Cookies

To provide a better user experience, we use marketing cookies. To allow marketing cookies, click accept below or click here to view our policies.

Skip to content
Live Lab - Intelligent Venues call coming soonFind out more

Screen LAB

The CoSTAR Screen Lab LED stage is lit up displaying a Martian landscape. An actor in a spacesuit is on the stage. A cameraman is shooting the scene from the side. A group of spectators watch from seats in front of the stage.
spaceman on a Virtually Reality set
People watching a concert
The CoSTAR Screen Lab LED stage showing a colourful background of different coloured squares. There is a logo lock-up overlay including the logos of Studio Ulster and Ulster University.
The CoSTAR Screen Lab LED stage is lit up displaying a Martian landscape. An actor in a spacesuit is on the stage. A cameraman is shooting the scene from the side. A group of spectators watch from seats in front of the stage.
spaceman on a Virtually Reality set
People watching a concert
The CoSTAR Screen Lab LED stage showing a colourful background of different coloured squares. There is a logo lock-up overlay including the logos of Studio Ulster and Ulster University.

A pioneering R&D centre based at Studio Ulster in Belfast

The CoSTAR Screen Lab is a world-class virtual production research and innovation lab advancing real-time screen and performance technologies for film, TV, gaming, and digital entertainment.

Opened2025
WhereStudio Ulster, Belfast
Led byUlster University
Explore Screen Lab

Who we are

People watching a concertPeople watching a concertPeople watching a concert
People watching a concertPeople watching a concertPeople watching a concert

The CoSTAR Screen Lab is a state-of-the-art virtual production facility that is set to become a global hub for the creative industries, driving the next generation of in-camera visual effects technologies that will revolutionise the UK’s film, TV and performing arts industries.

The lab is based at Studio Ulster, a large-scale virtual production campus at Belfast Harbour Studios.

The Screen Lab is led by an Ulster University consortium which brings together key stakeholders from Northern Ireland Screen, BBC, specialist animation studio Humain, and others.

Our Partners
Slide 1 of 0
Ulster University's logo
Studio Ulster Logo
BBC Northern Ireland's logo
Belfast Harbour logo
Northern Ireland Screen logo
Humain logo
Explore our partners
What we offer
Our Facilities

World-class in-camera virtual effects technologies and R&D infrastructure

The CoSTAR Screen Lab LED stage showing a colourful background of different coloured squares. There is a logo lock-up overlay including the logos of Studio Ulster and Ulster University.The CoSTAR Screen Lab LED stage showing a colourful background of different coloured squares. There is a logo lock-up overlay including the logos of Studio Ulster and Ulster University.The CoSTAR Screen Lab LED stage showing a colourful background of different coloured squares. There is a logo lock-up overlay including the logos of Studio Ulster and Ulster University.

Learn more about the facilities at the CoSTAR Screen Lab

Specifications
The CoSTAR Screen Lab LED stage showing a colourful background of different coloured squares. There is a logo lock-up overlay including the logos of Studio Ulster and Ulster University.The CoSTAR Screen Lab LED stage showing a colourful background of different coloured squares. There is a logo lock-up overlay including the logos of Studio Ulster and Ulster University.The CoSTAR Screen Lab LED stage showing a colourful background of different coloured squares. There is a logo lock-up overlay including the logos of Studio Ulster and Ulster University.
Meet the Team
Headshot for Declan Keeney
Professor Declan KeeneyDirector
Headshot for Frank Lyons
Professor Frank Lyons MBECo-Director
Headshot for Karen Fleming
Professor Karen FlemingCo-Director
Headshot for Paul Moore
Professor Paul MooreCo-Director
Headshot for Caroline Harkin
Caroline HarkinProject Officer
CoSTAR Screen Lab Highlights
Slide 1 of 0
ScreenLab_RENDR-Festival
CoSTAR Screen Lab
12 Feb 2026Inclusive creativity takes centre stage at CoSTAR Screen Lab during RENDR Festival

Artists, technologists, researchers and entrepreneurs came together at Studio Ulster this week for a landmark concert delivered as part of the RENDR Festival.

Read more
The CoSTAR Screen Lab LED stage is lit up displaying a Martian landscape. An actor in a spacesuit is on the stage. A cameraman is shooting the scene from the side. A group of spectators watch from seats in front of the stage.
CoSTAR Screen Lab
2 Oct 2025CoSTAR Screen Lab Welcomes Two 5G Projects Through Prototypes & Pilots Programme

CoSTAR Screen Lab has selected two companies to support under its Prototypes & Pilots Programme.

Read more
ScreenLab-RachelReeves-visit
CoSTAR Screen Lab
13 Aug 2025Chancellor Rachel Reeves Visits Studio Ulster, Home of the CoSTAR Screen Lab

On Tuesday 12 August, Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, visited Studio Ulster in Belfast to announce £310 million of UK Government investment in Northern Ireland’s City and Growth Deals.

Read more
ScreenLab_Launch_at_Studio-Ulster
CoSTAR Screen Lab
20 Jun 2025Studio Ulster, home of the CoSTAR Screen Lab, officially launches in Belfast

Studio Ulster's Ground-breaking £72 million Virtual Production Facility Launches with Glittering Red-Carpet Event

Read more