New studio to help NI lead the way in creative industries
A NEW virtual production studio complex, is on course to open for business this Autumn and will be a key part of a major £72million expansion of Belfast Harbour Studios.
Studio Ulster is a virtual production studio developed by Ulster University, in partnership with Belfast Harbour and supported by City Deals funding for which NI Screen is the Department for the Economy’s (DFE) lead for the project.
Speaking during a recent tour of the facility Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: “We should be rightly proud that the north is leading the way in creative industries. We are known world-wide through various productions for our expertise and skills in this thriving industry. We have the facilities, people and locations that can make a success of any screen production. Studio Ulster will raise our potential to a new level and will help to attract more big budget films and television productions.”
Studio Ulster will integrate large-scale studio virtual production with traditional film, animation, games and broadcast industries alongside leading-edge research and development and visual effects capabilities.
The Minister continued: “Studio Ulster is a tremendous facility and will be a real asset to our screen industry, and wider economy, when it opens in the Autumn.”
Meanwhile, Minister Murphy has highlighted the importance of innovation in driving higher productivity during a meeting with representatives from Innovate NI, and local businesses who have received their support.
Innovate NI is a Department for the Economy initiative, delivered by Invest Northern Ireland, in partnership with local councils, further education colleges and other stakeholders. It seeks to assist businesses in creating new products or developing new ways of operating.
Minister Murphy said: “I have identified the need to increase productivity as one of my strategic priorities. There is a clear link between innovation and productivity. I want to see more of our home-grown businesses innovating and ultimately become more productive. Innovate NI is a great means for guiding any business on their innovation journey, no matter if they are a start-up or mature business, in tech, tourism or retail.
“A little guidance can go a long way to ensure that businesses can create commercial value out of their ideas. The support landscape can be difficult to navigate with businesses not knowing where best to get support. Innovate NI can provide that signposting, advice and support for businesses all across the north.”