Future Media
Virtual production, motion capture, real-time development, greenscreen, VFX, VR, AR, creation with games engines like UNREAL, AI creative tools - what do they mean for the future of media and storytelling? How can they best be deployed to drive innovation and creativity?
We want to put the West Midlands at the heart of these debates as the world wrestles with what the future might look like, placing centre stage the need for the creative vision to lead the application of the technology and for the technology to serve the future needs of storytellers.
“We want to democratise these opportunities so that the young, diverse, and talented people across our region can access the technology, products, and skills to provide them with careers in as yet unknown roles. ”
Students at the University of Wolverhampton Screen School
Why in the West Midlands?
Skilled and diverse workforce - including a growing number of graduates from leading universities in the area, who can help drive innovation and development in this field.
Digital innovation - The region has a strong track record in digital innovation, with Silicon Spa, Warwick esports, and Birmingham Tech blazing a trail.
Innovation infrastructure - The region supports collaboration across industry and academia, with initiatives like the Midlands Engine Investment Fund and the Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands.
Performers pose for a selfie while filming for Positive Realities
What we’ve done so far
Virtual Production: Educating for the Future - Working with Coventry City University Create Central Member Chris Cox is developing courses in Virtual Production and all its elements focusing on creative storytelling being supported by technology.
Positive Realities: Innovation for a Purpose - An innovation programme that challenged companies to develop an idea using immersive tech (AR/VR) to impact young people's self-esteem positively.
Delivered in partnership with Coventry City of Culture Trust, StoryFutures Academy, and Create Central with support from the BFI awarding funds from the National Lottery, local companies JellyBob and Rebel Creatives created Urban Jungle, which used innovative but accessible technology to raise the profile of local young talent, offering them a platform in high-profile locations across Coventry during its time as City of Culture.
Three priority actions
Clearly define what is meant when we talk about Future Media.
Curate conversations in the West Midlands around Future Media to lead a national debate on its potential applications.
Identify, encourage, and promote opportunities for local people to understand better Future Media and its potential to offer employment opportunities.
Find out about our other missions
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IP Content Fund
Future funding for the West Midlands to help develop ideas. READ MORE…
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Monetising Content
Making it easier to sell creative content. READ MORE…
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Games Sector
Finding new ways to support the West Midlands games sector. READ MORE…
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Sustainability
Making the West Midlands the home of sustainable content creation. READ MORE…