Tell Studio has launched Goblin Academy, a new motion capture studio in Leeds.
- The facility is backed by a £50,000 Innovate UK Creative Catalyst 2024 fund grant.
- Goblin Academy aims to train newcomers and explore creative uses of motion capture.
- The technology, supplied by Vicon, is a leader in the field and used in big franchises.
- The academy plans introductory workshops and collaborations with regional projects.
Tell Studio has unveiled Goblin Academy, a cutting-edge motion capture studio in Leeds, designed to strengthen the regional creative industry. This initiative comes after a successful £50,000 bid from Innovate UK’s Creative Catalyst 2024 fund. Goblin Academy sets out to meet local needs, support regional innovation, and provide vital skills to Northern creatives, thus enhancing the talent pool in the area.
The studio, spearheaded by creative director Owen Seabrook, prioritizes grassroots training and innovative exploration of motion capture technology. Seabrook expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasizing the facility’s role in discovering new creative applications and servicing the Northern game development and VFX sectors. His vision includes a high-end training environment that attracts newcomers and develops them into skilled professionals.
Equipped with state-of-the-art Vicon cameras and software, Goblin Academy offers technology used in major film and gaming projects like Star Wars and Assassin’s Creed. This positions the studio as an industry-standard venue capable of providing top-tier training and production capabilities. The academy is strategically located at Aire Street Workshops, fully operational and ready to contribute to various creative ventures.
The first initiative includes developing introductory workshops slated for launch in January. These workshops will cater to diverse creative interests and foster collaborative projects. Goblin Academy is already planning projects with entities such as Project Resurgence, a Bradford-based inclusive dance nonprofit. Martin Howland, Project Resurgence cofounder, believes that motion capture will revolutionize dance training by allowing teachers to analyze movements in 360 degrees, offering superior skill development.
Goblin Academy is currently in an ‘alpha stage’ until February 2025, allowing it to refine its service range with Innovate UK’s support. During this developmental phase, it welcomes interest from performers, production teams, and other parties keen on exploring motion capture’s potential. The academy’s ambition reflects a forward-thinking approach to creative digital arts, aiming to set new standards in motion capture training and production.
Goblin Academy emerges as a pivotal force in motion capture, empowering Northern creatives with innovation and cutting-edge training opportunities.