Dundee has been at the forefront of technological innovation for years, particularly with regard to computer gaming, medical sciences and design.
But with the recent opening of the new CoSTAR Realtime Lab at the stunning Water's Edge, there is an opportunity for the city to extend its creative reach further into television and film.
I was honoured to attend the glitzy launch of the studio on Tuesday evening, and it was breathtaking.
Seeing the cutting-edge technology available firsthand reinforced the reality that Dundee can become a force in the global film and television production sector.
The atmosphere was electric with industry professionals, academics, and creatives all eager to learn how this new facility will transform the city.
‘It’s been a long time coming’
Dundee has before considered playing with the idea of hosting a film studio. I remember quite well when the city once bidded to be home to Scotland's first major film studio host at Claverhouse Industrial Park. It would later be won by Edinburgh, and the complex was built at the Port of Leith.
It was a disappointing but not unusual outcome. Dundee had already lost out to Edinburgh in the race to host the National Performance Centre for Sport.
Rather than letting the loss define the city, though, Dundee did things differently and we developed our own Regional Performance Centre at Caird Park - a facility that has gone on to have a significant impact on local and national sport.
But now, with the opening of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab, it looks like Dundee is finally in position to get on board another high-profile industry.
‘Tech studio will change everything’
The £9 million new virtual production studio, spearheaded by Abertay University along with Chroma Ventures and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is a bare-faced game-changer.
This state-of-the-art studio boasts the same technology used on productions like The Mandalorian and The Batman.
Unlike the more traditional green screen rigs, this facility utilizes high-resolution LED walls, allowing actors to perform against actual-looking virtual worlds in real time.
The reward?
One seamless, immersive experience that greatly enhances the quality and productivity of TV and film production.
More remarkably even, the technology enables actors to collaborate remotely like never before.
One might be filming in Dundee and another recording dialogues in Manchester, for example. Through real-time rendering, one can piece together the final product easily, making it appear as if they had always been in the same room.
That alone is sufficient to generate enormous opportunities for productions looking to cut costs and do away with logistical nightmares.
‘Bringing gaming and films together’
Dundee is already renowned for its gaming industry, where Grand Theft Auto was created and where there is a hub of digital media creativity.
The CoSTAR Realtime Lab provides a perfect opportunity to bring together the city's expertise in games with filmmaking.
The same technology used to create video games—real-time rendering and 3D animation—is applicable to virtual production.
This implies that Dundee game studios might be working with filmmakers producing breathtaking virtual worlds, expanding the scope of storytelling across different media.
Since Scotland is rapidly emerging as a hub for TV and film, Dundee's investment in virtual production technology can cement its position in this new sector.
Dundee has been beginning to be recognised as Scotland's tech capital and has been dubbed the UK's answer to Silicon Valley.
With this cutting-edge production studio, the city is now demonstrating that it has the energy and capability to make waves in the world of television and film as well.
This new facility isn't just a technology investment - it's an investment in the future creative economy of Dundee.
It might also bring new jobs, big productions, and bring on the next generation of filmmakers, animators, and digital artists.
The path to establishing a thriving film and television industry in Dundee will not be easy, but with the legacy of grit and resilience, the city does have a legitimate chance to make it happen.
And who knows?
Maybe the next movie blockbuster will have 'Made in Dundee' stamped all over it.
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