTAR Realtime Lab team work together to blend live performance with virtual production at the press launch last week. Photo: Alan Richardson.