Dreamlab

The lab grew out of the MediaCity innovation programme and now supports innovation projects, IP development and initiatives across games, film and TV, music, animation, health, education and the creator economy. Our team of 48+ experts covers games-engine development in Unreal, Unity and the web; software architecture and deployment; AI product development across animation, 3D and sound; realtime and AI content workflows for film, TV, VFX and animation; immersive experiences and live-events technology; virtual production; 3D art; sensor-based and playable media; and training.

For the 100+ businesses and freelancers it has assisted, that has meant shaping commercially viable innovations, winning new work and solving day-to-day technical and market challenges. The lab has also hosted the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology more than once.

It started somewhere much smaller. In 2022 I spent evenings and weekends turning the garage at home into an indie virtual production set-up, built for next to nothing with a projector, trackers and kit from my filmmaking days. The point was the same then as now: make this technology affordable and accessible for smaller organisations.

If you run a studio or work freelance and want the lab's help with an idea, get in touch with Dreamlab.

Related: R&D and innovation programmes and how to work with me.

More on virtual production, LED volumes and ICVFX in Manchester and the North West.