6,000 sq ft virtual production innovation lab and production facility made in partnership with HP
Pathway has opened a 6,000 sq ft virtual production innovation lab and production facility in partnership with HP in Manchester.
The facility will work on the development and production of in-camera visual effects that utilise real-time technology, as well as offer virtual production training.
HP is providing hardware such as Z-series workstations and scalable digital workspaces via HP Anyware. The £1m facility has also been invested in by business partner Neuron Audio Visual, a Manchester based AV solutions company.
The Trafford Park site consists of a 5k square foot soundstage, in-house Virtual Art Department, make-up, wardrobe and dailies room. The new studio’s LED stage technology is powered by ROE Visual Ruby LED panels, MoSys StarTracker, MegaPixel VR Helios processing platform and Unreal Engine.
Meanwhile, former BFI CEO Amanda Nevill CBE has been appointed to Pathway’s advisory board. She spent 17 years at the head of the BFI, leaving in April 2020.
Richard McGuinness, advanced compute and solutions lead workstations and thin clients, HP UK, said: “It’s been incredible to see how the film and media industry is moving towards virtual production, and the capabilities Pathway have to offer with the Z by HP suite of solutions for its clients means it’s exciting times ahead, both for commercial users and the young filmmakers of the future.”
Pathway co-founder Nathan Newman added: “It is a delight to have the innovative support of HP in our mission to make virtual production more accessible and an even greater creative experience for filmmakers. We are also thrilled to welcome Amanda [Nevill] to our advisory board who bring’s to Pathway a wealth of hard earned experience from working at the very heart of the British film industry.”
Nevill CBE commented, “Pathway’s contribution to the industry will make it possible for more filmmakers to produce content with the very latest technology and to chase down new ideas for LED wall produced cinematography. During this time of industry growth and change, Pathway’s plans will be a big win for Manchester. We are also very grateful for a partner such as HP to be one of the first to support the company’s vision.”
No comments yet