Studio Ulster and Dell Technologies join forces to power virtual production and use AI to advance on-screen innovation

Studio Ulster, a world-class virtual production company in Northern Ireland, has collaborated with Dell Technologies to elevate its virtual production capabilities. By leveraging Dell’s AI infrastructure solutions, Studio Ulster is set to redefine the future of on-screen innovation.

Why does it matter?

Studio Ulster’s £72 million virtual production facility in Belfast positions Northern Ireland as a global leader in virtual production. Developed by Ulster University in partnership with Belfast Harbour Commission and supported by Northern Ireland Screen, the facility is home to some of the world’s most advanced virtual production technologies, pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling through using LED panels to create real-time, in-camera digital environments. The facility also houses CoSTAR Screen Lab, an integrated R&D lab driving advancements in screen and performance technology.

Advancing Creativity Through AI Innovation

Dell PowerEdge R760 servers provide the computing power required to handle the complex and resource-intensive workloads of virtual production. This technology supports multiple production stages, accelerates workflows and raises the bar for visual quality, enabling teams to bring their cinematic visions to life with confidence and ease.

Leveraging Dell’s extensive GPU technology ecosystem, the Dell team identified and deployed the optimal graphics cards to meet the environment’s demanding rendering requirements, while ensuring seamless compatibility with the Unreal Engine matrix.

Dell PowerScale’s advanced AI capabilities are transforming how Studio Ulster delivers cutting-edge virtual production solutions. With trillions of data points generated every day, teams can now train machine learning models directly within their workflow – empowering artists to create and customise virtual sets quickly and efficiently from existing libraries.

This saves production teams time and resources by eliminating the need to build sets from scratch. Dell PowerScale extends this high-performance foundation with next-generation data management, supporting intensive motion capture and 3D/4D scanning workflows. Its robust, scalable architecture ensures that massive data volumes move securely and quickly.

Driving Sustainability and Global Impact

Virtual production is transforming entertainment mediums everywhere, from blockbuster films to hit television shows to AAA gaming titles. It’s not only faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods but also more sustainable. Ulster University’s research shows that virtual production can reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to conventional filming. The studio further amplifies its sustainability efforts by operating on 100% renewable energy and maintaining a BREEAM Excellent certification.

Dell and Ulster University share a long-standing research partnership, spanning health, life sciences, and digital media. This collaboration has fueled innovation through PhD research funding and joint projects in media and entertainment.

Professor Declan Keeney, CEO of Studio Ulster, said: “As we expand our virtual production capabilities, having the right infrastructure to manage intensive computational workloads is essential. Dell’s expertise in compute and storage makes it the ideal partner to support our needs today and in the future. From managing terabytes of daily data to unlocking AI’s potential, Dell’s solutions are integral to how we’re using technology to develop cutting-edge solutions within the entertainment industry.”

Mark Hopkins, General Manager, Ireland and Northern Ireland, Dell Technologies, said: “With AI transformation accelerating, Dell is empowering businesses across the island of Ireland to seamlessly adopt AI, drive faster insights, improve efficiency, and accelerate business outcomes. Together, with Studio Ulster, we’re pioneering advancements in creative production, filmmaking, and immersive experiences for global audiences.”