Screen LAB
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.
Explore Screen Lab
Who we are
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.
What we offer
World-class in-camera virtual effects technologies and R&D infrastructure
Learn more about the facilities at the CoSTAR Screen Lab
Our Partners
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.
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.
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.
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
Meet the Team
CoSTAR Screen Lab’s new call has just launched: Spatial Audio in Virtual Production
This PPP funding call explores new frontiers in virtual production and in live/hybrid digital performances using spatial audio as an interaction layer to navigate and engage with complex visual worlds.
Posted: 02 July 2026
Inside the Machine: AI, Motion Capture and the Future of Screen Production
On 27 May 2026, the CoSTAR Screen Lab at Studio Ulster brought together creative professionals from across Northern Ireland's film, TV, animation and VFX sectors for a hands-on exploration of what AI could mean for their work.
Posted: 29 May 2026
Workshop: An introduction to AI Assisted Pipelines in Motion Capture
27 May 2026This event has now passed and applications are closed. Click below to see information about this previous event.
Inclusive 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.
Posted: 12 February 2026
CoSTAR Screen Lab Welcomes Two 5G Projects Through Prototypes & Pilots Programme
CoSTAR Screen Lab has announced two new R&D projects selected as part of the Network’s first call focused on 5G innovation in the screen and performance sectors.
Posted: 01 October 2025
Chancellor 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.
Posted: 12 August 2025