CoSTAR Live Lab

虚拟制作（VP）是一种新颖的媒体创作方法，它利用数字化工具，如计算机生成的图像，运动跟踪和虚拟和增强现实，以产生逼真的沉浸式媒体体验。VP技术在游戏、电影和电视行业的应用更为广泛，但在现场表演行业的应用还有待充分探索。尽管VP具有环境和创造性的好处，但该技术目前价格昂贵，高度专业化，并且超出了大多数小型生产公司的能力范围，造成了巨大的技能差距。因此，针对真实的创意行业需求开发新的、可访问的、低成本的技术和框架对于英国工业保持竞争力的数字经济至关重要。为此，约克大学与我们的核心项目合作伙伴，生产园，屏幕约克郡，韦克菲尔德理事会，沃达丰，约克和北约克郡地方企业合作伙伴关系，创建了CoSTAR Live实验室-一个世界领先的研究和开发新型沉浸式和互动技术的设施。我们的实验室支持在现场表演和虚拟世界的框架内快速融合英国屏幕和表演部门。由约克大学指导，该大学在提供高影响力的XR技术和发展其所在地区的创意产业方面有着良好的记录，并位于西约克郡中心的英国最大的现场制作设施生产园。CoSTAR Live Lab设施专注于利用沉浸式技术开发市场就绪的产品和服务，通过在蓬勃发展的最先进的商业VP设施之上建立独特的实验室基础设施来实现。这是世界上唯一一个专门的研究机构，为网络沉浸式虚拟现场表演创建制作工具，工作流程和内容，并与致力于现场表演的企业校园共存。我们的主要目标是开发创新、低成本的技术和高效的工作流程，以改变现场表演行业，促进该地区中小企业的发展，并为更广泛的英国创意行业的扩张做出贡献。CoSTAR Live Lab包括三个主要实验室空间：一个大容量的商业VP舞台，具有高分辨率运动跟踪、LED面板和3D沉浸式音响;表演者-表演者/表演者-观众网络实验室;以及针对VP的最终用户体验实验室。它还拥有一支世界一流的研究人员团队，致力于创造贴近市场并根据行业需求塑造的创新和新颖技术。该设施使研究能够商业化，并将孵化初创企业和高增长的中小企业。我们独特的Access计划鼓励公众和行业参与研发活动、研讨会、网络活动、技术展示、讲座和研讨会。在CoSTAR生态系统中，Live Lab提供了一种独特的能力，可以使用VP开发未来现场表演体验的技术，从小规模试点到舞台规模的制作，并将提供可扩展，高效和可访问的工作流程，为英国成为沉浸式和互动式现场制作体验的领导者铺平道路。

Virtual Production (VP) is a novel approach to media creation that utilises digital tools such as computer-generated imagery, motion tracking and virtual and augmented reality to produce immersive media experiences that appear realistic. Used more widely in the gaming, film, and television industries, the application of VP technologies to the live performance industry has yet to be fully explored. Despite the environmental and creative benefits of VP, the technology is currently expensive, highly specialised, and out of the reach of most small production companies, creating a significant skills gap. The development of new, accessible, low-cost technologies and frameworks targeted at real creative sector needs is therefore essential for UK industry to maintain a competitive digital economy.To this end, the University of York, in collaboration with our core project partners, Production Park, Screen Yorkshire, Wakefield Council, Vodafone, and York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, have created the CoSTAR Live Lab - a world-leading facility in the research and development of novel immersive and interactive technologies. Our lab supports the rapid convergence of the UK screen and performance sectors within the framework of live performance and the metaverse. Directed by the University of York, which has a track record of delivering high-impact XR technologies and developing the creative industry in its region, and based at Production Park, the UK's largest live production facility, in the heart of West Yorkshire. The CoSTAR Live Lab facility focuses on developing market ready products and services utilising immersive technologies, achieved by building a unique laboratory infrastructure on top of a thriving state-of-the-art commercial VP facility. This is the only specialised research facility in the world where the creation of production tools, workflows, and content for networked immersive virtual live performances coexists with a campus of businesses committed to live performance. Our main goal is to develop innovative, low-cost technologies and efficient workflows to transform the live performance sector, boost the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in the region, and contribute to the expansion of the wider UK creative sector.CoSTAR Live Lab includes three main laboratory spaces: a large volume commercial VP stage with high resolution motion tracking, LED panels and 3D immersive sound; a performer-performer / performer-audience network lab; and an end-user experience lab for VP. It also houses a team of world-class researchers dedicated to creating innovative and novel technologies that are close-to-market and shaped by the needs of industry. The facility enables commercialisation of the research and will incubate start-ups and high-growth SMEs. Our unique Access programme encourages public and industry participation in R&D activities, workshops, networking events, technology showcases, lectures and symposia. Within the CoSTAR ecosystem the Live Lab contributes a unique capability to develop technologies for future live performance experiences using VP, from small-scale pilots to arena-sized productions, and will deliver scalable, efficient, and accessible workflows, paving the way to position the UK as the leader in immersive and interactive live production experiences.