The XR Stage represents a £1.9 million investment in infrastructure, which also includes substantial upgrades to existing audio, lighting and IT systems, is funded by a capital grant from the Office for Students.
Extended reality (XR) refers to a range of technologies that enhance or expand upon the real world through the use of digital information. This includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). XR has a wide range of applications, including entertainment, education, and training.
Virtual production is a film and television production technique that combines real-time, computer-generated imagery (CGI) with live-action performances. It allows filmmakers to shoot complex visual effects sequences in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
The XR Stage at Rose Bruford College will provide students with the opportunity to learn and work with the latest virtual production and XR technologies, giving them the skills and experience they need to succeed in the rapidly-evolving media and entertainment industry. The facility will be used for both live and recorded events, making it an invaluable resource for students and the wider community.
“This investment into our digital and technical infrastructure builds on our existing capabilities. We can now offer students undertaking a range of courses, unparalleled learning and development opportunities, preparing them for both traditional sector roles and the rapidly expanding mixed reality entertainment world.
With White Light’s expertise in this field, they were the ideal choice to collaborate with. With high demand for the XR stage across multiple stakeholders, we needed a partner who would understand and engage with the many different requirements and deliver a seamlessly interchangeable solution.”
– Dr Nick Hunt, Digital Research and Innovation Fellow, Rose Bruford College
“Rose Bruford’s tender originated from their desire to explore and invest in XR technologies and virtual production techniques in this fast-moving industry. We understood that the facility had to be a flexible and configurable solution for maximising accessibility across the college.
Drawing on our pioneering R&D in XR and learnings from producing SmartStage to achieve a smooth UI/UX end user experience, we designed and installed a multi-purpose LED volume system. We’re confident that this will greatly enhance the learning journey for their students and we’re excited to see how the solution evolves.”
– Sarah Cox, White Light Ltd’s Business Development Consultant
We are excited to bring this cutting-edge facility to our campus and look forward to seeing the creative and innovative projects that our students will produce with the help of the XR Stage.
If you’re a Rose Bruford alumni, RSVP to attend our exclusive XR Stage launch event on Thursday, 12th January here.