An innovative motion capture studio providing world-leading research for sectors ranging from artificial intelligence to rehabilitation and biomechanics is to be based at Bristol’s Bottle Yard film and TV studio complex.
The CAMERA (Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research & Applications) studio will occupy a large building on the site, already home to more than 25 businesses linked to the creative industries. 
CAMERA, a £5m research centre based at the University of Bath, is developing advanced motion tracking technologies for use in the entertainment industry as well as enhancing training and athlete performance, and to help develop assistive technologies.
It has already worked on pioneering commercial projects for clients in the gaming, VR (virtual reality), VFX (visual effects) and performing arts sectors. Among firms tapping into its expertise is Bristol-based animation studio Aardman.
Project partners include Bath Spa University, Radium Audio and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Funded by the European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF), CAMERA will bring together regional academic leaders with industry specialists and world-leading training institutions to provide business support, training and product development expertise to the region’s digital creative and digital healthcare businesses.
Specific collaboration areas will include developing high-end and affordable motion capture and analysis technologies for creative content generation for gaming, film, TV, VR and AR, dual location real-time streaming of motion capture data for live performances, development of intelligent tools for post-production in VFX, development of next generation performance analysis and physical rehabilitation tools for the sports and healthcare sectors.
CAMERA director Darren Cosker said: “This new Innovation motion capture studio at The Bottle Yard Studios will give us the means to make the research and expertise in novel applications of motion capture technology developed by CAMERA and our partners available to 100 digital creative and healthcare SMEs in the West of England region over the next three years.
“The ambition is to significantly lower the barriers to adoption and exploitation of this technology for small companies in our region, and in doing so, increase their capacity for innovation and general productivity.
“All support is provided at no cost to the individual companies, thanks to funding received from the European Structural Investment Fund.” 
The Bottle Yard Studios – a former wine storage complex in Hengrove, South Bristol – is a Bristol City Council initiative and has become an established base for film and television production in the West of England.
Cllr Craig Cheney, deputy mayor with responsibility for finance, governance, performance and culture, said: “CAMERA’s new innovation motion capture studio is an exciting addition to The Bottle Yard’s creative hub.
“Offering state-of-the-art technology combined with tailored resources and consultancy, it will create invaluable new production and post-production opportunities to a wide spectrum of companies in the region, not least of course our existing film, television, advertising and live broadcast clients.
“This fantastic new motion capture resource will mean the sky is the limit for content creators in the West of England and we’re delighted to host it here at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, City of Film.”
The Bottle Yard Studios’ eight stages, which include a giant green screen studio, attracts UK and overseas productions of all sizes. Recent credits include The Spanish Princess (STARZ), The Pale Horse (BBC One), The Trial of Christine Keeler (BBC One) and Broadchurch (ITV).
More than 25 on site tenants deliver a host of services including creative, digital, technical and audio/visual expertise, grips, transport, structural, fire and safety assistance.
